Repetto's Paper Ballerinas (Paris, France)

Back in the day when I was smaller and more flexible (i.e. I was about eight), I was convinced I'd become a professional ballerina in the future. I took ballet classes, had a lovely pink tutu and the dainty pointe shoes. Then I got taller, my flexibility went out the window and more and more black entered my wardrobe. But like me, many women out there still secretly dream of being a graceful and seemingly weightless dancer who gets to wear the most exquisitely girly clothes.

The windows of Repetto's flagship boutique are a secret crush of mine, mainly because they allow you to escape to that ballerina world. If you ever pass it, you'll likely see a gaggle of female passersby (including yours truly) staring at the wonderful installations that make a dancer's dream come to life. And as Google is kindly reminding everyone that it's Tschaikovsky's birthday today, I found it quite fitting to post these wonderful displays, featuring paper cut-out ballerinas - all of which rotate. I've also included a short video clip at the end of the post so you get an idea.

Overview of the rotating paper ballerinas (top image: Mes Vitrines NYC)

Short clip of one of the rotating ballerinas (source: Journal des Vitrines)

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend! I'm off to Stockholm next week, so I'll hopefully find something very Swedish to share with you all soon...

Christmas (Window) Shopping in Paris

As some may have noticed, posting has been a bit less frequent than usual, because like most, I've been completely immersed in preparations for the holiday season. Other than running around trying to find gifts (and completely failing), decorating every inch of the apartment and hunting down the perfect Christmas tree, I'm also set to do even more traveling starting next week when we head to London, then Helsinki, which will be a short stop-over on the way to Hong Kong - where we will ultimately be spending Christmas and New Years with my parents. I'll be blogging about all of that, so stay tuned for more international shopping (and other) adventures. Until then, I thought I'd share the beauty that is Christmas in Paris, especially with regard to the tempting and creative festive windows.

The best of these in my opinion tend to come from luxury department store Printemps, which likes to provide kids and adults with entertaining animated windows. The main attractions are the four windows featuring dancing marionettes, courtesy of Dior and Chanel, who've designed two windows each. The theme - in line with Chanel's current obsession, is a Russian Christmas. All images can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Dior par Victoire de Castellane - Dior's jewelry designer (top image: Le Journal des Vitrines)

La Princesse Nadedjda par Chanel (top image: Le Journal des Vitrines). The princess was a close friend of Coco Chanel and the dolls are wearing outfits form the Paris-Moscow collection. I'm told even the knickers are Chanel...

Diorischka par Christian Dior.

Le grand duc Dimitri par Chanel (top images: Le Journal des Vitrines).

I'd definitely also check out this short video clip, which shows the dolls in action so you get an idea of how adorable they actually are...

(Video courtesy of the amazing Le Journal des Vitrines).

The Russian theme could also be found in-store, with Chanel and Dior creating larger-than-life Russian dolls which were over 3 storeys high:

Top: Chanel. Bottom: Dior.

And here also some of Printemps' static windows:

Decor and clothing courtesy of Christofle, Baccarat, Matthew Williamson, Valentino.

Another Chanel window.

Another Dior window.

A window by Kenzo which included some impressive taxidermy (I want the bear...).

Below you'll find just a small selection of my other favorite Christmas windows. Surprisingly many stores have opted not to create festive displays at all. As usual, Lanvin windows will get a separate post.

Repetto's Swan Lake tribute. I want to be a ballerina again...

A winter wonderland at Manoush.

A lovely variation of a Christmas tree... made out of macarons at Ladurée. The golden boxes and macarons are the Marni edition of the sweet treats.

The Hermès windows gave me a headache, but I love the hot-air balloons they put up, which took over a day to install.

The only dangerous thing about (window) shopping in Paris, is that unlike the U.S., the sale season only begins after Christmas, which means if you're tempted to buy anything now, you're still going to pay full-price. But as we all know, Christmas is also the season for sample sales, or as Parisians prefer to call it 'private sales', considering most of these events are invite-only. I've been to almost a dozen of these things in the past few weeks, ranging from Chloé (they've had five sales in the past three weeks alone.... are they in trouble?), Nina Ricci and Vanessa Bruno to virtually every French high-street brand such as A.P.C. or Antik Batik. In some cases pre-sales have begun as well, but like private sales, they are open only to loyal customers and a select clientele.

Top: Shoes and designer gear at La Grande Braderie de la Mode. Lower left: chaos at the Vanessa Bruno sale. Lower right: a surprisingly organized Chloé sale.

