After two decades in business, Paris’ Colette is closing its doors on December 20.

Masterminded by Colette Rousseaux, who still lives above the shop, with her daughter Sarah Andelman as the public face, the boutique has been at the centre of fashion since it opened its doors in March 1997, reports The Guardian.

In fact, Forbes dubbed it the “the trendiest store in the world” – and here’s why:

The store’s products make for a carefully curated mix across its three floors and 8,000 square feet of retail space. Super-expensive designer goods sit alongside streetwear, magazines, toys, food and music. It is possible to visit and make a purchase whether your budget is meagre or in the millions. The launch of a basement water bar – offering 73 different types of mineral water – was undoubtedly another fashion moment.

The news has been interpreted by fashion insiders as the “end of an era”, and a discouraging sign for bricks-and-mortar shopping.

To say goodbye, Colette teamed up with the gorgeous fashion label Yves Saint Laurent. While other past partnerships have ranged from Ikea to Hermès and Vespa to Vans shoes, this one is daringly outlandish, and a fitting choice: the French fashion house is set to take over the entire Colette building when it closes.

Both edgy and unique, the collaboration includes Saint Laurent fetish toys, skateboards, lighters, high-heeled roller skate boots, and even a YSL-branded Vespa – take a look:

Polaroid – $587

Skate decks – $229

Vespa – $8 100:

Leather paddle – $294 – $463

Roller skates – $2 371

Lighter – $6

Calendar – $229

Thank the high heavens for the aansteker option for some reasonable affordability.

If you’re not going to be spending time in Paris over the next three weeks, then you won’t be able to get your hands on a piece with the signature “Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello”, as they will only be available in store until 11:59PM that fateful night.

But it’s okay.

We all know you were just after the Vespa (although a pair of those red skates aren’t bad either).

If you pop Seth an email, he can hook you up with a discount. Then you’ll just have to walk into the store in Green Point to pick out your favourite.

[source:theguardian&nylon]