If you’re over fifty, Colette is a well-known French author. If you’re under fifty, or a search engine, Colette is the hip flagship Parisian shop at 213 Rue St Honoré – simply known as “213″. When I was younger, I would head out to Place des Victoires, then to the Gallerie 26 at Bondini et l’Eclaireur. But since the late 1990s, Colette, Sarah and their staff have ruled the Parisian trendsetter scene.

The “hip” buzz has now been generated from that famous “123″ number on the Rue St Honoré for the past twenty years. Not unlike Corso Como in Milan, Restir in Tokyo, or OC in New York City. For twenty years, funky sneaker fans and those craving the “latest and greatest” in accessories, fashion, and limited editions have made the pilgrimage en masse from the Tuileries Metro station and nearby streets to the mecca of Colette.

Foreigners and fellow shoppers who end up in the neighborhood are a little confused at first trying to find the mythical spot. But they quickly spot each other, start following the crowds, and finally end up mingling inside the corner store with the glass frontage – a precursor to the concept stores really.

What’s a concept store? It’s a place showcasing the best of the best for very selective,  well-heeled customers in discovery mode. Here, it’s all about the original author’s novels – “La Naissance du Jour”, “Paris de ma Fenêtre”, and “Le Fanal Bleu” all rolled into one.

If you only have time to check out one store while in Paris, this has got to be the one. The show never stops.  Inside the boutique, in the surrounding bars, at the neighborhood press agencies, you name it – That, my friends, is Paris!

Carefully selected Marvin collections have been available at Colette’s since December 2010. Marco, the go-to man for watches at the store – who also runs the water bar there – selected the Marvin brand for its “New Time, New Codes” approach.  He really fell for the black PVD models. This horology fan has impeccable taste in watches. A simple stare at the iconic, personalized piece surrounding his wrist will confirm the fact.

Have you had a chance to visit Marvin at Colette’s ever since those two have tied the knot? If so, we’d sure like to hear what you thought of them!