Everything you need to know about the new Galeries Lafayette on the Champs-Elysées

On March 28, at 60 avenue des Champs-Elysées, in the heart of an Art Deco style building transformed by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, the largest store on Paris’ most famous shopping street will open its doors. Across 4 floors, a selection fashion, lifestyle and food ranges will available, ideal for a long day of browsing. By way of a Vogue Paris guided tour, the ground floor promises pop-up stores and all things beauty based. The first floor is devoted to contemporary fashion with the latest trends and up-and-coming labels. On the second floor are found the timeless luxury labels brushing shoulders with more creative labels, and on the basement level is the Food Court, a premium gastronomy location. According to Nicolas Houzé, CEO of Galeries Lafayette and BHV MARAIS, “The idea behind the new store is that it is a “laboratoire de commerce”, changing the relationship between our label and its clients, partners and collaborators. The store is a response to new ways of consuming and working together, and is open to the ideas that are transforming the world, here in France, and globally.”

The Galeries Lafayette has a strong family heritage spanning over 125 years, and this new project is an old family dream. In 1927 Théophile Bader, the founder of Galeries Lafayette bought the Hôtel de Massa, on the corner of the avenue des Champs-Elysées and rue La Boétie. He dreamt creating a modern shopping space, but the 1929 crisis held his project back. 92 years later, the fourth and fifth generations of the Galeries Lafayette family are making the family dream a reality and to reinvent the shopping experience of this world famous street.

Built in the 1930s, 60 avenue des Champs-Elysées was designed according to the Art Deco style of the period. For the new flagship store, Danish architect Bjarke Ingels and his architecture group BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) have anchored the heritage of the building firmly into the project. It was a case of finding a new balance between two architectural demands: staying true to the building’s history, while moving with the times.

To achieve this goal, the rich past of the building had to be respected and celebrated. The entrance may have been reimagined, to create an immersive tunnel, but the original staircase is preserved, like a literal thread of history connecting the four floors of the store. However, the principal idea is the designing a fluid, intuitive shopping experience. Nadia Dhouib, the store’s managing director explains, “At a time when online shopping is increasingly in the spotlight, where the customer buys according to their needs, from wherever they desire, and when labels around the world are developing stronger concepts, our task is to provide a 360° retail experience, at once inspiring and varied in a shop that is both contemporary and speaks directly to customer’s needs.”

The best of fashion, food and lifestyle ranges, revolving around the principle of quality, not quantity. In contrast to the fast fashion climate of today, the flagship offers a selection of meticulously chosen labels, with classic fashion houses and young designers, both limited edition and timeless lines, original brands and special collaborations, set inside this diverse space. Clara Cornet, Creative and Merchandising Director explains, “We wanted to inspire and surprise. To do so, we have built a team dedicated the new format, mixing talent in merchandising, buying and content. Our mission is to choose the labels and products that stand out and create an emotional bond with the customer. We hope to create unexpected and rounded shopping experiences, which are pleasantly surprising for some, and inspiring for all.”

Among others: Alighieri, Anissa Kermiche, Attico, Aurélie Bidermann, Balenciaga, Bode, By Far, Chanel, Charlotte Chesnais, Comme des Garçons (and a corner designed by Rei Kawakubo herself), Craig Green, Cult Gaia, D’heygere, Ganni, Gucci, JW Anderson, Kwaidan Editions, Le Feu de l’Eau, Levi’s, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Magda Butrym, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Mirae, Moynat, Molly Goddart, Patagonia, Ralph Lauren, Realisation Par, Sacai, Sies Marjan, Stussy, Telfar, Tom Dixon, Saint Laurent, Versace, Vetements, Wales Bonner, Yasmine Eslami…

300 stylists have been selected and trained by Galeries Lafayette, welcoming clients throughout their visit. The experience is optimized via two original digital services: the “Personal Stylist” app, to arrange meetings and receive advice on your choice, and “smart hangers”, allowing clients to know in seconds whether their size or model is available. If it is, it will be sent directly to the fitting room.

Julien Pham is behind the luxury grocery store on the basement level. He is the founder of the Phamily First agency and a master in selecting the best products from the best food labels. Expect goods from Brûlerie de Belleville, Chic des Plantes, Chocolat des Français, Confiserie du Roy, Fou de Patisserie and Haribo.

As for the restaurant, in a world first, Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées has invited Simon Porte Jacquemus to design its two dining spaces: the café Citron, and the restaurant Oursin, found on the first and second floors respectively. While the decor was conceived under French designer, the menu was created in collaboration with Kaspia, serving two classic recipes inspired by Jacquemus’ native Provence.

For those on tighter schedule, on the basement level you will fing the Food Court with Little Zhao (behind Taverne de Zhoao and Mr Zhao) serving delicious “momo” dumplings and “biang biang” noodles, Kaspia Deli with its fresh, seafood selection and Maison Vérot offering visitors heavenly pasta dishes. For something sweet, Stohrer, the oldest patisserie in Paris has set up shop in the basement, as well as À La Mère de Famille, Pierre Marcolini and Alain Ducasse…Maisie Café offers up healthy vegan treats and there is even a wine cave filled with exclusively natural wines by Parisian connoisseur Yard.

Translated by Ashe de Sousa