‘Printemps Louvre’ in Paris: A shopping haven for bags, jewellery, cosmetics and more…
updated the 7 October 2015 à 00:04
We visit the newest shopping destination in Paris, whose design and art flair is as equally impressive as its luxury label selection.
I am used to descending into the Carrousel du Louvre to pick an accessory from the Apple store, then stealing a puff of #5 at Sephora, buying rose soaps from Fragonard, and ending off my shopping with a tour of the Virgin Megastore book department! I definitely need to change my ways and tell myself that instead, there is now the Printemps Louvre. On January 23rd, customers, usually tourists often used to shopping on Boulevard Haussmann, were invited to discover the place – which opened a week before – with a glass of champagne and some ingenious sofas.
Needless to say, for me, it was a shock, the clash of cultures having the location just two steps from the most visited museum in the world. But the “Pop the bag, le sac dans tous ses états” (Pop the bag, the bag in all its forms) exhibition left a pretty good impression on me anyway as international artists were invited to stage these precious luxury leather items.
I especially liked the works of Gilles Cenazandotti, a collector crazy about objects which are tossed by the sea upon the beaches and cliffs of Cape Corsenatal. His two creations – an XXL-sized handbag covered with his old photos, placed on a plexi-glass surface, and giant Pop-Up (consisting of animals each carrying a bag) both intrigued and dazzled me. I’m definitely impressed by the importance placed on contemporary art here. That is, provided art-loving onlookers dare enter this great jewel of Burgundy stone, glass and impressive steel.
Le Printemps, which had not opened a new store since the one established in Marseille in 1982 – and whose next little branch will be launched next spring at the same time as the Citadium – definitely did not hesitate to reinvent the 2600m² space with a pomp. Around the nave and museum, the store has made a point in reflecting a sense of luxury everywhere you turn. When you look up to the first floor, you will find a ceiling made of polished corrugated steel which reflects the artwork.
There is no denying it, I’m in an absolutely immaculate temple, where no labels will manage to obstruct my gaze. The floor reserved for fine jewellery and watchmaking was enough to drive jewellery and watch fans crazy. Row upon row of chic black boxes caught my eye: these are the tax rebate machines dedicated mainly to tourist customers, who form half of the visitor and buyers, who can therefore reclaim the TVA with unbelievable speed.
I cast a final glance at the works of art from my spot. And before leaving, I play tourist by buying myself a lovely Selleti mug (€10) as a small momento. I’ll be back for the next exhibition, I promise.
Printemps Louvre, 99 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris. +33 1 76 77 41 00
Open everyday from 10am to 8pm
Catherine Bézard
