From a small modern glass-enclosed corner plot to a two-level Parisian style heritage building, the incredible upgrade for the Chanel flagship store left us with significant feelings of inspiration and astonishment. Designed by architect Peter Marino and Toronto-based firm dkstudio, the new location consists of a remarkable array of artworks and furnishings as well as one of kind interior elements that undeniably separates itself amongst other luxury stores downtown.

The main floor exhibits solid feels of a refined contemporary celebrity home. Guests are welcomed at the entrance by a bronze chandelier with crystal rocks and exquisitely dressed mannequins. Space is divided into salons with pieces being showcased like they are objects of priceless art. Floors are occupied with tweed sofas, metallic accent tables, and intricately designed knit carpets. As one approaches the staircase to the second floor, they will immediately be enticed by the bird-caged jewellery in the salon to the left as well as the marvelous pearl necklace sculpture, commissioned for Parisian artist Jean-Michel Othoniel, a frequent Chanel collaborator.

The second floor resembles a home inspired by Coco Chanel’s Parisian apartment. It houses the fashion brand’s ready to wear collection, all of which are elite-worthy. Compared to the first floor, the upstairs is filled with more sofas, tables, and ottomans. The fitting rooms are spacious and intimate, with their own seats and full-body wall mirror. There is also a salon that can act as a private shopping area, which is generally reserved for high-profile figures. The room possesses its own limestone fireplace imported from Paris as well as a gold-leaf resin chair designed by American furniture artist Wendell Castle.

With a tremendously sophisticated interior and items with prices that go beyond a monthly household budget, it is no surprise that the new Chanel flagship store is hardly visited by the general public. To those who have a strong liking for interior design or simply enjoy gazing at luxury items, the building may seem more like a museum or a gallery institute than a retail store. Nevertheless, it was an incomparable experience studying the architectural elements of the store, getting inspired by the meticulously made accessories and the almost untouchable ready-to-wear pieces that ultimately define the highly renowned French luxury fashion house.

Inspirational Images
Images courtesy of Chanel

By: Franz Tabora, Mississauga, @phranzzzz