160 YEARS – a surprising milestone for this avant-garde establishment. The first department store on the Left Bank, Le Bon Marché took off in 1852 under the impetus of Aristide and Marguerite Boucicaut. 
Also the world’s first department store, it was characterized from the outset by its modernity. Aristide Bocicaut invented a new way of shopping. Tired of inertia, conventional shelving and boring conformism, he drew inspiration from the age of progress to make an impact on the shopping industry. With the creation of “White Week” in January, the introduction of sales, etc., he created the essence of commerce as we know it today. Aristide was also a trailblazer, redefining Parisian elegance. He profiled silhouettes and encouraged access to a wide range of products.
From the outset, artists, designers and creators from all walks of life were involved in the Bon Marché adventure. They collaborated on advertising campaigns that created a particular craze. Posters, advertisements and various images raised public awareness and encouraged people to become an integral part of this modernism. To celebrate its 160th anniversary, Le Bon Marché’s Bureau de Style drew inspiration from their work. It chose a number of motifs from the company’s archives and adapted them to our times. They then asked designers from their own studios, or those working regularly with them, to incorporate them into their collection, created for the event. 
These are the Graphiques. At the same time, 160 major houses and exceptional designers were asked to adapt one of their cult creations for the occasion. These are the Iconiques. Fendi, Diane de Furstenberg, Chantal Thomass and many other designers accepted the challenge. The result is a Collection Particulière, celebrating 160 YEARS of Le Bon Marché. 
Always surprising, stylistically incisive, the elements of this Collection, spread across both Le Bon Marché and La Grande Epicerie de Paris, give a fresh look at this square and at Paris. Paris and Le Bon Marché have a long-standing love affair, inseparable from its public. The latter will appreciate the event, happy to acquire exclusive creations. From September 15 to December 31, 2012.
The presence of Catherine Deneuve is also noteworthy, with an exhibition dedicated to her. Embodying the Left Bank spirit, she collaborated with two artists, Loïc Pringent and Marjane Satrapi. Through a documentary with Loïc Pringent and a dozen drawings by Marjane Satrapi, she evokes 10 places in the district that are dear to her heart. On view from September 15 to October 27.
www.lebonmarche.com
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