Colette's Sarah Andelman Is Launching A LFW Pop-Up Shop

London is always a goldmine for fashion,” Sarah Andelman tells Vogue ahead of the upcoming spring/summer 2019 shows in the capital. “There are so many talented designers. Each [brand] has its own voice and its own part of the puzzle.” This season, Andelman, herself, is entering the fold. The Colette founder will lend her discerning editing skills to the Amex Platinum House pop-up shop, located in the former site of Central Saint Martins, from September 13th to 16th.

Within her curatorial role, Andelman will help bring together the best of London's talent, as part of a wider programme offering cardmembers access exclusive events and experiences in collaboration with American Express Platinum partners. “London is so important for fashion – it has the perfect balance of major creativity and wearable pieces,” she says of accepting the commission.

Designers stocked in the temporary WC1 store include Alexachung, Katherine Hamnett, Azumi & David and Bernstock Speirs. “I’m so shocked the Central Saint Martins school has just been an empty space in the middle of London since it closed,” she continues. “I find it so great that Amex has revived it for a few days with such a generous programme.” Being part of the Amex family will also grant cardholders access to Chung’s post-spring/summer 2019 show party, group fitness classes hosted by Equinox, food from Duck and Waffle and Hakkasan, and live-art displays from Jen Rubio and "Hidden London" recommendations from Black Tomato's Tom Marchant.

Since Colette closed its doors on December 20 2017, Andelman has kept her finger firmly on the industry pulse, as well as the other fields that inspire her, like beauty and food. Her consulting company Just An Idea connects people from these various disciplines, and, she tells Vogue, she’s “working on many projects – mostly special collaborations and curating for events.”

“Fashion is going fast for sure,” she muses on the future of retail. “I’m amazed by the quantity of brands showing every season. It’s such a challenge for them to keep their heads above water, but they have to do it to be able to sell online directly. I think direct retail is the only way to grow a business.”