Lost and Found in Babylone

As visitors step into Saint Laurent Babylone, they are immersed in a design philosophy that traces back to the house’s past. The Paris bookstore’s exposed interior is framed by minimalist, white marble counters that mirror the grandeur of the neighborhood’s Haussmannian architecture, which is home to antique dealers, art galleries, and auction houses. Following the launch of Saint Laurent Productions in 2023, the storefront marks the fashion house's foray into the realm of literature. Babylone, curated by creative director Anthony Vaccarello, boasts a diverse array of personally selected printed matter and objects. On an archival Pierre Jeanneret desk, vintage texts require gloves to flip through. Elsewhere, there are rare books, out-of-print publications, vinyl records, Saint Laurent Rive Gauche lifestyle products, and photobooks featuring the works of notable photographers such as Juergen Teller, Bruce Weber, and Gray Sorrenti.  

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Nestled within Paris' renowned Seventh Arrondissement, Babylone pays homage to the iconic Saint Laurent Rive Gauche boutique, which was established in 1966 and made its eponymous founder the first haute-couture designer to open a ready-to-wear storefront under his name. It is also rooted in a love story. The outpost is inspired by the deep bond between fashion virtuoso Yves Saint Laurent and his lifelong companion, Pierre Bergé—and the objects they collected. In 1971 the legendary duo settled down in a magnificent duplex in the very neighborhood. The interior of their home reflected the unique tastes and passions that bound the two men together. Forty-eight years after they parted ways as lovers, in a nod to the magic that took place on this legendary street, a new culture-filled boutique comes to life.

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The new space opened on February 3, 2024  in concurrence with an exhibition of works by the late multidisciplinary artist Rose Finn-Kelcey, on view until February 29, 2024. The show, staged in a separate room, commemorates Finn-Kelcey's prolific explorations of femininity, identity, and nature in unison with the 1970s feminist art movement in the United Kingdom. Various photography series from the era capture her profound impact, such as "Restored to Her Natural State by Nibbling Rose Petals," 1977, in which one image depicts the artist's nude body partially obscured by layers of rose petals. Works from "Here Is A Gale Warning," 1971, capture her face against a windy backdrop. Along with art programming that showcases a range of emerging and established artists, the bookstore will also feature DJ sessions, readings, and author signings. A mesmerizing blend of literature, art, and design, Babylone offers a unique experience that inspires and makes one reflect on the interconnectedness between the forms of storytelling in abundance.

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Saint Laurent Babylone, 9 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris, France.