Happy Birthday to Mme Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel! In honor of the birthday of one of the greatest fashion icons in history I thought I would dedicate a post to all things Chanel {including her personal homes, since this is a décor blog of course!}. Chanel was a pioneering French fashion designer whose modernist style, menswear-inspired fashions, and pursuit perfection made her such an influential figure in 20th-century fashion.
One of the most interesting historical novels I have read is 'The Collection,' by Gioia Diliberto, which looks at the behind the scenes life in the haute couture workrooms of the imperious Coco Chanel herself. And a MUST watch: Coco Avant Chanel.
Lets take a look at three of her personal interiors: the Hotel Ritz suite she lived in, the maison de couture at 31 rue Cambon {now the flagship shop}, and the apartment she owned above her couture house.
The suite at the Hotel Ritz:
Coco Chanel resided in a suite at the Hotel Ritz Paris for over 30 years. It is now one of the most expensive suites to rent on the market {$4,000 and $5,000 USD per night}.
The foyer is exquisite, just look at those floors!
You even get Chanel products in the bathroom!
The Couture House on 31 rue Cambon:
Coco Chanel had a mirrored staircase installed that spirals to the top of the building. The angled mirrors were intentionally placed so that when they were preparing for shows, she could view what was happening on almost every floor from the top, and she was able to see the reaction of the audience!
The apartment on 31 rue Cambon:
Coco owned an apartment atop the flagship Chanel location, but she never resided here. She actually used this apartment for entertaining and for interviews etc. How fab!
How it looked then:
And now:
I love the abundance of chinoiserie-inspired screens:
I don't think any one can deny that this woman had serious style through and through. Happy Birthday Coco!
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