Colette, the world-famous concept store, is currently experiencing a little controversy, thanks to the sale of t-shirts and sweatshirts by the American brand Reason. The latter is making a name for itself by hijacking the logos of major brands such as Hermès to Homiès and Céline to Céline Dion. It’s nothing too mean-spirited, but second-degree and parody don’t hurt.
Until the inscription “Ain’t Laurent without Yves”, translated as “Il n’y a pas de Saint Laurent sans Yves”, appeared, a direct reference to the brand’s name change from “Yves Saint Laurent” to “Saint Laurent Paris” under the artistic direction of Hedi Slimane.
A few weeks ago, Sarah Andelman (daughter of Colette herself and buyer for the boutique) received an e-mail from Saint Laurent Paris asking her to withdraw the clothes with the controversial inscription from sale. This she did for the online boutique, while continuing to sell the last pieces on rue Saint-Honoré. It didn’t take Saint Laurent Paris long to put an end to the commercial relationship between the brand and Colette, including blacklisting the boutique from the Spring/Summer 2014 fashion show.
Is it a real nuisance for Saint Laurent Paris, or just a matter of freedom of expression? Debate.
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