Berlin partially lifted the lockdown. On Saturday I decided to go go to the KuDamm, the city’s main shopping area, to see the results of the reopening. The department store KaDeWe had it fist day of sale on the 25th. I ventured in, curious. Shopping in the “New Normal” written for an episode of “Black Mirror”. As with other stores I checked last week, people stayed away.
When I am in the Paris, I cannot help but go into the department store to see what the theme will be for the season.It is always a pleasure to sit at one of the cafes in Glaeries Lafayette to look up at the Christmas Decorations under the dome. I waited for the light show, every 30 minutes, to light up around the tree. It sounds a bit of pop sugar overdose, almost as bad a Marie Osmond, but I could not resist. It did not disappoint. I was enchanted.
2019’s motif is centered around the experience of the aurora borealis. Partnering with Maison Piaget. The Christmas Tree is trimmed with gifts, watch and jewelry designs from the luxury brand.
Galeries Lafayette on Blvd Haussmann
You Can Never Go Wrong with a Gift by Chanel
For Her
An out-and-out classic, Chanel No.5 is a cultural seedbed for woman’s fragrance. “What do I wear to bed? Why, Chanel No. 5 of course.” Chanel has always been associated with glamour and fabulousness, attributed to the women who wear it. So rear is a scent with qualities that inspire a wearer.
For Him
Allure Homme Sport from Chanel is a citrus based contemporary scent for men with touches of amber and cedar. What I like about this cologne is the fact it compliments without overpowering the wearer. Allure Homme Sport is a man’s fragrance for activity, a dash but no smelling like he is in rush, a winner.
Chanel is available in fine stores worldwide.
Paris is the capitol of shopping so of course it would be home to the first department store, Le Bon Marche. Housed in a building from the 19th century that on the left bank near Blvd St. Germain, Le Bon Marche is the most boutique like Grand Magasin in the city showcasing established as well as new designers. For avid shoppers this place is inspiring with so much charm.
Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann is famous the world over for offering unique experiences to shoppers. The 65.000 square meter department store located in the center of Paris is a delight for the fashion senses with selections ranging from luxury to affordable.
Black and Paper received a guided tour of the store before the Christmas Rush. The store decorations are inspired by Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The Five Story tall Christmas Tree in the main hall is decorated with round shaped colored ornaments in different sizes symbolizing planets with lights and displays representing the galaxy.
France is a country known for world class cuisine. Galeries Lafayette Maison and Gourmet is designed for living with delicacies from all over the world spread over 5 themed floors.
The First Floor is home to La Cave with 20.000 bottles of wine along-side 300 brands of Champagne. The Bordeauxtheque houses nine of the greatest wines from the region: Margaux, Latour, Lafite and Mouton Rothchild, La Mission, Cheval Blanc, Petrus, Yquem, and Haut-Brion.
There are 14 food outlets serving everything from Pizza to Vegetarian cuisine. The second floor is the setting for a Chic dinning engagement from Alain Ducasse’s Ecole De Cuisine. A cooking school where guests to experiment and try recipes from the famed chef.
On the second floor are kitchen and tableware settings for the perfect home dinning affair
The third floor is for revitalizing the body with items for the bedroom, bathroom and tea infusions from Bar a Tisanes.
Customer service was good. I spoke to a number of sales people in the different areas, all responded with enthusiasm along with a passion for their products.
For more information go to: www.http://www.galerieslafayette.com/