Two years to the day when the legendary and groundbreaking Parisian concept store Colette closed its doors for good, colette mon amour had its world premiere in Paris. The film takes a bittersweet look at the last two weeks of the store’s existence – peppered with personal anecdotes from founders Colette Roussaux and Sarah Andelman, as well as Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, staff, and fans. An enthusiastic crowd of press, fans, and former employees joined the mother-daughter duo which created the near-mythical retail experience, and filmmaker Hugues Lawson-Body with his sister Eliane Lawson-Body, who produced the film.

“I realized how admirative I was, in many ways, of Colette and Sarah,” Hugues Lawson-Body said. “On the one hand, because of everything they instilled into art and culture as well as the mix of genres they promoted and, on the other hand, because of my short collaborations with Colette marked a real turning point in my career, just like for many artists and creators.”

Produced with La Pac films and Highsnobiety – which is selling hoodies, Ts and caps with the film’s logo – the evening culminated in a night of dancing at famed Paris haunt Raspoutine. Additional screenings in Paris, New York, London and Tokyo are being planned.

We sat down with Andelman to get her thoughts on the film and the legacy of the beloved store.

Congrats on the film! It certainly was an emotional experience for the audience, can you describe your feelings this evening?

I have mixed feelings because on one side I’m happy it’s finally over and it’s fun to see the team two years late. But on the other side, I’m anxious because I’m not sure if the movie can really represent what Colette was and if it will meet the expectations from the audience.

Two years to the day was a serendipitous timing, when was that decision made?

About two months ago, we made this decision to force ourselves to stop the edit because it’s a process which could continue forever.

I imagine on some level, the decision to close was one of the hardest decisions you’ve ever made. Two years on, have your feelings changed about it?

It was a very natural decision for my mum, and we have no regret at all. It was the right thing to do, at the right moment.

Despite the digital revolution that has affected retail, it certainly didn’t appear that Colette needed to close. After watching the movie, I had the impression that your son Woody was a big factor in the decision. Is that correct? How is motherhood different these days for you?

To be honest, even if motherhood is certainly the best thing in the world, I continue to work a lot, as I think it’s part of who I am.

Despite your role and influence in the industry, you don’t strike me as someone who needs or even wants to be in the spotlight. But it’s clear you are icon status with a huge fan base. Do you see yourself in this role?

I don’t see myself as an icon! But I’m happy if I can help to guide some young designers or artists to find their way, or if I can inspire with some values like being yourself.

When did the idea to create the film come together? It’s seems to be the ultimate collaboration. Tell me about how you and Hugues met and decided to work together?

As soon as we announced the end, Hugues contacted me to come to shoot at colette. We had worked together years ago, like 2003 when he photographed the team for a magazine. We accepted but we had no idea he would come so often, and interview the team, clients, our partners. I think he shot as much as he could, and then, at the end of Dec 2017, it was finally the moment to think about what to do with it. I’m grateful he accepted, with Eliane, to share with us the various steps in the editing.

What surprised you most about the filmmaking process?

It takes so much time!

How has your relationship with your mother changed now that you are not working together daily keeping your “baby,” the store, up and running? Has she fully retired from the business?

Yes, she’s fully retired, and our relationship didn’t change, it’s still the same, very complementary.

Let’s talk about Just an Idea, your consulting company that you founded after Colette closed. It seems like the perfect way to continue the collaborative projects that were such a part of Colette. How has it changed working more BTS and what have you learned about running this type of business?

It is very exciting to help brands on various projects, like collaborations, pop-ups and strategy. I can see how important it Is for them to receive a fresh eye from outside. I’m usually very involved on all aspects, from production to communication, and I continue to learn a lot every day.

Can you share one of your most proud moments and favorite memories while running Colette with your mother?

Oh, there are so many good memories, it’s impossible to just pick a few.

What do you miss most about the store?

Shopping from our selection!

What advice would you give a designer or would-be retailer about opening a store in today’s retail climate? If you did it today, what would look different about it?

I think online has to be a priority and for the physical experience, you need to have a perfect service and to renew yourself regularly.

As a concept store pioneer – or THE pioneer – that has been mimicked globally, what do you think is the key to doing it well?

Again, to not be afraid to renew yourself, as much as possible.

Will you ever bring Colette back – if even in a different way?

No, the movie is the last comeback. We’ll do few pop-ups in London, NYC, Tokyo and that’s fun to help on. Recently I helped Mira Mikati with the pop-up ‘Hello Miami’ during Art Basel in Miami. That had nothing to do with Colette, but it was exciting to bring brands together like I used to do.