Chanel’s Riviera: Life, Love and the Struggle for Survival on the Cote d Azur

Far from worrying about the onset of war, in the spring of 1938 the burning question on the French Riviera was whether one should curtsey to the Duchess of Windsor. Few of those who had settled there thought much about what was going on in the rest of Europe. It was a golden, glamorous life, far removed from politics or conflict.

Bestselling social historian Anne de Courcy reveals the glamour and grit of the Second World War on the French Riviera.

Featuring a sparkling cast of artists, writers and historical figures including Winston Churchill, Daisy Fellowes, Salvador Dali, Jean Cocteau, Begum Om Habibeh Aga Khan, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Eileen Gray and Edith Wharton, with the enigmatic Coco Chanel at its heart, ‘Chanel’s Riviera’ is a captivating account of a period that saw some of the deepest extremes of luxury and terror in the whole of the twentieth century.

From Gabrielle Chanel’s first summer at her Roquebrune villa La Pausa (in the later years with her German lover) amid the glamour of the pre-war parties and casinos in Antibes, Nice and Cannes to the horrors of evacuation and the displacement of thousands of families during the Second World War, ‘Chanel’s Riviera’ explores the fascinating world of the Cote d’Azur elite in the 1930s and 1940s. Enriched with much original research, it is social history that brings the experiences of both rich and poor, protected and persecuted, to vivid life.

Chanel’s Riviera: Life, Love and the Struggle for Survival on the Cote d Azur, 1930 1944 by Anne de Courcy is available as hardback (ISBN 1474608221), paperback (ISBN 9781474608190) and as e-Book.

 

 

 

 

Chanel Parfumeur Chapter 1: I Am An Idea

The world of Chanel fragrances is an undisputed success story, born from the very first No.5 perfume, created by Ernest Beaux for Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, that’s often imitated, but never truly duplicated. More than just a scent that lingers all day long, Chanel fragrances have an ability to connect with the mind, empowering you to be a stronger individual with every spray.

For the first time, French Maison Chanel tells the story of fragrance in an exclusive series. Discover the first chapter, I Am An Idea, featuring the voice of Vanessa Paradis.

They are also scents that enable you to express your personality, dressing you like an invisible olfactory garment that seeks to complement your daily outfit. Or, in the case of Marilyn Monroe, who famously declared that she wore a few drops of No.5 to bed, and nothing else. It’s a source of comfort, a precious connection and one that becomes one with your identity over time.

Now the French Maison is going further into the world of its signature fragrances, carrying on Gabrielle Chanel’s vision together with Olivier Polge’s masterful modern-day interpretation, with an all-new series of mini-films, Chanel Parfumeur. The series serves as a means to highlight the house’s expertise in fragrances, along with the history of how it all began. The very first chapter, ‘I Am An Idea’ – directed by Thierry Demaizière and Alban Teurlai – is narrated by Vanessa Paradis and describes the manifesto when it comes to Chanel’s fragrance creation. Enjoy!

Come into the wonderful world of Chanel.

 

 

 

 

Chanel breaks boundaries with its new makeup line designed for men

If there’s one thing that Chanel knows how to do it’s rewrite gender codes. Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel famously borrowed elements from men’s wardrobes for her designs – in the process introducing a generation of women to the chic and comfortable fashions that we have taken for granted. You know, like pants for women.

Now the iconic brand has turned its attention to makeup with its first line designed for men, Boy de Chanel, affirming that beauty is something for everyone regardless of gender. The brand starts with three elegant offerings in midnight blue packaging, that reflect the streamlined and simple routine a modern man might need. The line currently consists of a foundation, a lip balm and an eyebrow pencil.

What it has focussed on are, textures that are instinctive, formulas that are imperceptible and have longevity, as well as products that help men achieve a natural result. In the same vein that women (and drag queens) get a major confidence boost from a touch of well-applied face paint, men can do the same. This is what we know of the products so far.

Everything you need to know about the Boy de Chanel makeup line for men.

Boy de Chanel Le Teint Tinted Fluid

The foundation is called Le Teint Tinted Fluid and is meant to be invisible to the naked eye. It gives that coveted, second skin effect while allowing the skin to breathe –  a must have for any men’s skincare or makeup product. This one is lightweight, enriched with hyaluronic acid and helps to resist sweat and sebum, and currently comes in four shades. Because men need SPF protection too, this comes in SPF25/PA++ to shield against skin-ageing UVA and UVB rays.

 

Boy de Chanel Le Baume Lèvres Matte Moisturizing Lip Balm

The Le Baume Lèvres Matte Moisturizing Lip Balm softens and hydrates the lips with a matte texture and is packed with jojoba oil, shea butter and vitamin E while still maintaining a weightless effect. