Karl, where are you?
Posted in Style on May 28th, 2010 by John Agee
Dear Stylish Readers,
I had the privilege of joining the French Heritage Society today for a private tour of Coco Chanel’s apartment. Located on the second floor of Chanel’s legendary headquarters in the Rue Cambon just behind the Ritz Hotel and the Place Vendôme, it was a sanctuary where Coco herself would retire to meet her guests for cocktails, dinner, or simply a tête-à-tête. Consisting of only four rooms, it functioned as a sort of resting place as she did not actually sleep there (that was reserved for another apartment across the street at the Ritz. It’s the only way, really.)

Sumptuously decorated in 18th Chinese Coromandel screens, the apartment is a complete contrast to the austere Art Déco aesthetic which prevails in the rest of the maison de couture. Of course, I couldn’t resist having my picture snapped on the legendary mirrored staircase where so many of the twentieth century’s most stylish women have tread on their way upstairs to be fitted my Mademoiselle herself.
Alas, Karl must have taken the day off as he was nowhere to be seen. Quelle triste.
Best,
JA


Dear Stylish Readers,
Dear Stylish Readers,