The Anthony Vaccarello-Curate Saint Laurent Babylone Comprises Rare Books, Records, and More
Saint Laurent has opened a bookstore and record shop on the Left Bank of Paris, marking a new addition to the brand’s expansion as a cultural force. The store, located at 9 Rue de Grenelle, was previously used for Saint Laurent fashion and leather goods. It quietly opened earlier this month.
The store, named Saint Laurent Babylone, is curated by Anthony Vaccarello, who has drawn together a considered selection of out-of-print records, magazines, and rare books. The storefront also offers new titles under the Saint Laurent Rive Droite Editions imprint, established in 2019 with the opening of a concept store on Rue Saint-Honoré. Collaborations with artists such as Jeanloup Sieff, Cai Guo-Qiang, Bruno Roels, and Daidō Moriyama have resulted in unique publications, alongside books co-created with Betty Catroux, Gray Sorrenti, and others.
In addition to the rare literary and musical finds, visiotors can find select YSL merchandise, including pens, lighters, a distinctive drinking cup.
The name Saint Laurent Babylone is a reference to Rue Babylone, where Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé lived and amassed a significant art collection.
The interior design features marble shelves and metal seating, reflecting the style of Saint Laurent’s flagship store at 123 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, which opened in December.
The store will also function as a forum for cultural events curated by Vaccarello, including book signings and DJ sets. It is also set to feature photography exhibitions by artists like Rose Finn-Kelcey and Juergen Teller.
The location is within walking distance of two Saint Laurent fashion boutiques, located at 175 Boulevard Saint-Germain and No. 6 Place Saint-Sulpice.