Sandra‘s Closet

CHANEL and The Boat Race Company Ltd have announced the signing of a long-term partnership with CHANEL as Title Sponsor and official Timekeeping Partner. The 2025 event will become The CHANEL J12 Boat Race. 

The historic race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities was established nearly 200 years ago in 1829. It is the oldest major sporting event in the UK, with the dark and light ‘Blues’ crews of eight rowers pitted against each other on the River Thames every year in the Spring. 

The 2025 edition of The Women’s Boat Race and The Men’s Boat Race will take place on Sunday 13 April along the 4.25 miles of the Championship Course between Putney and Mortlake in London. The Boat Race is attended by over 250,000 spectators on the riverbank, broadcast live on the BBC, and watched by millions globally on television. It has become a treasured highlight in London’s sporting calendar. 

The long-term partnership is an expression of a shared philosophy, one of an uncompromising pursuit of excellence which relies on collective effort to succeed. Boat Race Day encapsulates the raison d’être of Oxford and Cambridge: to develop and showcase exceptional talent, in the same way the House of CHANEL supports outstanding creative expertise. 

CHANEL has had its roots in sport since it was founded in 1910. Inspired by sporting attire predominately worn by men of the time, Gabrielle Chanel was an active sportswoman herself and used materials such as jerseys, and tweeds and created trailblazing designs. These designs gave women the freedom of movement – to ride horses, cycle, and most importantly to choose how they dressed and who they wanted to be. 

CHANEL was the first luxury house to launch its own fragrance in 1921 and its own high jewellery collection in 1932. Decades later in 2000, CHANEL launched the iconic J12 unisex watch – the name inspired by the J Class 12-metre race boats from the early 20th century. 

The iconic J12 watch is produced in the ‘CHANEL Watch Manufacture’ in Switzerland and is powered by self-winding movements from the Swiss Manufacture Kenissi, co-owned by CHANEL. 

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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The latest addition to its LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL fragrance collection, aptly named COMÈTE, is inspired by the cosmos and I am absolutely obsessed.

Each of these Eaux de Parfum in the collection reveals one of Gabrielle Chanel’s character traits, writing a page from her life, sketching the outlines of one of her designs, or illustrating a symbol that guided her steps. COMÈTE is literally born under a lucky star.

Gabrielle Chanel let the stars be her guide, revolutionising the world of jewellery in 1932 with her unique «Bijoux de Diamants» collection and its legendary Comète necklace, whose shooting star nestles into the hollow of the neck.

«I WANTED TO COVER WOMEN IN CONSTELLATIONS. STARS! (…) SEE THESE COMETS, WHERE THE HEAD GLITTERS ON A SHOULDER, AND THE SPARKLING TAIL SLIPS BEHIND THE SHOULDERS TO FALL BACK DOWN IN A SHOWER OF STARS ON THE CHEST…»

Gabrielle Chanel.

Intensely floral and luminous, COMÈTE explores a new olfactory identity in the LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL collection. Rich and powdery, sophisticated and complex, it is a universe in itself. A fresh cherry blossom accord, luminous and intense, is elevated by sensual notes of heliotrope and iris in this intense floral «stardust» scent, which is housed in a bottle whose design aligns with the sober aesthetic created for the collection.

COMÈTE. A new star in the constellation of LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL is in stores now for CHF 245 (75ML) and CHF 440 (200ML).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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An ode to freedom and movement, the S/S 2024 Ready-to-Wear collection is all about carefree sophistication, as Virginie Viard drew inspiration from the Villa Noailles in Hyères, a modernist building designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens.

References to Marie-Laure de Noailles and Gabrielle Chanel, united by their strong personalities and their intimacy with the avant-garde, can be seen in the black sunglasses with gold chains present from the very first silhouetes on the runway.

A long, flowing dress and a tweed cape were paired with sunglasses with blue light lenses and black acetate frames. Their rectangular lines are enhanced by the emblematic metal chain interlaced with leather, which extends into a long sautoir necklace. The chain also appears on an acetate sunglasses design inspired by 1990s shields.

A striped jacket and trousers punctuated by the double C inspired a pair of square sunglasses with a double bridge in acetate printed with the same geometric motif.
The CHANEL S/S 2024 eyewear collection will be available in boutiques from March.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of CHANEL
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What if believing in mysterious signs, keeping talismans close, or projecting your desires onto superstitions was a reliable way to ensure that luck is on your side? Gabrielle Chanel believed it wholeheartedly, shaping her destiny based on symbols that have since become iconic.

