Has Yves Saint Laurent opened the most stylish bookstore in Paris? This question has been constantly circulating in the air since the opening of the Saint Laurent Babylone on Rue de Grenelle in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. Offering rare books, out-of-print publications and records, all deftly curated by the house’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello, this new cultural space has introduced a new dimension to the shopping experience for lovers of art, literature and musical excitement.
The brand continues to expand its horizons in Paris, where it recently opened a huge flagship store on the Champs-Elysees. Now, with its latest project, Babylone, Saint Laurent is diving even deeper into the world of culture. The new cultural store refers to the history that Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé have had with the Sèvres-Babylone neighborhood, where the couple moved to 55 Rue de Babylone in 1970. It’s more than just a store – it’s a tribute to the heritage, inspiration and passion that define the essence of the brand.
Where did the idea for such an initiative come from?
Saint Laurent Babylone is a true laboratory of fashionable culture, where music and art lovers can relax in one of the designer armchairs and be inspired by the Maison’s avant-garde spirit. With monthly exhibitions showcasing new artists, openings, book signings and DJ sets, this new space promises to be a noteworthy meeting place on the map of Paris!
Why exactly a bookstore? Why does Saint Laurent, known for its sophisticated fashion world, decide to open such a space? The answer lies in the spirit of the brand, which is constantly looking for new ways to express creativity and inspiration. Thus, the bookstore becomes a natural extension of this mission, offering not only the opportunity to discover rare books and publications, but also providing a place where fashion, art and literature can intertwine in fascinating ways. The fashion house wants to create not just a store, but a space where ideas, passions and creativity can circulate freely, connecting people from different fields and inspiring them to explore new perspectives.
The most stylish bookstore in Paris
Anthony Vaccarello, current creative director of Saint Laurent, stated that I wanted the space to mimic the iconic Saint Laurent Rive Gauche boutique, which opened in 1966. As for the decor, the walls are stripped, revealing whitewashed plaster, giving the space an industrial feel. Every item selected for the store, from publications, music recordings and original productions, was entirely curated by Vaccarello.
Saint Laurent Babylone is thus more than a traditional bookstore. In the coming months, the store will be transformed into an event space, from live music sessions to readings and author signings, as well as a space to inspire those who enter. The fruits of these activities are already beginning to fill the space, making it not only a place to find books, but also an arena pulsating with life, creativity and encounters that attract all who appreciate the unique spirit of Saint Laurent.
Lena Skrzypczk
Editor of Luxurynews.co.uk
Source: wallpaper.com
Company: Yves Saint Laurent
