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!