My favorite so far has been a public event though: La Grande Braderie de la Mode is a bi-annual sample sale where all the designer goods have been donated by either the fashion houses themselves or department stores, stylists, magazines and anyone else who has stuff they need to unload. All proceeds from sales go to 'AIDES', a non-profit organization benefiting those suffering from either AIDS or Hepatitis diseases. It's probably one of the few times you can really justify giving in to impulse buys as you'll know your money will be going towards charity. So I happily got me some Balenciaga 70% off retail, even though I still have no idea when I'll get to wear whatever I bought. All items are new (either samples or overstock) with goodies including YSL Rive Gauche skirts and jackets (in the 40 EUR range), Isabel Marant tops (40 EUR), YSL and Manolo Blahnik shoes (70 EUR) and the priciest items I saw were dresses by Cerruti, Kriss van Assche and Tsumori Chisato (around 200-300 EUR) - which is still over 50% off what you'd normally pay.

And if you really do get sick of shopping, do what I do... head over to one of the lovely markets to peruse the stalls filled with crafts and culinary treats, while admiring the pretty lights strung across the trees...

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

Repetto Boutique (Paris, France)

Repetto is a bit of an institution in Paris and while most associate this brand with cute ballerina shoes in various colors, there is much more to it. Back in 1947 Rose Repetto created her first ballet shoes as a favor to her son (a ballet dancer and choreographer) and from then on produced more for local ballerinas. In 1956 Brigitte Bardot commissioned her to manufacture a pair of red ballerinas for her movie 'And God Created Women'. Three years later she opened her first store on Rue de la Paix, which is where the main store still has it's headquarters today. Since then numerous celebrities have been seen wearing the famed ballerinas and Repetto has done some well-received collaborations with Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto to name a few.

These days, the flagship boutique is still a must for anyone who loves cute shoes or just wants to channel their inner-ballerina - such as yours truly, though unfortunately I gave up on ballet when I was about 10 years old. The shop also still caters to prestigious institutions such as the Opéra National de Paris or the Opéra de Lyon.

The store itself is truly magical with a storefront window displaying 3 tutus and lots of chiffon. Inside, the boutique is almost always very full, with customers ranging from tourists to professional ballerinas dropping by to pick up a special order. The main feature of the boutique are the back shelves lined with silk satin ballerina shoes in various sizes and styles and of course for the non-professional dancer, the three round glass tables in the center displaying this season's hottest Repetto range. I witnessed lots of gushing women (I had trouble getting through to that table) and their respective bored-looking male partners standing in the corner wishing they were somewhere else (if you haven't noticed, this isn't really a man's store).

The range of 'normal' shoes includes the classic ballerina flats, as well as high-heeled sandals and colorful booties. In keeping with the dancing theme, all other shoes are grouped in categories such as 'Tango', 'Salsa' or 'Jazz'. All items are produced in the Repetto factory in Dordogne and materials used include goat, calf or lambs leather. The boutique also stocks other ballerina essentials, such as tutus, leotards and other apparel, as well as a range of leather bags and smaller accessories. Prices of the ballerina shoes usually fall under 200 EUR, while the boots are slightly pricier. Lots of fun browsing guaranteed, even for us non-ballerinas!

(individual images: Repetto Homepage)

Address: 22 rue de la Paix, Paris 75002
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 9:30-19:30
Repetto Homepage

Le Bon Marché (Paris, France)

Founded in 1852, Le Bon Marché is about as Parisian as department stores come - although most locals prefer calling this a "very large boutique". Owned by LVMH and originally designed by Gustav Eiffel's team, this little emporium (some claim, the oldest in the world) might not be as huge as its competitors on the right bank, but the selection is still amazing and carefully chosen by its buyers. And the one benefit it has over Printemps and Galeries Lafayette? It's never too busy and very few tourists actually venture to the store, which makes shopping here so much more relaxing.

(image: wikimedia)

The main area on the ground floor is home to the men's department, various accessories - from designer shop-in-shops (such as LV of course) to the latest luxury handbags, scarves and jewelry - and a large cosmetics section. Go one floor up and you'll find a wide array of both hip and chic French and international designer labels such as Azzedine Alaia, Maison Martin Margiela or Dries van Noten to name a few. Don't leave this floor without checking out the shoe department - whether you're into Chanel or Repetto, you're bound to find something here.

Heading over the walkway on the same floor will bring you to the next building, where you can find the more edgy and streetwise diffusion and local French lines, such as Etoile by Isabel Marant or Vaness Bruno Athé. There's also a trendy cafe here, if you need to take a break. This building also houses the amazing La Grand Epicerie on the ground floor, which with it's incredible selection of gourmet foods deserves a post of its own.

Of course if fashion isn't all you're looking for, taking a look at the homeware and design section is worthwhile as well. As with all high-end stores, Le Bon Marché also offers a personal shopping service, valet parking and a concierge although the normal service it provides is already way above average. If there's only one department store I could visit in Paris, I would pick this one.

Address: 24 rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
Opening Hrs: Mon-Wed: 10:00-19:30, Thu: 10:00-21:00, Fri: 10:00-20:00, Sat: 9:30-20:00
Le Bon Marché Homepage & Online Shop