IT’S IN THE BAG: There’s a lot to unpack for “la rentrée” in Paris’ department stores, which have unveiled exhibitions this week for the back-to-school season.
After the jacket last year, Printemps is taking an in-depth look at the handbag in an exhibition set under the stained glass cupola of its Boulevard Haussmann flagship until Oct. 12.
Curated by Sylvie Marot and Marlène Van de Casteele, “Sac, sac, sac. More than a bag” takes a look at the history, craft heritage and current incarnations of this item often considered a mere accessory.
Organized in 12 sections spread more than 8,600 square feet, some 200 items are on display, including designs from brands spanning from Balmain and Louis Vuitton to Coperni and 2025 ANDAM accessories prize winner Sarah Lévy, via the likes of Ikea or the French postal service. There are also sketches, patents and designs by students from Esmod International’s schools in France.
“Sculpture” for carrying, Ikea x Virgil Abloh, 2019.
Courtesy of Printemps
A few blocks away, it’s not just purses that French journalist and lifelong fashion enthusiast Sophie Fontanel is partial to.
In her world, anything goes, from classics picks like denim, to trenchcoats, belt bags and sculptural leopard print coats — the one she has her eye on is from Duran Lantink.
Through the department store’s Boulevard Haussmann flagship, she telegraphs her joy of discovering novelties and trying new things through a selection of season must-haves that come with videos inspired by her Instagram account, which has 465,000 followers.
Across the Seine on the Left Bank, Le Bon Marché tapped another famous French personality: comedian and actor Antoine de Caunes, who presented the 1990s “Eurotrash” program with Jean Paul Gaultier and was a cornerstone of the long-running talk show “Nulle Part Ailleurs.”
For the occasion, de Caunes revives one of his popular characters, a diehard redneck rock ’n’ roll fan whose taste for tall tales is matched only by his genuine devotion to music.
Throughout the store, the illustrations of French artist Zep, whose pen name is an homage to Led Zeppelin, serve as the narrative thread for the “Rock’n’Drôle” (or “Rock’n’Droll” in English) exhibition running until Oct.19.
One of the spaces taken over by the Rock’n’Drôle exhibition.
Courtesy of Le Bon Marche
Selections span from secondhand finds from the likes of cornerstone Paris thrift store Kiliwatch and vintage specialist Brut, to 1970s-inflected tailoring from Good Morning Keith and eyewear fit for musical icons like U2’s Bono and Lenny Kravitz.
The windows depicting de Caunes’ “Rock Motel” evocation of icons such as Elvis Presley, Keith Richards and Patti Smith come alive on the second floor. Elsewhere in store, there is an installation from Harry Nuriev’s Crosby Studios and a space by Paulin, Paulin, Paulin, the family business dedicated to developing and preserving the works of late interior designer Pierre Paulin.
Meanwhile, it’s the City of Lights itself that La Samaritaine is celebrating with “Paris en Mode Capital(e),” a title playing on its position as the French capital and a pivotal place in fashion.
Running until late October, the event turns the department store into a magazine experience, giving a fashion editorial-inspired spin to pop-ups for Moncler and South Korean label Time.
Fashion glossy Grazia’s French edition is given pride of place with a showcase of famous covers, its archives and current trends. Editors of the magazine will also give a peek behind the scenes through workshops for visitors.