Printemps Flagship Opening: My Experience

Friday's wind felt particularly French, as if the crew behind the "Au Printemps" opening had paid for the weather to be exceptionally windy, evoking the Parisian springtime transition. As cool French girl style interests the modern-day American girl, Fashionable New Yorkers lined up to attend, purchase, and take part in the much-anticipated inauguration of the French retail store last Friday, March 21.

Along Broadway, across from the American Express Building and a block from Trinity Church, shoppers like myself lined up. I purposely wore my Ralph Lauren pullover and my filthy Chuck Taylors. But New Yorkers couldn’t resist camouflaging into the French. Outside the Printemps store were YSL sunglasses, Chanel logo earrings, and Jacquemus caps.

There were flashes as we all took pictures of the LED "Bonjour New York" sign on the window displays. I kept reminding myself that it would be worth the long line and that I was going to have a great time. Alors!

I waited in line for almost forty-five minutes before the doorman finally nodded and let me enter the French halls of goods. A flush of green passed by as we marched into the entry hall; it was like we’d entered the Land of Oz.

The idea of endless shopping is reflected in this store. My gaze fixed straight ahead to avoid feeling overwhelmed when, suddenly, I spotted a wall display of limited-edition Nike sneakers in a space-age setting. Rows of sneakers stared back at me, and I could feel the hundred-dollar bills tucked in my pocket. I exited the space, clutching my treasured cash in the sea surrounding me.

Shoppers became disoriented in the fashion labyrinth, my eyes spotting bags on the wall throughout the lower floor. I saw bags like JW Anderson’s purple sequin tote and Copperni’s heart-shaped purse; items I had only seen on Instagram that were now within reach to touch, feel, and hold! I walked around to check out the cafe downstairs and headed to the second floor.

As you ascend the escalators, you are greeted by an opulent space filled with luxury products. Renowned brands such as Ami Paris, Courreges, and Marni are thoughtfully arranged within different areas, with carefully selected cashmere items nestled among the other offerings. The men's section, however, felt rather ordinary, featuring products that I could easily find at a more affordable price during the quarterly sales on SSense.

One of the highlights of the Printemps store is that nearly every shopper is paired with a retail advisor who arranges a fitting room just for them. The fitting room itself is stunning, featuring a trio of mirrors, polka-dot carpets, and adorned walls, reminiscent of stepping into the dressing area of a modern-day Marie Antoinette. There, waiting for me, was a set of "Barbie-Bottegas," as I like to refer to them, since the trendy new pair launched by the brand Bottega Veneta arrived in a shade of pink that I had never seen before!

The other great part about the Printemps store is the fragrance section, because come on, who doesn’t want to smell French! My olfactory senses were in full speed, as I consider myself a fragrance aficionado. I’ve worn Tom Ford, YSL, and Dior, but nothing came close to the bottle of Givenchy I had a whiff of today. Added to the bag? Oui Monsieur.

As I strolled through the corridor of French skincare, fragrances, and beauty, I found myself in a couture salon. Surrounded by the creations of Jean Paul Gaultier, Mugler, and Simone Rocha, it felt as though I had stepped into Paris Fashion Week! Gaultier couture was displayed on mannequins all around, reminiscent of walking through the Brooklyn Museum’s Dior Couture exhibit.

I descended the steps from the salon and stepped into two spaces: The Red Room Bar, which then moved into the Red Room: A magnificent space resembling a banquet hall, adorned with red and gold mosaic decor, and a ceiling covered in leaf petal mosaics.

I stood in awe, noticing shoes scattered everywhere. Could it be that I've stumbled into heaven? Would these women’s Givenchy slingback slippers ever fit my size-12 feet? The answer to both was no. However, I couldn’t erase the smile from my face. I was captivated by the displays that filled the room. The Red Room was mesmerizing.

My evening came to an end as a receipt landed in my bag of merchandise. I bought a bottle of Jasmine-scented perfume. And that was the end to my very expensive at the Printemps flagship opening.

PS. It’s best to bring a friend along! You might find yourself lost in a room, find a pair of slippers, and swipe your card! Pardon my French, but protect your plastic, my friends.