There’s no doubt that the luxury retail segment in the Netherlands has gone leaps and bounds in recent years. CHANEL previously occupied a much-publicized temporary store and following a two-year renovation of the original premises it has moved back on the prestigious Hoofstraat. The chanel boutique occupies 145 sqm. (1.561 sq.ff) spread over the two floors of two adjacent buildings. It features a modern yet glamourous interior design by lauded New York City-based architect and longtime collaborator Peter Marino.
The aesthetic takes cues from Coco Chanel’s lavish apartment on Rue Cambon in Paris, and presents a backdrop of marble, gold metal, lacquer for furnishings crafted from luxurious fabrics and a range of specially commissioned artworks. The lofty and light-filled ground floor presents Chanel’s highly coveted seasonal handbags, small leather goods, costume jewellery, scarves and glasses, as well as a selection of watches and jewellery pieces. At its core, a large concrete podium is situated, displaying a selection of ready-to-wear ensembles. Further along to the right, shoppers can find a salon that’s entirely dedicated to the latest shoe collections.
A white marble staircase leads to the second floor – alternatively, an elevator is available as well – which presents the ready-to-wear collections. Two intimate salons, furnished with elegant tweed sofas, present a selection of knitwear. Art permeates the premises, and it’s on this floor where both antique pieces are eclectically paired with modern design: two sculptural bronze lamps, a black and gold handmade glass coffee table, as well as a firebird chair by the late american designer Wendell Castle are complemented by an 18th century white limestone fireplace. Adjacent to both ready-to-wear salons, artworks by hanns schimansky and dan walsh are displayed in three fitting rooms.