Monochrome masterpieces
A new book explores the relationship between renowned architect Peter Marino and French couture house Chanel
Chanel is far from being the only luxury brand Peter Marino has worked with. Armani, Bulgari, Dior, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi and Louis Vuitton – among others – have trusted him several times to create the perfect retail experience for their discerning clientele. The French maison, however, has a long-lasting history with the star architect – who is at the helm of New York-based architecture firm Peter Marino Architect PLLC. Throughout the years, Marino has designed more than 200 stores for Chanel, and more is yet to come. Before revealing the new boutique that will open in 2022 on Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles, a book published by Phaidon invites us to take a closer look at 16 of the buildings created by the visionary architect, including the recently opened Chanel store located in the Miami Design District, which is adorned with artworks by Chris Succo, Peter Dayton, Jan-Ole Schiemann, Gregor Hildebrandt and Vera Lutter. Featuring more than 300 images, architectural plans and original sketches, The Architecture of Chanel celebrates the duo’s 25-year collaboration. While the architect is known for his black leather trousers and caps, Gabrielle Chanel gained her reputation via her sailor blouses, jersey ensembles, pearl necklaces and tailored skirt suites. Both individuals share the same innovative spirit and talent for combining classic and modern references, resulting in an irreverent yet respectful aesthetic. Marino’s passion for the arts is reflected throughout the pages of the book – which is also available as a luxury edition housed in an acrylic slipcase featuring a recreated architectural element from the Chanel boutique in Istanbul. So far, the architect has commissioned over 300 site-specific, original artworks from prominent contemporary artists such as JeanMichel Othoniel, Paola Pivi and Michal Rovner, among many others. With each chapter devoted to an individual project, The Architecture of Chanel helps to understand Marino’s influences and inspirations, and how he achieves to capture the soul of the maison through the design of each one of its stores. From New York and Chicago to Seoul and Tokyo – to name only a few – the Chanel retail spaces shaped by Marino feature a signature black and white palette and sculptural forms, aiming to reflect the vibrant and forward-looking yet elegant essence of the French fashion house.