It’s on the iconic Cambon street in Paris that Gabrielle Chanel bought the historic building in 1918 for her Chanel boutique. Since that, the place is known as the Mecca for fashion and luxury lovers and has still its French parfum, as well as its classic fashion references that are part of the designer’s universe – one of the most emblematic and creative minds of all times.
The 1.500 square-metre space in 5 floors is dedicated to Chanel’s ready to wear, accessories, watches, fine jewelry, perfume and makeup. Designed by the amecian architect Peter Marino – a brand’s official collaborator – the project took 2 years to be completed.
The creator’s taste for modern aesthetics is translated into this new store, which has a unique shine and color thanks to the materials’ selection, but also because of the enormous glass walls, which reveal an outdoor space full of camellias – Coco’s favorite flower. The dressing rooms are varnished, and the chandeliers are in crystal and gold from Goossens, Coco’s favorite fine jewelry brand (that now belongs to Chanel).
Built in honey limestone, the interior of the store is decorated with metallic carpets, light wood floor like the ones in Versailles, lacquered dressing rooms and curtains embroidered by Lesage – giving a multisensory experience for the customers. The store is also located 50 meters from the historic headquarters of the brand in Paris, where is also the studio of Chanel artistic director Karl Lagerfeld.
“When I meet my clients, they like feel themselves in a magical and enchanted place where they can feel part of our fairy tale. When a story becomes a myth, it’s the consecration of glory”, said Mademoiselle Chanel in 1935, summing up the atmosphere of the maison as it still is today – 47 years after her death.