Lions, wheat, comets, camellias, numbers… Mademoiselle was as talented as she was superstitious, and she surrounded herself with objects and symbols. These talismans gave her the freedom to achieve her dreams; inspiration for the designs in her collections; strokes of genius that led to her most iconic signature styles; and the strength to embrace her destiny. With the LES SYMBOLES DE CHANEL collection, the CHANEL Makeup Creation Studio has reimagined 5 iconic symbols as precious highlighters. Le Lion, La Comète, Le Camélia, Les Perles, and Les Chaînes become 3 subtle and sophisticated shades: Warm Gold, Precious Coral, and Pearly White, offering sparkling shimmer designed to illuminate and enhance the complexion. And your future…

THE LION
A symbol of strength

The animal representing Gabrielle Chanel’s zodiac sign is a mirror image of her radiant, untameable personality. It also recalls the Lion of Venice, an iconic city that fascinated Mademoiselle. The lion is a true inspiration, lending strength and pride to those who choose it.

LA COMÈTE
A symbol of luck

“ I wanted to cover women in constellations ”, said Gabrielle Chanel in 1932, while presenting her first and only high jewelry collection, which is filled with celestial motifs. Superstitious, she put her faith in the stars and loved surrounding herself with comets. The comet gives off incandescent light, promising eternal luck to its owners.

LES PERLES
A symbol of radiance

Gabrielle Chanel played with strings of pearls boldly and freely, wearing them close to or draped around her neck, during the day as well as in the evening, in the city and even at the beach. Pearls, which capture both warmth and light, illuminate the complexion and reveal the radiance of those who wear them.

LE CAMÉLIA
A symbol of harmony

Typically worn by dandies on the lapels of their jackets, the camellia became Gabrielle Chanel’s emblem in 1913. It has been featured in many of her creations, where it continues to flourish, still today. Perfectly symmetrical, it never loses its leaves; it embodies steadfast beauty—harmonious and serene. An oasis of calm that soothes and provides peace of mind to those who treasure it.

LES CHAÎNES
A symbol of style

Gabrielle Chanel, an avant-gardist, broke with the rules of her era when she added a chain to her bags. Tucked into the lining of CHANEL jackets, chains are also the secret to creating their structure and ensuring that they fit perfectly. Symbolizing a unique style, chains reveal the allure of those who wear them proudly.

LES SYMBOLES DE CHANEL
Maxi Poudre Illuminatrice
WARM GOLD: a champagne
PRECIOUS CORAL: a soft, satin coral
PEARLY WHITE: a sparkling white
Available for CHF 77.00 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Paris, the 1920s. Art Deco style is at its peak. The frenzy of the era is in full swing. It is a time of exuberance; sequins lead the way. With her avant-garde and free-thinking spirit, Gabrielle Chanel embraced this geometric and contrasting aesthetic, and experimented with a completely new style. Within the walls of her rue Cambon Atelier, the designer celebrated life by creating evening gowns studded with striking sequins. In 2023, the Makeup Creation Studio honors her daring spirit by creating dazzling eye looks for the holiday season. The carefree splendor and liberating glamour of that era shine today in a new exclusive collection that symbolizes the Roaring Twenties in all its magnificence. With only one goal in mind: to shine. Infinitely.

COLLECTION MAKE-UP HOLIDAY 2023

PRECIOUS EYES

Like a delicately embroidered cascade of sequins on a dress that twirls to the beat of the music, the five shades featured in the LUMIÈRE GRAPHIQUE palette are flecked with flamboyant sparkles. These precious, dazzling flashes of Pink Gold, Diamond White, and Shimmering Black can be combined for a graphic, contrasting eye look.

Illuminated eyelids swing to the rhythm of a graphic black line created using SIGNATURE DE CHANEL eyeliner. This intense duet then follows the tempo of NOIR ALLURE mascara, which fans out the lashes, gives them volume, and adds mysterious depth to the overall look. Irresistibly magnetic.

LUMIÈRE GRAPHIQUE
Création Exclusive Yeux
CHF 100.00

THE DESIRE TO DAZZLE

DUO LUMIÈRE captures the splendor of the 1920s within a radiant powder that illuminates the complexion and creates a signature look. The embossed sequins of this exclusive creation are reminiscent of the sparkles that were dear to Gabrielle Chanel.

