As iconic as Colette is, naturally there’s been some speculation about why the store is closing, chatter that includes rumors of the boutique’s co-owner Sarah Andelman opening her own boutique.
In a conversation with Sleek magazine, Andelman reiterated that the store was closed because her mother, Colette Rousseau, was read to retire. “My mother wants to retire, and I respect her decision. Even though I feel slightly guilty for our customers, I couldn’t possibly continue working without my mum,” she explained.
On her plans once the boutique shutters its doors for good on December 20th, Andelman said she will stay working within the industry. “Introducing brands to brands and designers to artists is something I have always enjoyed doing,” she said. “Even though the fashion market today seems to be over saturated with collaborations, I still feel something positive can come out of them. Working together on a project is always a refreshing and interesting experience for all parties, albeit there is a risk that one won’t be able to work independently after co-working with someone else.”
Among its many collaborations, Andelman mentioned Colette’s 2010 partnership with Hermes as her most memorable. She mentioned Chanel as Colette’s most challenging partner mainly because the label as a practice doesn’t embrace the concept. In a big victory for Colette, the Chanel shop-in-shop running from October 30th through November 25th will include a Chanel and Colette collaborative t-shirt.
