As the city of Paris dons its winter coat and twinkling lights, the iconic Boulevard Haussmann welcomes the holiday spirit with a touch of glamour and enchantment. French actor Catherine Deneuve, renowned for her illustrious career in cinema, recently graced the capital's bustling streets to kick off the festive season at the renowned department store Printemps. In a delightful ceremony that involved the snipping of ribbons and the unveiling of Christmas window displays, Deneuve brought her timeless elegance to an event that marks the beginning of the holiday shopping extravaganza.
The windows of Printemps transformed into a magical spectacle, adorned with fluttering tags and populated by puppet seagulls and owls crafted from paper. Piles of wish lists created a whimsical scene, capturing the essence of the upcoming season. Deneuve, who has always been known for her appreciation of art and aesthetics, described the displays as a "very poetic idea," adding a touch of sophistication to the holiday ambiance.
This festive launch comes at a crucial time for European retailers, who are gearing up for the end-of-year shopping frenzy. September presented a challenge with unusually warm weather, hampering the sale of winter collections. Rising living costs also led to a decline in spending on fashion and accessories. However, the tides turned with the arrival of cooler weather in October and November, contributing to a rebound in sales, as stated by Stephane Roth, the general manager of marketing, communication, and architecture at the Printemps group.
At 80 years old, Deneuve, who recently portrayed former French first lady Bernadette Chirac in the satire film "Bernadette," shared her thoughts on the approaching holiday season. Despite her hectic schedule, she expressed a lack of preparation for the holidays, emphasizing that it is only November. The legendary actress disclosed her tradition of keeping large boxes of decorations for her Christmas tree, a tree she prefers to reach the ceiling, signifying the grandeur of the festive occasion.
When it comes to holiday meals, Deneuve, known for her timeless style and grace, advocates for tradition. She suggests sticking with the classics, including indulgences like foie gras and chestnuts. Her preference for the timeless and familiar mirrors her approach to celebrating the holidays, encapsulating the warmth of family traditions and the joy of shared moments.
Deneuve fondly reminisced about her childhood holidays, recalling the excitement of opening presents with her three sisters. One particular memory that stood out was receiving a small pink desk as a gift, a moment she described as "wonderful." Such recollections showcase the universal magic of the holiday season, where the simplest of gifts can create lasting memories.
As Paris prepares to immerse itself in the festive cheer, Catherine Deneuve's presence at Printemps serves as a reminder of the intertwining worlds of art, cinema, and the holiday spirit. The poetic displays and the timeless elegance of the actor create an atmosphere that transcends the commercial aspect of holiday shopping, inviting everyone to embrace the enchantment of the season.
