Sandra‘s Closet

Beaumarchais lived here, fabulous parties took place here, and great names have stayed here. Yet for more than half a century, the Hôtel Amelot de Bisseuil, also known as Hôtel des Ambassadeurs de Hollande, has been left slumbering in the heart of Le Marais. This winter a part of this unique building, recognised as one of the most beautiful in Paris, will come to life again and open its doors to the public once more. It is here that CHANEL has chosen to install a double ephemeral boutique.

The Hôtel Amelot de Bisseuil is classified as a National Heritage Site, and its high doors carved with two gargoyle heads and the coat of arms belonging to the family that acquired the townhouse in the 17th century, give one a hint of its impressive stature that lies within. These doors open onto the Cour d’Honneur, surrounded by two buildings, where one immediately senses a breath of magic and of mystery in the air. At the entrance four sundials have kept their polychrome in spite of the years gone by.

The two ephemeral boutiques break from the traditional codes of CHANEL. Each space has been left in its untouched state: exposed stone walls are bare having been simply adorned with facades of transparent glass, giving pride of place to the history of this hôtel particulier which over the centuries has been witness to so many lives. The floor, with it’s worn appearance, is made from resin to resemble Corten steel. This desire for purity also offers a glimpse of the immense renovation in progress of these buildings and those hidden in the rear courtyard.

Within this minimalist environment only the black linear clothes rails and the wooden console tables mounted on glass supports, emerge here and there. In the first building, on the left, the ready-to-wear collections and the accessories are presented over a single floor of 127m².

A second space, consisting of just 37m², and made to look like the studio of a great artist, is housed in the building on the right. In complete respect for the mineral and almost archaeological atmosphere of this setting, once again, nothing has been changed, adorned, reconstituted or hidden. Here, only authenticity, miraculously preserved over the ages, prevails. Pierced with a window, this boutique brings together the CHANEL shoes.

Like a stroll through time and history it reminds us that a piece by CHANEL is anchored in modernity and the air du temps, yet is also transmitted from one generation to the next. The Hôtel Amelot de Bisseuil is one of its most beautiful showcases yet.

CHANEL Ephemeral Boutique
47 rue Vieille du Temple
75004 Paris
+33 1 40 09 59 60
Open from now to the end of May 2017
From Monday to Sunday 11am to 7pm

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Olivier Saillant © Chanel

Let me introduce you the Ombres Matelassées, the new eye palette from Peter Philips, Creative Director of Chanel Makeup, that offers a new interpretation of the iconic quilted effect so emblematic of Chanel.

Held in a black rectangular case, the five shades Pear, Pale Gold, Gold, Golden Khaki and Black Night are presented in a harmonious crisscross arrangement. Simply apply as desired to the eyelids, using the double-tipped foam applicators and brush.

Application tips:
– Use the foam applicator to apply the eyeshadows and the brush to gently blend them, for a makeup look that mixes different shades.
– The two darker shades can be used damp as an eyeliner. Simply apply with the tip of a foam applicator, along the base of the lashes.

Available in Switzerland at Chanel boutiques from the beginning of April for CHF 85.-.

In Paris, the Ombres Matelassées palette was pre-released at the re-opening of the Chanel boutique on 51, Avenue Montaigne last week.
This 600m2 boutique houses the unique world of Chanel and all of Karl Lagerfeld’s creations – Ready-to-Wear, handbags, shoes, jewellery and other accessories – as well as fine jewellery and watches.

The two floors of the new space were inspired by the finesse of Mademoiselle Chanel’s private apartment at 31 Rue Cambon.

The conception of this new address was entrusted to New York architect Peter Marino, who is responsible for all of the Chanel boutiques across the globe.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel