Compotoir des Cotonnier: New Store, Same Mother-Daughter Drama

Since storming Paris in 1995 with sophisticated separates and easy-going dresses, Comptoir des Cotonniers has consistently focused on mothers and daughters. But for Spring, the now internationally-adored French fashion brand is celebrating the dueling style perspectives of young women and their forbears through the new ad campaign: La Mère, La Fille et La Mode. Drawing upon their two core values, natural femininity and closeness, Comptoir embraces this traditionally love-hate relationship in clever ads that present two women, of different generations and different tastes, as they mix, match and mold the Spring collection.

The store’s new vision doesn’t end with the cheeky campaign, as Comptoir has relocated their former Rue Bonoparte boutique to the chic Place St. Suplice. Tucked away in the heart of St. Germain des Pres, the sprawling new store, which opened its doors December 11 of last year, is designed to make women feel as though they are shopping in the comfort of their own boudoir.
 “The entire store has been conceived to make women feel at home. A place where, just like at home, she can try on a top, then another, then a jacket, match it with a skirt, and then finally go for a shirt, combine it with stone-washed jeans, and completely forget about time,” says Marianne Romestain, the brand’s CEO.

Staying true to the square’s historic Haussmannian style, this posh rive-gauche pad, designed by architect Antonio Virga, features curved ceilings, a chevron wood floor and a library packed with fashion and design books (ideal for restless enfants or even impatient hubbies). Tempting chaises with cozy grey cushions, white nested tables, and fresh orchids growing out of geometric slate boxes give the store a sleek, calming, and, of course, distinctively français feel. Suspended “moon lamps” by Italian designers David & Gruppi glow above fully-stocked racks of Comptoir’s  “eco-chic” meets “lady rocker” spring looks, and super-sized dressing rooms allow mothers, daughters, and everyone in between ample room to play.