Editor’s Word: This text first appeared within the print version of the 2022 spring-summer challenge of Luxus+ Magazine. Click on right here to see the complete challenge.

At 18 Place Vendôme, the newly renovated Chanel Haute Joaillerie-Horlogerie flagship invitations you on a unprecedented journey to the center of the historical past and universe of Coco, but additionally of artwork and wonder. And this, in a stunning setting of gold, beige, white and black harmonies, put in on probably the most reputable place for jewellery and watchmaking.

The non-public mansion in-built 1767, already occupied since 1997 by the primary jewelry and watchmaking store designed by Peter Marino, has been redesigned by the magic wand of the well-known New York architect. After a yr of labor, the end result, unveiled on 18 Might, dazzles with its unrestrained use of probably the most refined supplies, its artistic endeavors and its furnishings chosen or created particularly for this hybrid place. For along with a “boutique-museum-gallery”, 18 Place Vendôme additionally homes the artistic studios and jewelry workshops of the well-known Home.

The boutique has been redesigned on three ranges and doubled in measurement to 1000 m2, divided into lounges to make sure privateness. It’s before everything a dwelling and up to date tribute to the well-known designer. She lived and labored close by, on the Ritz Resort and on rue Cambon. And who confirmed audacity by associating costume jewelry and treasured stones in her solely assortment of excessive jewelry in 1932.

Tributes to Coco

The inside ornament thus provides sturdy references to Coco Chanel. From the doorway of the store, the majestic openwork screens in hammered bronze, hiding the home windows that open onto the Place Vendôme, or the partitions coated in black lacquer or gold weaving reliefs, recall 31 rue Cambon. All through the store, the carpets and rugs evoke the tweed patterns so expensive to the Home. Whereas the portrait of the designer in diamonds, signed by Vik Muniz, or the collage by Peter Dayton, hypnotic variations on the camellia, Coco’s favorite flower, are all icons in her honour.

Artwork gallery

On the furnishings facet, one can admire Louis XV desks in addition to an ethereal console by Delos & Ubiedo, a white bronze and black uncooked oak desk by Jean-Luc Le Mounier, a bench by Anthonioz, gilded with leaf, or espresso tables by Reda Amalou or “Mica” by Ingrid Donat. All this in a setting that creates an impression of luxurious, calm and pleasure: staircase with clear railings adorned with crystal and gilded bronze cabochons, partitions coated with mirrors and gilded tweed, hand-painted beige silk curtains…

The artistic endeavors reinforce the munificence of the place. Amongst different wonders, “Coco Chandelier”, a up to date sculpture in silver metal by Joel Morrison, created particularly for the reopening. Or “La Borne”, a bronze work by Johan Creten, nearly 3 metres excessive, a figurative tribute to the Vendôme column, exhibited in an impressive atrium with gilded partitions; a bronze “Wapiti” by François-Xavier Lalanne or, scattered across the store, chests and a pair of bronze lamps by Peter Marino. Three facsimiles by Pablo Picasso beautify the partitions of a raise.

Two vases with bouquets of flowers and lotuses in gilded wooden from the Meiji period positioned on a hammered bronze console welcome you to the second flooring, often called the “noble” flooring. The latter, which has no industrial goal, is extra like an artwork gallery-museum. Whereas the Grand Salon is reserved for privatized operations, the general public has entry to thematic showcases presenting “heritage” items. On the centre of consideration, within the vestibule, is a everlasting set up of the N°5 necklace adorned with a 55.55 carat diamond, reduce to measure! This distinctive piece of Haute Joaillerie by Chanel is mysteriously revealed in a showcase “as if suspended” via mirrored partitions.

See Additionally

Within the massive Salon, reserved for the Glad Few, a powerful oil on canvas by Nicolas de Staël from the Fifties lastly catches the attention.

However on this magnificent place, are there nonetheless fashions on the market? Sure, however the elegant showcases on the bottom and first flooring, the place jewelry and watches are displayed right here and there, mix in so effectively that you just may suppose they have been a part of an exhibition… Besides that it’s not forbidden to purchase them.

Learn additionally >BRIEF HISTORY OF LUXURY: VIVIENNE WESTWOOD, QUEEN OF PUNK FASHION

Featured photograph : © Chanel