Published
Nov 15, 2018
After a two-year-long makeover, Chanel has re-opened its 57th Street flagship in Manhattan, revealing a 14,000-square-foot, five-floor store that now stands as the largest Chanel boutique in the U.S.
Making their way beyond the store's exterior tweed-like grid of glass and metal, customers will find that the flagship, designed by architect Peter Marino, houses a broad selection of the house's ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, fragrance and beauty products.
Throughout the store's five floors, visitors will find a shoe salon, four ready-to-wear salons, a dedicated knitwear section and, on the fifth floor, an apartment-style penthouse,exclusively for Chanel's VIP shoppers. Along with the brand favorites in each category –think slingbacks and ballet flats, the 2.55 bag, and Chanel's classic perfumes– the store will also feature the label's new Resort 2019 collection, which debuted in May to wide praise.
In homage to New York City, the 57th street store will also offer pieces that can't be found anywhere else. Exclusively at this Chanel flagship, shoppers can find a limited-edition issue of the 2.55 handbag and wallet decorated with New York City charms, from a cab to a park squirrel.
Other stand-out products to be found at the house's newly revamped flagship include a steel Code Coco watch, and the brand's freshly launched scent,Les Exclusifs de Chanel 1957.
The store's interior design is its own work of art, beginning with a 60-foot tall necklace sculpture made specifically for the store by artist Jean-Michel Othoniel. The boutique's walls are further lined with works from artists like Idris Khan, Robert Mapplethorpe, Olafur Eliasson and Y.Z. Kami for a total of 35 works by 24 artists.
Along with special accents like a tweed-inspired carpet and Goossens chandelier, the store's walls are also decorated with hand-placed gold leaf, crackled lacquers, and Coromandel screens that reference the decor of Coco Chanel's Paris apartment.
The boutique revival comes as Chanel prepares for its next major New York moment–showing its Métiers d'Art 2018-19 collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art this December.
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As a seasoned expert in the world of luxury fashion and retail, my extensive knowledge allows me to dissect and appreciate the intricacies of the recent transformation of Chanel's 57th Street flagship in Manhattan. Having closely followed the developments in the industry, I can confidently assert that this makeover is not just a mere facelift but a meticulous reimagining of the Chanel shopping experience.
The article, penned by Gabriella Lacombe and published on Nov 15, 2018, unveils a stunning narrative of Chanel's flagship store, post its two-year-long makeover. The store, sprawling across 14,000 square feet and five floors, now proudly holds the title of the largest Chanel boutique in the United States—a testament to Chanel's commitment to providing a lavish and immersive retail environment for its clientele.
Designed by the renowned architect Peter Marino, the flagship boasts a harmonious blend of aesthetic sophistication and functionality. The store's exterior, resembling a tweed-like grid of glass and metal, beckons customers to explore the treasures within. My expertise allows me to appreciate Marino's touch in creating a space that seamlessly accommodates a diverse range of Chanel products, including ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, fragrance, and beauty products.
One notable feature is the inclusion of specialized sections, such as a shoe salon, four ready-to-wear salons, a dedicated knitwear section, and an exclusive penthouse on the fifth floor reserved for Chanel's VIP shoppers. This strategic layout, combined with the brand's iconic offerings like slingbacks, ballet flats, the 2.55 bag, and classic perfumes, enhances the overall shopping experience.
The article emphasizes Chanel's commitment to exclusivity, with the 57th Street store offering unique pieces that cannot be found elsewhere. A limited-edition issue of the 2.55 handbag and wallet adorned with New York City charms exemplifies this exclusivity, catering to the tastes of the local clientele.
Moreover, my expertise allows me to recognize and appreciate the significance of Chanel's inclusion of new products, such as the steel Code Coco watch and the Les Exclusifs de Chanel 1957 scent, which add a contemporary touch to the brand's repertoire.
The interior design of the store is a masterpiece in itself. The mention of a 60-foot tall necklace sculpture by artist Jean-Michel Othoniel and the curated selection of artworks by renowned artists like Idris Khan, Robert Mapplethorpe, Olafur Eliasson, and Y.Z. Kami showcases Chanel's commitment to blending fashion with art. The incorporation of special accents like a tweed-inspired carpet and a Goossens chandelier, along with meticulous details like hand-placed gold leaf, crackled lacquers, and Coromandel screens, pays homage to the timeless elegance associated with Coco Chanel's Paris apartment.
In conclusion, the revitalization of Chanel's 57th Street flagship goes beyond a mere commercial endeavor; it is a meticulous curation of luxury, exclusivity, and artistic expression. As Chanel gears up for its next significant event, showcasing the Métiers d'Art 2018-19 collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the revamped flagship stands as a testament to the brand's enduring legacy and commitment to providing a captivating and unparalleled shopping experience.
