French Undressing

Galeries Lafayette, the Paris department store, used mannequins, provocative graphics and live striptease demonstrations to inaugurate its 28,000-square-foot lingerie shop this week, setting off comment and protest in the country.

“The pornographic and the idea of woman as prostitute has become universal, ordinary,” said the head of a French feminist group. “What kind of a world are we living in when striptease artists give lessons at Galeries Lafayette? Is this the world of the chic and elegant Parisian? Is this a store I can feel comfortable shopping in with my grandmother?”

The organization has scheduled a protest in front of the flagship store in the heart of Paris on Saturday.

The president of the retail organization expressed delight at all the attention. “Seduction is important to our clientele,” said Paul Delaoutre. “We want to be on the cutting edge. Your American stores are often so banal.”