Shades of Pink Champagne and Crystal White contain iridescent pigments that, upon contact with the skin, instantly boost radiance, offering elegance in concentrated form. When swept over the tops of the cheekbones and bridge of the nose with the brush applicator, these spellbinding, shimmering shades brighten the complexion and leave it with a delicate pearlescent luster.

DUO LUMIÈRE
Création Exclusive Teint
CHF 67.00

LASTING ALLURE

A nod to the opulence of the Roaring Twenties, ROUGE ALLURE L’EXTRAIT puts on quite the show with four irresistible shades. On the outside: a new limited-edition case adorned with golden trim, which can be refilled as many times as desired. On the inside: a protective, moisturizing formula enriched with ume flower extract and plant waxes.

This season, the highly pigmented lipstick comes in the shades Midnight Red, a hypnotic, metallic red hue, and Roaring Purple, a deep, iridescent crimson, in addition to Beige Brut and Rouge Puissant. A vibrant tribute to shine. A finish as brilliant as the light of the setting sun. ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE is available in two delicate, mesmerizing shades: Golden Beige, a golden coral, and Fancy Prune, a powerful metallic plum hue. Delicately applied, these unique new jewels of lipsticks will allow your lips to shimmer all night.

ROUGE ALLURE L’EXTRAIT
Midnight Red – Roaring Purple – Beige Brut – Rouge Puissant
CHF 71.00

ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE
Golden Beige – Fancy Prune
CHF 50.00

Art Deco style, right down to one’s fingertips. LE VERNIS lights up manicures with its bold, precious, delightfully sultry colors.
White Silk, a rosy white; Tuxedo, an antique gold; and Sequins, a shimmering black. Three new shades created for the holidays… and maybe even beyond.

LE VERNIS
White Silk – Tuxedo – Sequins
CHF 37.00

In stores from end of October 2023.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

CHANCE EAU FRAÎCHE charmed the world with its joyous, lively, and sparkling scent. Now, CHANEL presents a new, dazzling and elegant interpretation of it. A new chance is within reach.

VIBRANT ENERGY 2002: CHANEL unveils CHANCE, a gleeful and optimistic floral fragrance creation. A name redolent of success and achievement. «Chance is a way of being», said Gabrielle Chanel. It is no coincidence; it must be created, honed, sought out. It is the product of effort and passion.
Four interpretations of this now-iconic scent emerged, including CHANCE EAU FRAÎCHE Eau de Toilette, a floral-sparkling fragrance with a modern, sophisticated, and decidedly light trail that features notes of jasmine and zesty citron paired with a teak wood accord. An invigorating composition with charming optimism.

BOLD DUALITY 2023: CHANEL reinterprets CHANCE EAU FRAÎCHE Eau de Toilette, creating a version that combines the density of an Eau de Parfum with the brightness of the Eau de Toilette. For this unique composition, CHANEL Perfumer-Creator Olivier Polge amplified the intensity without overpowering its freshness—a challenge he met with great success. CHANCE EAU FRAÎCHE Eau de Parfum has the same spontaneous, lively nature as the Eau de Toilette, but leaves behind a more intense trail. Rather than merely adjust the concentration, the perfumer composed something completely new, a fragrance in its own right. The citron accord has become exhilarating without losing its original juiciness; the jasmine is richer and more intense; and the teak wood accord reveals a more ambery facet, giving it a certain elegance.

CHANCE EAU FRAÎCHE EAU DE PARFUM Vaporisateur 50 ml CHF 135.-
CHANCE EAU FRAÎCHE EAU DE PARFUM Vaporisateur 100 ml CHF 192.-

Available from Mid August 2023.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may also earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

The Lion Astroclock is an exceptional creation inspired by Gabrielle Chanel‘s star sign, Leo. The glass globe encloses a movement with sophisticated finishes, a comet in 18K white gold and a constellation-shaped hand set with diamonds. The plinth contains a black faceted lion, symbol of power and strength. A remarkable clock encompassing the symbols of the House of CHANEL, in a limited edition of 5.

