Despite the polar vortex temperatures, it’s always warm at Chanel. Indeed, it was downright hot at the highly anticipated new Chanel boutique here in Chicago on Oak Street. Braving the frigid air was well worth what awaited inside. It was a sheer delight to walk the two floor, 10,000 square foot Chanel boutique impeccably designed by Peter Marino.
The Chanel boutique in Chicago. Photo via WWD.
My deep rooted love for designer handbags really began with Chanel. This new home reinforces why.
The bright spaces, black-and-white coco theme and location just a short walk from Hermès are surely going to be a magnet for my handbag budget.There is just something so special and inviting with the variety and mix of playfulness and sophistication that the House of Chanel offers. This combined with the stunning boutiques Chanel prides itself in continually maintaining, places them on a pedestal unrivaled by anyone.
The best part was the opportunity to peek into fully stocked magical closets brimming with colorful inventory of every kind of bag you can imagine… be it the classic flap, the boy bag, the Chanel vanity bag or the many novelty pieces. There is bound to be something for everyone. As I walked the floor sipping champagne… with my long-time sales associate Megan, we explored the special treasures in each drawer and closet.
The Chanel boutique in Chicago. Main floor. Image via WWD.
I found myself gravitating to one particular area, with the boys. Big boys, little boys, neutral boys and colorful boys. It was the most incredible boy bag closet. Hidden between many beauties was the boy handle in black lizard with breathtaking detail. We set some favorites out on the table to contemplate.
I know the boy handle is not new to the collection but, oh boy, is it tempting. It can be worn multiple ways and that extra long chain permits a taller girl to go cross-body in comfort. I was able to see the new Camellia boy up close and personal and appreciate the great detail. The red ombré lizard boy also stunned. The list goes on and we will revisit my wishes in another post, hint.
That touch of ombrè pink gave me heart palpitations.
I’ll confess this little lizard cutie has my heart.
Impeccable details, oh so pretty. New for Cruise 2019.
For those who have followed the Chanel news on PurseBop that there would be no more exotics, take heart. The self-imposed ban apparently begins with the Chanel Metier D’Art collection held in the NYC Metropolitan Art Museum’s Temple of Dendur. (read Chanel 2018-19 Metier D’art Show Walks Like an Egyptian and Chanel Bans Exotics.)
The exotic bags in the Chicago store are new and still coming in. However, they may be the last of the skins.
Drawers and closets were chock full of assorted bags. Vanity cases in all different fabrications. A virtual cornucopia of flaps. Oh my.
The Chanel Vanity Case Drawer. Do you spy what I do?
Classic flaps for days.
The store’s second floor boasts spacious room to showcase Chanel‘s beautiful ready-to-wear. The space is so inviting that do you actually want to try on the selections. The fitting rooms are lavish and with light dinners to catch the effect of the fabrics in various lightings.
I found myself getting into trouble here too with one of the new cruise jackets. It was woven with the metallic thread that shimmers in the light. You know that this is my weakness. I’ll keep you updated as my size is being transferred in next week.
The second floor, haven of ready to wear.
I could live in these closets.
I wish you could see the subtle metallic threads running through this lightweight tweed for Cruise and an incredibly flattering fit.
Whether you’re in the market for a new Chanel bag or not, a visit to the new boutique should be on your Chicago must-see list. Do take a look at the exclusively commissioned art pieces created for this location… and as you take the stairs to the second floor look up through the bright skylight. And here’s something you won’t read in any guidebook or hear from anyone else: you must visit the floor to ceiling Greek marble restroom that is every bit worth powdering your nose.
When your Birkin matches the decor. This photo does not do justice to the pigment in the Greek granite floor to ceiling.
Kudos to Chanel for bringing such an exciting and breathtaking boutique to the Chicago shopping scene, home to your PurseBop.
Read Related Articles:
Chanel Bans Exotics
Chanel 2018/19 Métier d’Art Show Walks Like an Egyptian
Chanel’s New York City Flagship Has Reopened: Here’s What You Can Find Inside
Surf’s Up at Chanel Spring 2019 – Doubled and Around the Neck
XOXO
Updated: February 3rd, 2019
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