Patou has proudly opened its first store in Paris, situated inside the renowned Galeries Lafayette on Avenue Haussmann. This marks a significant move for the LVMH-owned brand, previously focusing on expansion in Japan and South Korea with 10 stores. Sophie Brocart, CEO of Patou, expressed pride in connecting with local clientele and emphasized the special collaboration with Galeries Lafayette, a long-time supporter of the brand.
The choice of Galeries Lafayette may seem surprising, considering LVMH owns two department stores in Paris, Le Bon Marché and Samaritaine, the latter being just 500 yards from Patou’s headquarters on Ile de la Cité. However, Alix Morabito, General Buying and Merchandising Director for Womenswear at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, sees this as a positive evolution, emphasizing luxury and designers on the Women’s floors.
Patou, founded in 1914 by Jean Patou, is historically recognized for inventions like knitted swimwear and the tennis skirt. After Jean Patou’s passing in 1936, the house saw notable designers like Karl Lagerfeld, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Christian Lacroix. LVMH relaunched Patou in 2018, appointing Guillaume Henry as Creative Director, with a focus on offering an easy, sophisticated wardrobe embodying Parisian chic with a modern twist and humor.
The Paris store, measuring 58 square meters on the 2nd floor of Galeries Lafayette, emphasizes eco-responsibility with recycled and natural materials. The iconic Patou pink dominates, reflecting the brand’s joyfulness and femininity, paired with neutral tones like beige and grey for an atelier and couture ambiance. Guillaume Henry expressed excitement for the store opening in the heart of Paris, a city that serves as constant inspiration.
