130 years of festivities at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is celebrating its 130ᵉ Christmas this year with a spectacular program. This department store, a pillar of Parisian enchantment, is highlighting its iconic window displays and its Grand Sapin, calling on designer Kevin Germanier. The arrival of FAO Schwarz, the legendary New York toy store, promises to amaze young and old alike.
To mark this 130ᵉ Christmas, the department store drew on its archives to create window displays evoking both the past and the future. The visual identity teams worked meticulously to offer visitors an emotional and visual journey that celebrates tradition and the present.
Christmas window displays, the signature show
Every year, Galeries Lafayette’s window displays enchant the public. In 2024, these creations outdo themselves to celebrate the store’s 130th anniversary. Swiss designer Kevin Germanier was chosen to design the costumes for the characters in the windows. Germanier, known for his upcycled and luminous approach to fashion, uses reclaimed materials. “My favorite character? The chimera who steals the guests’ jewels and whose assistants light up the scene”. The windows tell mischievous and amusing stories.
“It’s about staging heritage so that it gives meaning to the Christmas story and brings all its magic to it.” Explains Benoît Laumaillé, Creative Director. These scenes, designed to fill passers-by with wonder, symbolize a bridge between past, present and future. ” The windows are a link between these eras, bringing all the magic to the Christmas story.
A large tree of unrivalled dimensions
Beneath the emblematic Galeries Lafayette Cupola, the Grand Sapin de Noël stands imposing and majestic. For this historic edition, the tree is a tribute to heritage and innovation. It takes its inspiration from the shop windows of yesteryear and the store’s recently restored Byzantine façade. What makes it special? It is illuminated by 20,000 points of light and can be programmed to offer an unforgettable sound and light show. A glittering fiber-optic detail, reminiscent of Germanier’s creations, adorns the top of the tree, evoking a fireworks display.
FAO Schwarz, the New York store in Paris
The famous FAO Schwarz makes its debut at Galeries Lafayette, bringing a breath of nostalgia and wonder. Located on the 5ᵉ floor, this 650 m² space is designed to rekindle excitement and imagination in front of toy montages. The boutique features iconic toys, such as FAO Plush and My FAO Doll dolls, as well as exclusive products like Majorettes cars and personalized Barbie dolls. What do we like? The personalization service enables visitors to create customized gifts.
The space is decorated in black, red and gold, and a giant clock overlooks the crowd, evoking the enchanted atmosphere of fairy tales. Visitors can even go to the Grand Piano, famous for its giant keys, and let themselves be transported by its melodies.
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann’s social commitment
Once again this year, Galeries Lafayette is continuing its partnership with Secours populaire français and its Green Santas. From November 2 to December 31, 2024, customers will be able to round up their purchases at the checkout to support this initiative, enabling volunteers to raise funds and organize festive activities for families in difficulty.
Read also: La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac aux Galeries Lafayette ? On y court
