Monday 17 June 2013

26 Old Bond Street - The biggest Chanel boutique in the world

Chanel opened the largest Chanel boutique in the world on the site of the former boutique last week and I popped in today to have a look  as the press was reporting about the new store all week.

The new store is now the whole building!
You can click on the link for Vogue's pictures.
No need to compare because funny enough they took pictures of different things than I did so do have a better look!

So many stores don't allow photos so I nearly didn't end up bothering to ask but they let me take photos of most things except for jewellry and certain accessories.

I was expecting to fall in love with the contents but I was completely overwhelmed by the decor.  I mean look at that chandelier!


There were numerous lounges and seating areas dotted around the boutique but I particularly liked the dark veneered walls and that square of gold cloth in the center of the mirrored wall.

I adore the seating, the in built golden shelves to highlight the pineapple lamp.

Talk about a grand staircase.

There is the grand dame herself in the corner.


I just thought the hanging pearly bauble in the center of the stairwell was just some spherical art installation.  But upon closer inspection, it was the iconic Chanel sautoir.

A very helpful assistant guided us through the store and 
took us to the top floor which is still open to the public but will be shut in about a week or two.  It will be an area reserved for 
VIP, haute couture orders, and press functions.  
So try and see it before it closes for the general public!
I get such a kick out of that hula hoop bag!
Who says Karl doesn't have a sense of humor?

This area also has special art and is the quasi museum section.

This looks like simple black tableaus to us right?

But this is the original film strips cut into strips that Madame Chanel herself took pictures of and they reassembled on canvas.


As soon as I walked in, I was immediately attracted to a chandelier - again.  The chandeliers are apparently one off pieces that were custom made by the Chanel jewellry designer.
No wonder they have that bejeweled quality.
I won't be greedy and take just the one if you don't mind...

I reckon Chanel should come out with its own furniture range because apparently everyone was asking to purchase the sofas!




So comfy looking no?



I love the finishes of the work.  
The textures of the wall and that door handle had me swooning more than the actual clothes and bags.

Now back to Chanel sofas...
I think I found the one I want for my house.
If a tweed jacket is a classic, doesn't it apply to sofas?


The main ready to wear section had the most decadent decor.






Pearl encrusted drapes people!
Could you imagine if you had those in your house?

God forbid you got burgled, instead of running to the safe you would have to check if your curtains were still there.


I loved the fireplace section with the side mirrored sectional screen on either side and the sculptural artwork in the fireplace.


There are double C's and clear quartz on the emblem.

I was starting to get ideas above my station by thinking it might be a great idea to have mother of pearl tiles in my house.




I don't think the pictures illustrate the chair frame very well but it looked like crocodile leather but it was metal pretending to be croc.

I know I got a little carried away with the decor of the shop.
But I was limited to the products I was allowed to take pictures of plus you can see those anywhere.


But I do apologize for those who wanted to see more Chanel goods.
If you would like to see clothes and bags however 
then please click here.
For those who are or will be in London then I strongly suggest you have a look at the new store!

54 comments:

  1. Ha! 155 New Bond St has a lot (!!!) of catching up to do. Pirate the architects and interior decorators and pay triple.

    Amazing! Could use the curtains as my evening dress. Or wedding dress? :D

    Chanel fanatics must make a pilgrimage here. Or Far East travel agencies must include this in the itinerary. Forget Harrods.

    XXX

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    1. The store was really like a museum and the vibe was so calming. The rest of the street must be so scared!! It was empty when I went but I think it will soon be jam packed xx

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  2. Wow. Talk about over the top!! It's really stunning. Those pearl drapes are ...wow!

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    1. The pearl drapes really were over the top and I wouldn't have thought they were pearls until the guide told me!

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  3. that tweed couch? GASP! I want that in my living room, right now. Must tell my London-dwelling sister to make a trip in to see the store.

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    1. Yep, I was gasping too. Who would think you go to Chanel and get fixated on drapes and sofas? :)

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  4. The curtains and staircase are incredible, it's like Sex in the City, Carrie's fantasy apartment.

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    1. Yes, she could get it after she gets alimony from Mr Big!

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  5. Goodness.... gobsmackingly glamorous!.. Those satin curtains are glorious. How exciting you could see the special floor upstairs reserved for special occasions! Such a softness too... the mirrors, carpets and the mother of pearl... all so luxurious!.... I would have thought there was a certain hush there too!... unlike the Hermes mothership in Rue St Honore which is such a bun-fight!... Lovely visit and thank you! xx

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it. But the mood was so serene and calm and I didn't get a picture but the few people there were all being served tea by livered staff. Really felt like Coco's flat! xx

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  6. oooh Naomi you've hit a spot here! It looks stunningly luxurious - right up my street! It resembles a 5* hotel. Clearly a lot of thought has gone in to the detail of the decor - I mean pearls and drapes. OMG how lucky was the person who was instructed to carry out this interior design project!

    I think I may have to do tonight's euro lottery so I can pay a visit and walk out with a few things in my hand!

    xx

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    1. looks like someone else visited this store too and bought this.....grrrr.....jealous!! http://5inchandup.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/about-boy.html

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    2. Don't worry, they make more than one ;) But if you win the euro tonight, I think you might be getting more than just the bag I safely assume?? That interior design project would have been both exhilarating to work on but almost feel sorry for the people bc what could top this? xx

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    3. Absolutely - on both points! x

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  7. I loved this, N! Who needs to see the goods when you can see the truly elegant home they are housed in? Way more ideas to inspire in the deco than anything else--like everyone else here, I will be dreaming of so many of these details--which somehow manage to be truly opulent minus the tackiness of bling...

    Thanks brave reporter!

