Coco Chanel, the founder of the iconic fashion brand Chanel, was a woman of many talents. She revolutionized the fashion industry by introducing new styles that were both comfortable and elegant. However, despite her success, many people are still unsure about where the original House of Chanel is located.
Chanel’s Early Years
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel was born in Saumur, France in 1883. After spending some time in a convent orphanage, she began working as a seamstress and eventually became a hatmaker. In 1910, she opened her first boutique in Paris.
The Original House of Chanel
The original House of Chanel is located at 31 Rue Cambon in Paris. This building has been the headquarters of Chanel since 1918. It was purchased by Coco Chanel herself and has remained an important location for the brand ever since.
Fun Fact: The street name “Cambon” is derived from one of Napoleon’s generals who lived there during his reign.
A Tour of the House
The House of Chanel at Rue Cambon comprises five floors. The first floor is dedicated to accessories, including jewelry and handbags. The second floor is reserved for ready-to-wear clothes while the third floor houses haute couture collections.
The fourth floor houses Coco Chanel’s private apartment which includes a salon where she would receive her high-profile clients such as Marlene Dietrich and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The fifth floor serves as storage for fabrics and archives.
- Tip: Visitors can take a tour of Coco Chanel’s apartment but only with an appointment.
- Another Tip: The flagship store also features an elevator with a mirrored ceiling which inspired Karl Lagerfeld to use it as inspiration for one of his runway shows.
The Legacy of Chanel
Coco Chanel passed away in 1971 but her legacy lives on. The brand continues to thrive under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard. Today, the House of Chanel has boutiques all over the world, from New York to Tokyo.
Fun Fact: The iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume was created in 1921 and is still one of the best-selling fragrances in the world.
In Conclusion
The original House of Chanel is located at 31 Rue Cambon in Paris and has been an important location for the brand since its purchase by Coco Chanel herself in 1918. Visitors can take a tour of Coco Chanel’s apartment with an appointment, while the flagship store features a mirrored elevator that inspired one of Karl Lagerfeld’s runway shows. With a legacy that continues to inspire fashion lovers all over the world, there is no doubt that Coco Chanel has left her mark on history.