This past week the famous Paris department store on boulevard Haussmann kicked off its centennial celebration. Galeries Lafayette first opened in October 1912, and crowds of shoppers (and gawkers) have flocked there ever since... to snap up the latest fashion under the splendid Art Nouveau dome. Today 90,000 visitors pass through its doors every day.
To honor the big birthday, Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas has unveiled an exhibit called “1912-2012: Chroniques d’un parcours creatif” on the store’s first floor. The exhibit shows the evolution of fashion and Parisian society through the history of Galeries Lafayette as illustrated in photos, posters and films. Also noteworthy: A high-tech light installation called la Chrysalide-- illuminating the majestic building's facade-- created by visual artist Yann Kersalé. For more information, visit haussmann.galerieslafayette.com.