Rodarte @ Colette (Paris, France)

I just realized that this post is probably more in line with Halloween than my last, but for those who are still relishing all that is spooky and a little macabre, this should hopefully keep you happy until next year's festivities. And who better to host something a little different than Colette - one of those stores I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with. Like most designer concept stores, I've always found this one to be a little pretentious and while the displays are interesting enough, I've often perceived the in-store layout to be a bit messy and overly artsy in the way they try to display clothing. What Colette is good at though, is getting well established designers, artists, authors and anyone else remotely interesting or famous to collaborate with them, resulting in unique pop-up stores and/or exhibitions. In the past, I've featured their Barbie anniversary, as well as The Selby exhibition. This time around, they've decided to work with the Mulleavy sisters by celebrating their 10th collection, which involves an exhibit curated by the designers showcasing "artists who reveal the nostalgic qualities apparent in pop culture". In addition, the corner below the gallery features exclusive Rodarte items, their recent Opening Ceremony collaboration, a selection from the FW09 collection, as well as a whole range of other pieces designed by friends of Rodarte.

Overview of the pop-up store (left) and the exhibition (right).

The area reserved for Colette's monthly special guest can usually be found towards the back of the first floor. The annoying thing about a store that has the power to host various collaborations and other events, is that things tend to go a little overboard. Around the same time the Rodarte tribute was going on, Colette was also paying an homage to Natasha Poly, so snapshots of hers could be found strewn all over the same floor as well, along with special Natasha products, such as dolls and books. Meanwhile some of Rodarte's inspirational shots (prints from Autumn de Wilde and David Sherry) could already be found near the stairs and it took me a few minutes to realize this even belonged to the Rodarte collaboration.

From top left: Rodarte Living Dead Dolls, city postcards with eyes by Patrick Li, Rodarte limited edition doll, a paper party hat.

Some of Rodarte's favorite movies and CDs, as well as an inspiration wall.

Nevertheless, once you get to the two storey space dedicated to the California designers, there's no mistaking you've come to the right place to catch a glimpse of Rodarte's inspiration and creative process. The special shop features everything from DVDs of epic horror movies and favorite CDs or books to special edition postcards by Patrick Li or jewelry by Mark Walsh & Leslie Chin. Some of the more interesting items included the Rodarte doll or if you prefer something a little scarier, you can also pick out one of the special Living Dead Dolls on display.

Overview of one of the store walls covered in zombie-like prints (top, image: Colette). Pillowcases by Miranda July (left) and Opening Ceremony totes (right).

The Rodarte x Opening Ceremony pieces were worth looking at as well... this included lunchboxes, a Kurt Cobain t-shirt, notebooks and a whole range of eco-friendly bags. If you prefer something along the lines of shoes, there's always Kirkwood's thigh-high boot or for something a little more low key, Repetto has created a limited edition Rodarte ballerina.

Top: Overview of the area featuring the Rodarte FW09 collection. Repetto x Rodarte ballerinas (lower left) and a Rodarte FW09 cardigan (right).

Of course Rodarte's own FW09 range was heavily featured as well. From what I could tell, a few dresses, cardigans and skirts were piled up on a shelf and hung from a rack at the far end of the room. Because of the steep pricing, no one was really buying these, but it was still interesting to browse considering Rodarte isn't that easily available in Europe. For slightly more affordable items, the Mulleavys also created several special edition collections such as the 'I love/hate Rodarte' sweaters and tees or a range of quirky necklaces.

Some very cool jewelry by Mark Walsh & Leslie Chin (left) and necklaces by Rodarte (right).

The only thing more expensive than the FW09 pieces were the porcelain sets from KPM, some of which came with a porcelain gun to match the saucers and tea cups. If these had been cheaper, I'm sure they would have made a great gift for your conservative aunt or grandmother, but alas, I doubt most people have that kind of money to spend on a crazy gift item.

Overview of the book section (left). Fancy a gun with your tea? KSM porcelain set (right).

The walls of this section were covered in de Wilde and Sherry prints that partially inspired Rodarte's current season collections, but for more art, you need to head up the stairs to the gallery area. Alexandre de Betak created a mini installation that featured the Rodarte runway shows, while works from various other artists such as Karen Kilimnik, Ari Marcopoulos or Kim Gordon (of Sonic Youth fame) hung from the nearby walls.

Alexandre de Betak installation in a glass bubble (left). 'Love' neon sign by Alexandra Gant (top right) and a beautiful glittery piece by Karen Kilimnik (lower right).

Overview of part of the exhibition (top, image: Colette). Notebooks and photographs by Dave Armstrong (lower left). 'Mom as Medusa' by Helliott Hundley (right).

There were also two big piles of poster-sized typed letters on the floor. I have no idea what they were supposed to be, but reading through them, I had the impression they were written by an over-eager fan or borderline stalker (these letters weren't directed at the Mulleavys but a girl living in Paris). This might explain why a few feet away I sighted the somewhat dangerous looking 'Evil Bat' - the coolest self-defence weapon I've ever seen.

From top left: 'Zombie Arrow' by Autumn de Wilde, 'Bats' by Annakim Violette, strange stalker letters you could take with you as a souvenir, various prints by Dave Sherry, works by Kim Gordon and Ari Marcopoulos.

Left: 'No Title' by Raymond Pettibon. Right: The incredibly studded 'Evil Bat' by Marc Kroop.

I tend to skip some of Colette's collaborations, but this was definitely one of the better ones and a must if you're a fan or admirer of Rodarte. The designers are pretty open when it comes to sharing their inspirations (take a look at their homepage for more), but seeing their clothes hang side-by-side with zombie-like artworks and porcelain guns does put a different twist on things and also gives a little insight into their slightly quirky sense of humor. This exhibition is on until November 7, so if you're in town, I'd go and check it out. If you're not in Paris, don't despair: you can still buy all these special Rodarte items and some of the prints via Colette's online store.

A selection of more special Rodarte items from Colette's onilne store. From top left; Rodarte FW09 knit dress, Opening Ceremony lunchbox, Miranda July pillowcase, Rodarte x Colette buttons, Rodarte x Colette sweater, Rodarte necklace (individual images: Colette).

Address: 213 rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 11:00-19:00
Colette Homepage & Online Shop