3 May 2023 |
The newly opened massive flagship is a celebration of the brand’s past, present, and future.
Have you ever entertained the fantasy of being trapped in a boutique afterhours, all alone trying on everything in the wee hours of the night? If so, here’s some more inspiration for said fantasy: Chanel’s new flagship boutique in Beverly Hills, which opens tomorrow, May 5. The Rodeo Drive location underwent a massive renovation from the ground up, courtesy of architect Peter Marino, a long-time collaborator of the brand. It’s now the largest in the United States with more than 30,000 spread over four floors. Filled with the brand’s entire offerings from clothes to bags to jewelry and beauty, it’s a Chanel lover’s dream.
Designed as a celebration of the brand’s past, present, and future, the decor combines Chanel’s signature black-and-white aesthetic alongside art pieces which speak to the eclectic influences that often inspire collections. From the outside, the space is meant to resemble a staggered cube with a multi-story glass atrium. There’s also a courtyard, so sunlight can enter the space through the floor to ceiling windows. And of course, being California, there’s also a private parking space.
On the first floor you’ll find handbags and accessories as well as a salon for watches and fine jewelry and a dedicated space for fragrance and beauty. Head upstairs for shoes and ready-to-wear while the third floor is home to the fitting rooms as well as two VIP suites. The fourth floor encompasses a rooftop garden and penthouse, the latter of which features black framed trellises that echo Los Angeles’ famous Case Study Houses. With expansive views of the hills above, it’ll serve as the ideal location for plenty of events.
Across all the floors you’ll notice carefully curated decor pieces ranging from the low tables on the first floor by the likes of Ado Chale and Jean-Claude Dresse to the Goossens crystal chandeliers to Japanese Kurodana cabinets from the Edo period. Fitting, there are “Tweed” lamps by Ubiedo as well. To complement the decor, there are also notable artworks, with the most prominent being “Golden Lasso” a specially commissioned piece by French contemporary artist Jean-Michel Othoniel, which is meant to be reminiscent of Coco Chanel’s pearl necklaces. Another highlight worth noting is “Title TBC, 2022” by Israeli artist Michal Rovner, which is an abstract take on the poppy flower.
You’ll be able to shop Chanel’s latest collection in the boutique as well as all the classic bags and watches, but the real standouts are the special items exclusive to the space. Those seeking rare, one-of-a-kind items will want to keep an eye on the Haute Joaillerie capsule as well as a limited edition watch. The jewelry is fittingly titled “Beverly Hills” and features the sun and star motifs favored by Coco Chanel herself. The “Blazing Sun” brooch has faceted yellow beryls while the “Pink Sunset” ring boasts a massive 8.03 pink sapphire at its center. As a nod to the Walk of Fame, the “Lucky Star” double ring combines yellow gold, diamonds, yellow sapphires, lacquer and more. To round it out, the “Rising Star” earrings are a colorful mix of pink and blue sapphires. For watch collectors, the Monsieur Beverly Hills Edition is certain to be a highly sought after piece. Made with 18 karat white gold case, bezel, and crown and set with diamonds, there will only be five available.
While the jewelry collection and watch are extremely limited, those who want a Beverly Hills exclusive piece can head over to the eyewear section where they’ll find butterfly-shaped sunglasses that feature Chanel across the temples in vibrant colors. Should you prefer a beauty memento, there will also be two nail polishes made in honor of the space, packed with matching nail files and a collector’s keepsake box. As for the shades themselves, what else could be more fitting for California than Fast Car, a bright lipstick red, and Denim blue?
The Chanel Beverly Hills flagship opens tomorrow, May 5 at 400 North Rodeo Drive.
