FRANCE. Aéroports de Paris (AdP) aims to “pay tribute to French fashion and creation” with the opening of a new fashion area in Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport Terminal 2E Hall K. The location showcases four key brands: Cartier, Chanel (making its debut with AdP), Dior and Hermès.
Created by AdP architects, the new area – which took 15 months to complete – is described as a place of relaxation, culture and shopping, and aims to offers travellers visiting France one last unforgettable Parisian shopping experience.
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The new luxury area showcases four iconic French brands: Cartier, Chanel, Dior and Hermès |
“Paris is a byword for culture, French know-how, and refinement,” noted AdP Chairman and CEO Augustin de Romanet. “Beyond Paris, these values embody France. We wanted to create a new setting for our partner brands as well as for our passengers. Paris must become an airport destination of choice for travellers.”
The upscale new boutiques are unlike anything previously seen at the airport in terms of space and style, AdP maintains. The windows alone are nearly six metres high; with ceilings of 3.5m.
The stores line a central square with an oak Hungarian Point parquet floor. Leather seats are arranged in islands or laid out like small lounges, to provide passengers with cosy, soothing surroundings.
A pair of bronze sculptures by French artist Nathalie Decoster have been installed at opposite ends of the square. They are called “Le Temps qui passe” [The Passing of Time] and “L’Air du temps” [The Spirit of the Times], respectively.
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Aéroports de Paris claims the new boutiques are unlike anything previously seen at the airport, in terms of space and style | |
Mounted on a Carrara marble plinth, the aim of the statues is to encourage passengers to “escape the moment” and reflect on the notion of time, AdP explained. “With time, we unburden ourselves of the necessary, we make the effort to really look and listen,” noted Decoster. The two sculptures were lit in partnership with Ingélux, the same company that arranged the lighting of the Mona Lisa.
The boutiques in detail
Cartier was already present at CDG but the new boutique showcases the brand’s latest architectural concept. It is currently the only airport door to present a selection of jewellery, including engagement and wedding rings, for couples planning their big day. There is even a special room for private consultations, as is the case in domestic Cartier boutiques.
The Chanel boutique is a first for AdP. All product lines are represented at the location: ready-to-wear, accessories, shoes (including the brand’s sought-after iconic tweed sneakers) and costume jewellery, including the famous Camélia range.
Dior has further reinforced its presence at the airport with a boutique featuring an area dedicated to women’s shoes, a section for watches and jewellery, and a private consultation area. The centre of the store houses two statues from the Dior private collection.
The size of the Hermès boutique has allowed two separate rooms to be created, one for each of the brand’s specialties: leather items (including bags); and men’s and women’s fashion, shoes, silk and the famous Hermès scarves, as well as watches and jewellery.
Lastly, the new area also features the first John Lobb boutique within a European airport. The 20sq store showcases the famous men’s shoemaker’s range of shoes and accessories. It is staffed by a professional who will dispense advice to passengers on how to care for and glaze their shoes.
