PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
The latest to take up residence along New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue is none other than Chanel. The storied street synonymous with luxury is now home to Chanel’s first Watches & Fine Jewellery flagship in the US. Of course, it is every inch as opulent as you would expect.
Framed by the gilded architecture of the historic Crown Building, the two-storey boutique is designed by long-standing Chanel collaborator and architect, Peter Marino. It is not only an homage to the maison’s legendary Watch & Fine Jewellery address at 18 Place Vendôme. The new space is also a tribute to Gabrielle Chanel who had an affinity for art, decoration and inimitable interiors.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
The golden jewel box’s façade features honed and grooved black granite and intricately cast gold bronze screens. The delicate yet striking colour palette, which echoes the spirit of the maison’s legendary 31 Rue Cambon address, continues within. Step into the boutique to find an exceptional collection of art, antiques and custom furniture.
This includes Edo period wooden lotus bouquets, Tang dynasty ceramic camels and a Louis XV desk by Jacques Dubois. Further illuminating the space are Tweed lamps by Delos & Ubiedo and custom lighting by Parisian goldsmith Goossens.
Moving through the bold entryway on the first floor, visitors will find two dedicated Fine Jewellery salons with elaborate touches. Think hand-applied wall finishes reminiscent of the coromandel screens in Mademoiselle Chanel’s apartment and an elaborately carved gilt Regency-era mirror.
Venture on into the Watch salon and gaze at a dramatic staircase leading to the mezzanine floor. Therein lies two more Fine Jewellery salons, one reserved for private client appointments. Chanel’s savoir-faire is on full display with a dazzling array of pieces from the Fine & High Jewellery, Watches and Haute Horlogerie collections.
This includes emblematic fine jewellery collections such as the Camélia, Comète, N°5 and Ruban. Alongside these are a selection of timepieces, like the iconic J12 in multiple audacious designs. You’ll also find pieces from the Coco Crush line, with a store-exclusive custom engraving service for rings from the collection.
Lastly, to mark the opening of the new flagship, Chanel will also offer exclusive High Jewellery designs and pre-launches. Firstly, to honour Gabrielle Chanel’s lucky number, the signature N° 5 perfume and Chanel’s latest American address, is the Eternal N°5. Joining this exclusive High Jewellery collection is another, the Lion Solaire de Chanel. Lion motifs, inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s beloved Leo star sign, adorn a necklace, earrings and rings set in diamonds and white gold.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL
Another standout piece not to be missed? The one-of-a-kind masterpiece 55.55 necklace inspired by Chanel’s N° 5 perfume bottle. A 55.55-carat diamond is surrounded by a cascade of over 700 diamonds forming the silhouette of the legendary perfume bottle. Not for sale, the heritage item is currently on display at Chanel's Watches & Fine Jewellery flagship at 730 Fifth Avenue, New York. A dazzling opening statement, yes?
