Chanel Unveils its First Dedicated Watch & Fine Jewelry Flagship Store in Asia Pacific
Chanel, the iconic French luxury brand, has made a grand entrance into the heart of Taipei with its inaugural dedicated watch and fine jewelry flagship store, located in the prestigious Taipei 101 building. The opening of this exquisite boutique has ignited a frenzy among watch and jewelry enthusiasts across Taiwan, eager to witness the unveiling of this exclusive space and catch a glimpse of the star-studded guest list gracing the event.
This flagship store marks a significant milestone for Chanel, as it becomes only the fifth of its kind worldwide, following in the footsteps of its established counterparts in Paris, New York, Japan, and Milan. The Taipei 101 store, designed by renowned architect Peter Marino, stands as a testament to the brand’s dedication to crafting extraordinary experiences for its discerning clientele.
A Luxurious Oasis of Artistic Excellence
The boutique, a dazzling architectural gem, is a fitting homage to the legendary Chanel watch and fine jewelry flagship store on Place Vendôme in Paris. The store’s design, inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s Parisian apartment at 31 Rue Cambon, is a symphony of elegance and sophistication. It features a captivating blend of contemporary art, vintage pieces, and bespoke furniture, all meticulously curated to evoke the spirit of the brand’s founder.
As guests step into the boutique, they are greeted by a stunning entrance adorned with black Belgian marble and glass walls, punctuated by delicate gold-plated brass screens and curtains. The interior, a harmonious blend of gold and black, pays tribute to Gabrielle Chanel’s love for crystals, evident in the intricate details throughout the space. The store’s interior features a curated selection of contemporary and antique art pieces, bespoke furniture, and lighting, all contributing to an ambiance of unparalleled luxury.
A Symphony of Craftsmanship and Artistic Expression
The flagship store showcases a curated collection of Chanel’s most coveted timepieces and jewelry, each piece a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and artistic excellence. The boutique is meticulously divided into distinct areas, each dedicated to a specific category of Chanel’s exquisite offerings.
The entrance leads to a grand salon dedicated to showcasing Chanel’s most exquisite fine jewelry pieces. The space features a bespoke side table crafted by contemporary artists Delos & Ubiedo, adorned with a striking, gold-plated bronze and stone combination. A custom-designed cylindrical vase, adorned with crystals, amber glass, and gold leaf, graces the table’s surface. The salon is bathed in the ethereal glow of a shimmering diamond-shaped crystal chandelier, designed by Goossens, a Parisian goldsmithing workshop. The salon’s walls, draped in golden fabric, are further enhanced by meticulously crafted Regency-era, gold-plated mirrors and a writing desk, all reminiscent of the lacquer screens and furnishings that once graced Gabrielle Chanel’s apartment in Paris.
Adjacent to the fine jewelry salon is a dedicated watch salon, a haven for timepiece enthusiasts. The salon features a pair of exquisite chairs, designed by Phillippe Anthonioz, crafted from gold-plated bronze and black leather, echoing Chanel’s timeless aesthetic. The salon’s centerpiece is a breathtaking chandelier, designed by Goossens, featuring a cascade of gold-plated chains, evoking a sense of grandeur and sophistication.
A Haven of Exclusive Experiences
The boutique features an exclusive VIP salon, an intimate haven for discerning clients. The salon is furnished with a Ming Dynasty-era Chinese tea table adorned with mother-of-pearl lacquer, a striking ceramic bowl sculpted by Sterling Ruby, and Louis XV-era gold-plated antique armchairs. The space is further enhanced by a “Tweed” table lamp, crafted by Delos & Ubiedo, and bespoke lighting from Goossens, creating a harmonious blend of modern and antique aesthetics. The salon is infused with a custom fragrance designed by Olivier Polge, Chanel’s master perfumer, a captivating blend of amber and iris notes. The salon’s walls are adorned with a captivating multi-panel collage created by Iranian-American artist Y.Z. Kami. The collage, crafted from eight gold leaf panels, is a stunning tribute to the brand’s commitment to artistic excellence.
The flagship store is a testament to Chanel’s deep connection with the art world. Gabrielle Chanel, a passionate art collector and patron, inspired the brand’s enduring commitment to showcasing art in its boutiques. The Taipei 101 store features a curated collection of artwork, including a custom-designed bronze antique mirror with white and bohemian crystals, a “Golden Wave” ceramic sculpture by Johan Creten, and a “Pride” sculpture by Barnaby Bradford, crafted from ceramics, mirrors, lacquered wire, a wooden frame, and gilded flowers.
A Star-Studded Opening
The grand opening of the Chanel watch and fine jewelry flagship store in Taipei 101 was a star-studded affair, drawing a constellation of celebrities and influencers to the event. The guest list included Chanel brand ambassadors Gwei Lun-Mei, Tiffany Hsu, and Hannah Quinlivan, brand friends Ethan Juan, Li Mu, Wang Yu-Ping, Wang Yu-Xuan, 9M88, Øzi, and Zhong Xueying, along with actors Hsieh Ying-Xuan and Lin Che-Hsi. The event itself was a celebration of Chanel’s rich legacy and its unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, and a testament to the brand’s enduring appeal in Asia Pacific.
The Chanel watch and fine jewelry flagship store in Taipei 101 is more than just a boutique; it’s an immersive experience that celebrates the brand’s exquisite craftsmanship, artistic legacy, and enduring allure. It’s a testament to Chanel’s commitment to creating luxurious spaces that resonate with the spirit of its founder, Gabrielle Chanel.