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    1. Exactly and well said Heather, I loved the luxury without the tackiness. I am getting bolshier asking if I can take pictures, this blog is giving me chutzpah! xx

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  8. Loved the tour...best without the bags for me. You know I am a "kelly" bag girl anyhoo!
    Those drapes...could pull a Scarlett & rip em' down for a frock!
    xo

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    1. I just wanted a few pearls and would have strung em together for a necklace! xx

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  9. Fabulous staircase and chandeliers, I'd rather look at all this than the clothes! And yes, the pearly curtains are gorgeous. Beautifully done.

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    1. I had massive chandelier envy. I need to start a metalworking course stat!

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  10. Somehow I feel this place should serve arch 1920s cocktails.

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    1. If I was ordering couture, I think they would have served them!

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  11. What lux interior decoration in this store. Well, the whole building. It must have cost €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ and 50 cents!
    Do they let people in just like that, or do your have to show your ID ? How to get out?
    I took a peek at the accessories. So, so. Liked a pair of ballerinas, though I have not yet found a pair of Chanel shoes, which feel comfortable on my feet.
    Thank you for the review!

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    1. Well pretty soon the top floor will need some sort of ID. But everyone was so welcoming and the vibe was genuine. I just hope it stays that way. There was a lot of tweed and in fact they just bought a few Scottish factories that would have otherwise closed so am really happy for small industry! PS I didnt see anything I wanted glady ;)

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  12. WOAH - I think I would be to intimidated to even go in there but it looks absolutely beautiful. I am with you - that first chandelier is incredible!

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    1. It was rather empty that there were more staff than visitors but it is worth a visit!

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  13. this boutique looks HUGE !

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  14. Wow... amazing store!!!!!
    I love Chanel!!!!
    Kisses

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  15. Another try at posting:
    Such an amazing space! I'm so impressed by the chandelier! And the curtains! And the sofas!
    I must say that Chanel isn't really my style - I love some of the old tweed, but not the recent collections, nor the bags. I just do not get the appeal of those quilted bags....
    This store, however, looks utterly fantastic, and I would love to visit it just to gape at the design of the space and furniture. Who knows, maybe it might give me some appreciation of Chanel as a modern brand....

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    1. Oh I know you are still getting over your bug - you should have just clicked! Yes I like Chanel but don't go loco for it but the store was just outstanding. next trip to town, drop in and have a look!

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  16. Oh lala! The biggest Chanel boutique! I want to go there!
    Your pics are amazing!!!!

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    1. Yes but rue cambon has the original apartment which I want to see!

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  17. Pearl curtains, omg! I love pearls! Amazing photos xx

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  18. I have to say I'm surprised that the biggest Chanel is in London, I thought it would be in China or something.... apparently they have unseemly bun fights in there with people buying multiples of the same item in some strange sort of panic buying.
    Love the brown suede sofa - just like coco's one in her apartment. Beautiful light fittings as well. But it seems to have transcended the whole boutique (i.e. small) concept and turned into a Chanel department store! xx

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    1. I was a bit taken aback as well but like you say I am sure they will be building one in Shanghai any day now! Chanel and other luxury brands in the UK have started limiting the amount people can buy. In LV, it is 2 bags a year and the same applies in Hermes and Chanel! I sometimes think the world has gone mad!xx

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  19. Are you kidding me?? This is a store?! I wanna live in it, it would make for a perfect living room.:D But seriously, I'd feel like shit walking into a store like that, it's so upscale and I'm just a "little" person... But I want that hula hoop bag - it's really whimsical and cool. Completely useless, but cool.:)

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    1. I know but don't be silly, everyone should go in and have a look! That is what it's there for :) I adore that hula hoop bag as well, could you imagine walking down the street with though??

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  20. *swoons*

    p e a r l s o n t h e d r a p e s

    divine.

    thank you thank you thank you for the TOUR!

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    1. you are most welcome teamgloria! especially as you usually give me a lovely tour of LA! x

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  21. i know where i'm going tomorrow ;) those curtains are gorgeous!

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    1. Yes, get there before they close the upper floor!

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  22. spesh topic on spesh occasion, you go girl...xx

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  23. Oh my goodness, it's heavenly. Pearl encrusted drapes? You're kidding me. Those are exquisite! And yes, the hula hoop bag. It's pretty freakin' awesome.

    May the Force be with you.
    Emily

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    1. Yep it sure was cra cra amazing! The force was definitely in that store!

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  24. Wonder who their "bread n' butter" clients are! Is it the "average" person who buys a bag or two a year, or is it the people with no limit on their credit cards who spend hundreds of thousands per season? If it is the former, then for those who feel intimidated to go in, just push those door handles open and walk in! Chaaaaarge! But seriously, they have to create that exclusive feel for the business side of things. It's really nothing! Enjoy yourselves!

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    1. As the store is in central London the clientele is quite varied. I completely understand what you are saying as I used to work in brand marketing so there is a lot of fizz but having said that beauty is rarely created from a humble sane reason right? Funny enough I didn't leave wanting any of the items for sale like I mentioned but I loved the unique pieces that ironically weren't for sale but I am a fashion victim that way! But thanks for your point of view :)

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  26. The shop is amazing! I am actually writing a report on this stores flagship store environment and this blog has been extremely helpful. It would be very helpful to me if you can answer two questions. Does it smell like Chanel perfumes inside the store and is some kind of music playing and if so what style? I would really appreciate it if you could help me out :)))

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  27. So sorry but I can't swear bi it but pretty sure no music and no it doesn't smell like Chanel everywhere only by the perfume section. I think it is better bc it can be overwhelming otherwise but glad to help!

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  28. i agree it would definitely be overwhelming, thank you for your help! :)

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