DESCRIPTION
Black polished rotating sphere with hour indices.
Comet-shaped hour hand in 18K white gold set with 11 diamonds (~0.70 carat)
Leo constellation-shaped minute hand set with 9 diamonds (~1.60 carat)
Rock crystal briolette
Black-coated brass sculpted lion and structure.
Manual winding mechanical movement designed by the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio, developed and manufactured by l’Epée
Glass sphere
Functions: hours, minutes
Dimensions: 34.2 x 20.6 x 17.6 cm
Diamonds: 20 brilliant-cut diamonds (~2.30 carats)
Numbered and limited to 5 pieces

An exceptional creation, inspired by the world of science fiction, space and time travel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

CHANEL is returning, as it does every year, to Saint-Tropez to celebrate the summer. For one season, the House is leaving La Mistralée townhouse and settling in the heart of the village. Built on a little town square with typical Provençal charm, a large 340m2 ochre stone residence with blue shutters has been transformed into an elegant boutique hosting the ready-to-wear and accessories collections by Virginie Viard, a selection of jewellery and watches, as well as a range of perfumes.

As if entering a holiday home, clients are welcomed into a shady garden with an outdoor salon surrounded by Mediterranean species. The boutique opens onto a vast vestibule decorated with a stained-glass window – a reference to the stained-glass of the Aubazine abbey where Gabrielle Chanel spent part of her childhood.
The ground floor then unfolds around a single large room punctuated with black columns contrasting with a terracotta floor and white walls set with panels of beige zellij or quilted-effect fabric. A minimalist two- tone architecture where warm spaces are created by sets of furniture, such as the curved lamps and the light-coloured rugs hemmed in black.

This spacious salon presents the S/S 2023 ready-to-wear collection and pre-collection, to be joined in the coming weeks by the CHANEL – Dakar 2023 Métiers d’art collection. Styled on mannequins, the looks are also shown in understated dressing rooms made of stretched woven fabric textured like white tweed. Accessories, small leather goods and costume jewellery mingle with books and decorative objects in large bookcases. Les Eaux de CHANEL fragrance collection also occupies these shelves, like a row of invitations to visit Deauville, Biarritz, Paris, Venice, Edinburgh and of course, the landscapes of the Riviera. The ground floor is also home to two other spaces. The first one is devoted to bags, including the iconic 2.55 and 11.12 bags, along with seasonal creations and new versions of the CHANEL 22 bag. The second one is dedicated to summer with swimwear and beach accessories, sunglasses and from May onwards, a preview of the CHANEL COCO BEACH collection.

Upstairs, the decor combines modern furniture with elements inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s own apartment: a wheatsheaf table and decorative objects in bronze and rock crystal by Goossens, screens and mirrors. A second stained-glass window softens the sunlight while a space like a contemporary boudoir is home to the Watches and Fine Jewelry, notably the COCO CRUSH and N°5 collections, and the J12, Première and BOY·FRIEND watches. Pale fabric sofas for visitors to try on the season’s shoes, nestle by dressing rooms presenting further ready-to-wear silhouettes. Three large fitting rooms complete this welcoming holiday home, steeped in the art de vivre of the French Riviera.

The CHANEL seasonal boutique in Saint-Tropez will open its doors from 8th April until October.
CHANEL Boutique
78, boulevard Louis Blanc 83990 Saint-Tropez France +33 4 94 49 07 47
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday 10am to 1pm and 2 to 9pm

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

A spectacular book published by Thames & Hudson to celebrate the exceptional CHANEL High Jewelry creations, from the launch of Gabrielle Chanel’s first collection in 1932 to the most contemporary pieces.

«I used my penchant for all that shines to try and reconcile elegance and fashion in a set of jewelry.»
Gabrielle Chanel

From Gabrielle Chanel «Bijoux de Diamants» collection to the newest interpretations of her signature signs and symbols by Patrice Leguéreau, Director of the CHANEL Fine Jewelry Creation Studio, CHANEL High Jewelry remains eternally modern and true to the spirit of her enterprise.
Breathtaking new photography and classic images from the CHANEL archives brings together revealing combinations in a stunning visual narrative, privileging aesthetic form over 4 chapters: the origins, the symbols, the spirit, and the allure. Gabrielle Chanel’s passion for fabulous and improbable marvels is celebrated here in a covetable book-object that pays tribute to the House’s unparalleled insistence on luxury and refinement, creativity, and beauty.

Based on extensive research and exploring Chanel’s inspirations and art through some of the most precious of all her creations and the eternally modern ideas they have inspired, the book features superb photographs by Karl Lagerfeld, Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, François Kollar, Roger Schall, George Hoyningen-Huene, Horst P. Horst, André Kertész, Sarah Moon, Koto Bolofo, Karim Sadli, Dominique Issermann, and many others. It is also illustrated with images from CHANEL’s archive and sketches that express the creativity and joie de vivre of the world’s finest High Jewelry collections.

