Honey, we’re home! Welcome to our staycation homestead, 31 Rue Cambon – the infamous abode of Gabrielle (a.k.a. Coco) Chanel. It’s not at all what you would expect from Coco’s trademark black-and-white aesthetic. Her rouge-infused, Eastern-inspired home remains a staple in our Parisian dreams. In fact, we’re still asking ourselves, “Did that really just happen?” If we could, we’d click our quilted ballet flats together and go back in a heartbeat. It’s a surreal and magical place… to say the least!
We lusted, we learned, and we lounged in the very same place Coco herself did some 75 years ago with Giacometti, Stravinsky, and Dali. And we couldn’t help but feel her presence with every step we took. Every crevice and corner oozed that mystical allure of Chanel; the ever-present camélia fleur, the black lacquered surfaces, the Coco-designed suede sofa created an inescapable air of enchantment.
Credit: The Coveteur
During the fashion shows, which took place downstairs, Gabrielle Chanel would sit on the staircase. Thanks to the mirrors, she could see everything taking place, but no one could see her. She wanted to know the immediate reaction – if the journalists and clients were pleased with the collection.
Credit: The Coveteur
Coco designed this couch herself. She wanted it to be very comfortable. Normally people used silk or velvet, but Coco used suede, which was very cutting-edge.
Credit: The Coveteur
The tops of these tables are black lacquer, but they were originally marble. Gabrielle Chanel took off the marble and replaced it with the black lacquer. It may remind you of Chanel’s makeup products – black lacquer with the logo on top.
