A Russian Christmas at le Printemps Haussmann

Every year, the iconic Parisian department store Le Printemps Haussmann dresses its large windows with opulent displays to celebrate the holiday period. This year, eleven window displays have been created around a dreamy and romantic Russian Christmas theme. Everything from the exterior to the interior décor has been carefully selected to reflect the Russian tradition with of course, a strong Haute Couture flair. The result is a pure hymn to fashion and culinary art that attracts tourists and Parisians by the thousands. Officially launched on November 12, 2009, the window displays can only be seen for 6 weeks. If you did not visit Paris recently, do not worry because we have the pictures that will quench your curiosity.

This year, the exhibit includes seven still and four animated displays. The animated windows have been created by two Haute Couture houses: Chanel (Karl Lagerfield) and Dior (Jean Paul Galliano and Victoire de Casteballane). One Dior window represents joyous dolls riding childhood-inspired teddy bears, while the other one showcases dancing dolls in a beautiful John Galliano dress, inspired by his 1998 haute couture fashion show honoring Russia. For Chanel, one window displays blond and sexy dolls dressed in jeans and sweaters designed by Karl Lagerfield, playing and dancing on a festive Russian music. On the second window, dolls channeling the image of Princess Nadejda, who was a personal friend of Coco Chanel, are playing hide and seek with exquisite moving Russian dolls.

Contrasting with the festive energy of the animated displays, a luxurious serenity emanates from the still window displays, admirably a propos to appreciate the beauty of the clothes. Each of the seven displays also showcase amazing headdresses created by the French jewelry designer Philippe Ferrandis for Le Printemps Haussmann. So be ready for a show, here come the seven beautiful windows.

For more information

Le Printemps Haussmann
64, boulevard Haussmann

75009 Paris
Tel : +33(0)1 42 82 57 87
Open Monday to Saturday from 9:35 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Night opening on Thursdays to 10 p.m.
Website

Interactive map

Check out our interactive map of Paris to see where I took all the pictures featured in this article.