COCO CHANEL MEETS COLETTE IN PARIS

Posted by Fashion Editor at Large

I think we can all agree that Chanel is the greatest fashion brand in the world. Perhaps in the Universe. All the best aliens wear Chanel.  If you have ever been to Colette in Paris, you may well also agree on the fact that it is one of the world's most-exciting-to-shop-in-shops.

So it delights me to share that over Paris Fashion Week Chanel and Colette are joining forces to open a pop-up boutique at 336-340 rue Saint-Honoré. (Moments from my paris hotel, oh happiness.) Stretching over 200 m², the space will be assembled in the industrial surroundings of a former garage. Chanel does love an industrial interior - as evidenced by their regular showings at the Grand Palais, below.

Chanel finale for Spring/Summer 2011

Their installation will combine, says the press release:

"fashion, visual arts and musical performances, resulting in a fun-fuelled, creative mix by Chanel and Colette with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe. The headlining creations from Chanel Spring-Summer 11 collection will be juxtaposed with a selection from young designers chosen by Colette. Classic Chanel bags and this season’s bag designs will be originally customised by various artists.  ÉRES [the swimwear brand owned by Chanel] will be included in the mix with pieces from its collection in a palette of black and iridescent hues that will beautifully contrast with Maison MICHEL’s spotted veils. Also waiting to be discovered, or rediscovered, is a selection of books published by Éditions 7L and back issues of Visionaire magazine. "

Sounds too good to miss in every possible way. See below for the schedule - if, like me, you're in Paris through fashion week, this will offer a perfect break from the madness.

Sketch of Coco with her Colette bag by Karl Lagerfeld 

OTHER THINGS I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO AT THE STORE:
A collector’s doll by Karl Lagerfeld,
A cupcake bar from Chez Bogato 
A special playlist created by Michel Gaubert provides the finishing touch, available to all boutique customers.
The harpischord performace on Friday March 4th
The Chanel nail bar on 8th and 10th of March

 FRANCOIS CLOUET Half-length portrait of Catherine de’Medici, 16th century. Collection Institut de France, Musée Condé, Château de Chantilly (France)

GEORGE HOYNINGEN-HUENE Gabrielle Chanel with a white collaret1939© Horst

DUSAN RELJIN Carmen Kass wearing an outfit from CHANEL’s 2009 Fall/Winter Ready-to-Wear collection © RMN (Domaine de Chantilly)/René-Gabriel Ojéda

Images taken from CULTURE CHANEL exhibition at the MoCA Shanghai until March 14th

STORE SCHEDULE
Tuesday, March 1 : between 4pm and 6pm
Kevin Lyons, designer and illustrator, will be customising bags
Wednesday, March 2 : between 3pm and 6pm
Camellia demonstration by a LEMARIÉ craftsman
Thursday, March 3 : between 4pm and 6pm
The illustrator Soledad will be customising bags
Friday, March 4 : from 5pm
Harpsichord performance by the pianist and composer Maxence Cyrin, 
Saturday, March 5 : between 3pm and 6pm
Graffiti artist André will be customising bags
Monday, March 7 : between 4pm and 6pm
Graffiti artist Fafi will be customising bags
Tuesday, March 8 : between 3pm and 6pm
CHANEL nail bar
Wednesday, March 9 : between 4pm and 6pm
SO-ME, graphic artist and illustrator, will be customising bags
Thursday, March 10 : between 3pm and 6pm
CHANEL nail bar

LÉON BAKST Costume design for Potiphar’s wife in “Joseph’s Legend” 1914 Watercolor, gold paint and pencil on paper © Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Theater and Dance Collection, don de Madame Adolph B. Spreckels
KARL LAGERFELDnThe “Coromandel” coat, 1996 Fall/Winter CHANEL Haute Couture Collectionm © Photo Karl Lagerfeld
BORIS LIPNITZKIGabrielle Chanel in front of the Coromandel screens of her apartment at 31 rue Cambon, Paris. 1937© Lipnitzki/Roger-ViolletImages taken from CULTURE CHANEL exhibition at the MoCA Shanghai until March 14th

THE STORE IS  OPEN MARCH 1 - 10TH FROM 11AM TO 7 PM, VALET PARKING