Where chic meets elegance
Chanel’s big opening party lives up to all the hype
Phones were ringing off the hook with people wondering how they might secure a coveted invite to the recent opening party for Chanel. The fashion house threw open the doors of its elegant Yorkville Avenue boutique for a bash teeming with super chic Chanel clients, complemented by a cool and cultured crowd of young artists including Chloe Wise, Caitlin Cronenberg and Nadia Gohar, along with Canadian singer- songwriter Charlotte Cardin, all of whom were decked out in Chanel.
Designed as a sophisticated townhouse, with impeccable interior design and bespoke artwork, the boutique features the brand’s iconic colours of black, white and gold for high levels of contrast, along with elements inspired by the Coromandel
screens of Gabrielle Chanel’s Parisian apartment.
As one might expect, God was in the details as custom fabrics were used in silk and wool carpeting, in the draping of the walls as well as on woven window panels in ivory, gold, black and champagne.
I overheard many guests commenting that the store rivaled the finest of New York, London or Paris. The boutique launched with the Cruise 2017/18 collection designed by Karl Lagerfeld.
After taking in the space designed by architect Peter Marino, guests hotfooted it across the street to Amber for a surprise party they won’t soon forget. Chanel completely re- imagined the hot little boite, transforming the space with inspiration from its Cruise collection theme of Modern Antiquity. The decor incorporated marble columns, amphorae and lush olive trees.
It’s no wonder no one wanted to leave.
The intimate neighbourhood party offered a contemporary homage to Yorkville’s culturally historic music scene and featured a special live performance by Montreal’s gorgeous Cardin, who had all in thrall with her beautiful performance.
The party continued until the wee hours with music from DJ Alex Merrell while a constant flow of Perrier Jouët champagne was on offer, complemented with the most exquisite bites by chef Grant van Gameren.
Parting was honestly such sweet sorrow. Can we do this again, please? I think Mademoiselle Chanel would approve!