COLETTE WILL SHUT DOWN AND THIS IS NOT GOOD FOR FASHION

It's breaking news of today.

Colette, the Parisian concept store will close at the end of 2017. And this is not good for fashion.

As Karl Lagerfeld said "they have invented a formula you can't copy easily" https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/colette-paris-to-close-its-doors

Colette is a concept store with a point of view, with a style and with a precise editing of brands and products. They developed interesting collaborations with artists and designers, special editions, they held book signing and events in their magic store in Rue Saint-Honoré in the last twenty years.

Colette was the place to go to see new trends and beautiful objects, displaying from street style to high-end brands and it was the place to be found for a brand that wanted to be part of the Fashion Olympus.

Never shy nor reluctant, always promoting avant-garde and niche brands. Colette was among the first ones to launch a water bar. The restaurant filled of cool people was managed by nice and kind waiters serving with a smile amazing food in an always changing environment.

Colette is a world of creativity, research, hard work and fantasy. In a fashion world where everything is becoming standard and rational, ordinary and boring Colette is like breathing fresh air on the mountains. It is lightness and chic twist in a predictable fashion world.

The concept store format is a precious entity that should be protected by the Fashion system as it talks about freedom and youth of mind, of mindful anarchy, of taste and limitless opportunities.

It's a pity that the Fashion System will loose this freedom herald. Or maybe it's a sign of times.

Susanna Nicoletti is a Senior Marketing and Communications professional and advisor to the Fashion and Luxury industry.