How does one celebrate a life-size golden jewelry box arriving on Fifth Avenue, you ask? With a lavish party, obviously: an intimate night for A-listers, influencers, and tastemakers, all decked out in tweed and baubles.
And that’s exactly how Chanel opened its highly anticipated flagship boutique solely dedicated to watches and fine jewelry (you can find leather goods, shoes, and ready-to-wear at 15 East 57th Street). America Ferrera, Katie Holmes, Seth Meyers, Carey Mulligan, Sadie Sink, Kerry Washington, and Michelle Williams, among others, rubbed shoulders at the luxe night out, which served as an unofficial pre-kickoff to New York Fashion Week. “It’s stunning. It’s such a spectacular space,” Washington told Vanity Fair. “Just every corner, every inch of the space is so artfully done, which I think is such a testament to Chanel and to Coco Chanel in particular.”
The boutique, the first of its kind in the United States, celebrates Chanel’s iconic Parisian space, 18 Place Vendôme, which is home to the high-jewelry workshop, creation studios, Patrimoine, and fine jewelry boutique.
Peter Marino, who has long been a Chanel collaborator, designed the two-story space. With nods to Beaux Arts architecture as well as to the spirit and vitality of 31 Rue Cambon, home to Gabrielle Chanel, the entrance features gilded walls and a pair of rock crystal dream catcher chandeliers. “The walls were as pretty as what was in the cases. It’s an experience,” Williams told VF, noting that the space felt “personal.” Williams, who played Marilyn Monroe in My Week With Marilyn, noted that Ed Feingersh’s iconic black-and-white photo of Monroe with a bottle of Chanel No. 5 was one of her favorite pieces of decor. (Another personal element: Williams’s reunion with Holmes, her Dawson’s Creek costar.)
The standout stars were not humans, though. They were the Eternal No. 5 transformable diamond necklace and earrings, and the 55.55 necklace, a masterpiece made to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Chanel No. 5 perfume. Mulligan, who was wearing the Eternal No. 5 necklace, called it “unbelievably beautiful.”
To cap off the spectacle, Grammy nominee Gracie Abrams took the stage for a surprise performance.
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