Retail price: £150 / 150€ / $200
Publication dates: France / United Kingdom: December 2022
China / Japan / Korea: January 2023
United States: March 2023

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL #CHANELHighJewelry
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

When Gabrielle Chanel adopted tweed as her own, it was to gift its comfort to elegant, sporty and resolutely modern women. When Patrice Leguéreau, Director of the CHANEL Fine Jewelry Creation Studio, took his inspiration from it in 2020, it was to create the first High Jewelry collection dedicated to tweed, with as its central masterpiece the « Tweed Couture » necklace.

Positioning the elements of the strands of the « TWEED COUTURE » Patrimony necklace on the sheet before setting.

Re-created today, this technical and aesthetic tour de force now forms part of the CHANEL High Jewelry Patrimoine. And it assures tweed a definitive place among the major inspirations of the CHANEL Fine Jewelry Creation Studio.

Assembly of the « TWEED COUTURE » Patrimony necklace.

Taming tweed. Transforming its softness, reinterpreting its weave and the irregularities that deepen its fleecy qualities, and mastering its suppleness in gold, pearls and gemtones. This is the dream that is realized in the « Tweed Couture » necklace. Unfolding in a host of radiating lines of varying lengths, it evokes a dense yet astonishingly light weave, created through a number of innovative processes.

Threading the chain that creates the horizontal weave of the tweed through the strands. First mounting of the chain before dismantling it for setting of the « TWEED COUTURE » Patrimony necklace.

The first of these is the articulation of rose gold and platinum threads to create minuscule hinges, rings and joints that infuse the whole structure of the necklace with suppleness. They are complemented by settings of equal lightness, in which each stone appears to be freed from claws or beads, to be fully revealed in the light.

Assembly of the « TWEED COUTURE » Patrimony necklace.

Rows of infinitely delicate pink sapphires, intense and crystalline red spinels, velvet-smooth pearls and diamonds of dazzling clarity weave the warp and weft of the tweed to re-create its downy thickness. A row of pearls, meanwhile, punctuated in the center by a 10.20 carat DIF type IIa cushion-cut diamond, delicately accentuates the base of the neck. Finally, the back of every element has been polished to ensure the necklace is as light and comfortable as tweed.

Adjustments of the center stone, a cushion-cut diamond of 10,20 carats of the « TWEED COUTURE » Patrimony necklace.

In its perfect embrace of the curve of the neck and its re-creation of the tweed weave, the « Tweed Couture » necklace elevates suppleness to the level of a creative principle, as exalted by the mastery and savoir-faire of the CHANEL Fine Jewelry Atelier. In its freedom and inventiveness, it celebrates the uncompromising boldness of Mademoiselle and takes its place in the CHANEL High Jewelry Patrimoine.

«The « Tweed Couture” necklace, which combines most of the technical challenges we had to face in 2020, was the most ambitious piece in this High Jewelry collection. For example, more than 980 articulations were assembled to create the exceptional suppleness of the necklace. That’s why today, CHANEL is proud to donate this exceptional piece to the Patrimoine department as a precious testimony of our creativity and savoir-faire.» – Patrice Leguéreau

Gabrielle Chanel and the tweed jacket of her English Duke lover changed fashion for ever. The fabric was also the inspiration for Virginie Viard’s F/W 2022 collection for CHANEL.

TWEED BY CHANEL

In the 1920s, Gabrielle Chanel had a love affair with the Duke of Westminster and discovered the lifestyle of the English aristocracy.
The Duke had an indisputable influence on the designs of Mademoiselle, who notably borrowed his tweed jackets to offer reinterpretations of them in her collections.
Tweed is a thick, soft woolen fabric that takes its name from the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders. While it has been part of the CHANEL vocabulary of style since the 1920s, it entered the Maison’s world of jewelry in 2020, with an initial collection of 45 High Jewelry pieces.

Work on « TWEED COUTURE » Patrimony necklace.

The most expensive piece in the 2020 collection, the « Tweed Couture » necklace has been reproduced for the occasion in order to join the pieces in the CHANEL High Jewelry Patrimoine department, such as the « 55.55 » necklace from the “N°5” High Jewelry Collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL #TweedDeCHANEL #CHANELHighJewelry
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.