Why Curation Has Always Been Instinctive for Sarah Andelman
Sarah Andelman is the founder and creative director of Colette, a concept store located on Paris’ Rue Saint Honoré. In 2017 it was announced the store would close its doors after 20 years. Following that she launched Just An Idea, which is all about connecting people from various disciplines.
Known for her style and unique mix of lifestyle products, her concept store became one of Paris’ most famous fashion destinations. Combining high fashion and edgy streetwear, Colette has since inspired cult concept stores around the world.
Just an Idea was launched to reflect on the concept of collaboration – bringing various kinds of creative people and brands to experiment together. Last year she launched Just an Idea Books, publishing photographic books featuring the works of independent artists including Sho Shibuya, Douglas Coupland and Dr Lisa Cooper.
As part of LA/PACs 50th anniversary in business and its partnership with LBBOnline to celebrate the milestone, LBB’s Alex Reeves spoke to Sarah about her aptitude for curation, taste and collaboration.
LBB> Where did you grow up and what sort of childhood did you have? Did it influence your approach to fashion and/or creativity early on?
Sarah> I grew up in a little town between Saint-Germain en Laye and Versailles, I moved to Paris when I was 15 years old.
Very early, my mum took me shopping and maybe the weekly visit to Comme des Garçons’ original shop on Rue Etienne Marcel influenced my point of view ;-)
LBB> What was your 'break' that got you on track in your career? And how do you remember that time now?
Sarah> The word “career” always sounds weird to me.
Obviously the day we moved into this building on Rue Saint Honoré and the day we visited this empty space at the ground floor was decisive for 20 years of my life with Colette.
I’ve always been interested in everything: art, books, design, fashion, etc..
LBB> Colette has been described as "the original concept store". What do you think has been key to its role in defining a whole category of retail like that?
Sarah> The fact is it was “styledesignartfood” from day one till the end, with a water-bar at the basement, a selection renewing constantly, the gallery, the windows changing weekly… There was always something new happening.
LBB> You've built a career largely on sharing good taste with those who trust in your curation. What is the secret to great curation?
Sarah> It has always been very instinctive, but I would say a good balance is essential.
LBB> Five years ago you launched Just an Idea. What was the idea?
Sarah> The idea is to give ideas to brands and artists for collaborations and special projects.
And last year I started Just an Idea books publishing limited editions to reveal artists and creative talents I love.
LBB> And how has that project influenced the way you see creativity? The book series has profiled a series of inspirational people.
Sarah> The publishing part of my company is a space where I can have the freedom I love, working with inspiring people, planning fun launch events for each of them, and I intend to develop more products and curate around books…
LBB> What do you think of the state of creativity in France right now? In particular, where do you think French creativity outperforms the rest of the world?
Sarah> I think there’s lots of positive initiatives in France right now, in design, fashion, hospitality…
