Invite yourself into Mary’s world of fashion

“It’s the definition of ‘cool’, everything in there is stylish.” A statement made by my head buyer about Colette, a fashion boutique in Paris. Now, I would have agreed with her had they seen fit to refuse the sale of a pair of high shine Aztec print leggings to a 70-year-old European lady whose husband looked almost as bewildered as we did.

Despite this setback, we found everything else in the store undoubtedly on trend. From the music to the merchandise, I’ve never experienced anything quite like Colette’s. It demands a similar credibility as Vogue; anything spotted in Vogue is instantly desirable, the same rule applies to Colette’s. And when they get an exclusive product, I don’t think even Vogue could come close.

Therefore, you can begin to imagine how sought after this seasons Longchamp and Mary Katrantzou collaboration is going to be.

If her name sounds vaguely familiar, Katrantzou is the 27-year-old fashion designer who has remained true to her passion for striking architectural print and has consistently delivered some of the most exciting collections of the last few years.

Utilising an interesting East meets West theme, Katrantzou has described the designs - which are to decorate the Longchamp totes and Pilage bags - as a “Mary Katrantzou world for Longchamp.” Bold, bright and surreal, the designs feature Vietnam temple architecture, Thomas Heatherwick’s design for Longchamp’s Soho store, lanterns and orchids floating in the sky, an aquarium, a flower field and the interior of Carnegie Hall.

Due to launch in spring 2012, the bags are an undeniably attractive invitation into Mary’s World.