In a metropolis identified for its gratuitous magnificence, Paris shines particularly vibrant throughout the holidays. You’ll be able to see staggering shows of magnificence and creativity all through the French capital. Amongst probably the most spectacular comes from Galeries Lafayette’s Paris Haussmann’s retailer. This yr’s set up is the brainchild of the wunderkind designer Charles de Vilmorin. He wears the the hat of dreamer, stylist, illustrator, artist and youngster at coronary heart. Aptly Vilmorin was born on Christmas day. His imaginative and prescient is that of kid’s play in each means. From the wondrous tree below the famed dome, the fantasy crammed home windows, accompanying capsule collections, model collaborations and extra.
The pièce de resistance is the big tree below the cupola, impressed by holidays Vilmorin spent along with his grandparents. The ability went out on Christmas Eve one yr. In response Vilmorin’s uncle got here up with a show so vibrant it crammed the complete room. This yr’s tree is a play on mild and transparency with Tim Burtonesque figures floating across the tree. All this complemented by the fantasy crammed window shows. There’s additionally a associated capsule assortment and different festive objects. The decorations inform the story of a woman, her magic paint brush and the colourful characters they meet on their adventures
What goes into bringing the show to life? Benoît Laumaillé is in command of the Christmas manufacturing at Galeries Lafayette. He defined it takes greater than a yr from conception to realization.
Laumaillé tells us this season’s collaboration is the primary time the legendary retailer labored with a dressmaker like Charles de Vilmorin. The collaboration infuses the standard Christmas gatherings along with his wealthy character and a extra vogue centered universe. The inspirations come from a wide range of sources: Vilmorin’s family, comedian opera, Sevilla, Jean Cocteau and extra. Above all, pleasure and happiness are the main target.
The home windows are, as anticipated, iconic. They’re much like totally different chapters in a guide, with sturdy graphics and colours. Charles de Vilmorin additionally brings to life colourful elves and different distinctive characters impressed by the shop’s legendary dome. Don’t miss the very modern dandy Santa Claus.
In line with its promotion of French savoir-faire and tradition, the decorations at Galeries Lafayette promote native artists and artisans. Sculptors, tailors, painters and the puppet animator Sylvain Duclou assist convey the decorations to life. All of the ornaments are produced regionally, in Saint Maur and the home windows in partnership with Atelier Bournillat.
No element was spared. Laumaillé’s groups even labored for 4 months with a music designer to finish the ‘universe’. There’s additionally an unique vary of merchandise designed for the Galeries Lafayette personal label by Charles de Vilmorin, collaborations with the designer and different manufacturers on the whole lot starting from vogue, meals, magnificence, and ornament.
The disclosing of the home windows and the Christmas tree was featured in a showcase that includes Charles de Vilmorin himself and a live performance by Juliette Armanet.
Catch this yr’s show till December 31 and ensure to assert your free in-store reward, solely for HIP Paris readers on the Galeries Lafayette, Paris Haussmann retailer.
WRITTEN BY
HiP Paris
HiP Paris is a life-style web site about the whole lot Paris and past. We enlighten and entertain our group, and share ideas and suggestions. We imagine in respect for French tradition, timeless luxurious, being comfy in your pores and skin, and the easy fantastic thing about French life. Began in 2008, HIP Paris has advanced right into a hub for expats and Francophiles.
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