Colette is known the world-over for carrying the best that fashion has to offer. It’s a well-edited mix of luxury, street-style, design, art and beauty products that is constantly changing.

Every time I visit the store, the selection is totally revamped!  I love to see what cutting-edge looks they’re featuring. I stopped in and here are some of my favorites:

I adore this Commes des Garçons top from the label’s fall Tao collection. It’s printed, with a velvet ribbon, and looks like a bolero. You could wear it with a simple black dress as shown or with black pants for something more casual chic. It’s a great piece because it works for dressing up or down and you could use it so many ways.

This dress from Azzaro caught my eye. I don’t think I could wear something quite this short, but I love its sexy glamour regardless!

I like this studded black shirt by Sacai, a Japanese design house based in the Marais section of Paris. Again, it can be dressed up or down, and either way, it’s very of-the-moment.

Of course, Colette is stocking everyone’s favorite right now: Balmain. Here are two takes on the French label’s sharp-shouldered jacket. Designer Christophe Decarnin‘s Spring collection was a disco smash that took the fashion world by storm, and his striking silhouette and edgy chic look will continue through fall. The one on the left is a little more sophisticated with an obvious Chanel influence while the one on the right is more rock’n’roll. I love them both!

Look at these dresses by Mary Katrantzou!  So cool!  I haven’t seen anything like these before. Just another example of the unique vision and discerning taste that makes Colette unlike any other shop in the world…

With designer Azzedine Alaïa

Afterward, I made my way to the atelier of Azzedine Alaïa, a true couturier and one of my favorite designers of all time. He has a discreet shop off of rue de Moussy. It’s not flashy — in fact, you can barely see his name above the door.  But inside, it’s magic.

I’ve been collecting his pieces over the years. They are so timeless and integrate beautifully no matter the season or current trend. I wore an Alaïa dress to the Christian Lacroix Haute Couture show two weeks ago. I was photographed by Bill Cunningham wearing an Alaïa skirt at the prêt-à-porter Fall 2009 shows back in March.  And as it turns out, I was wearing an Alaïa sweater when I stopped into the designer’s showroom last week.

I didn’t expect to see Azzedine himself, but he was there! It was very special to be able to thank him personally for his extraordinary contributions to fashion and his ability to translate what the chic modern woman needs in a wardrobe.

While browsing the store, I snapped a picture of this gorgeous dress. I also saw model Karen Mulder trying some clothes on.

- photos by Marie Goujon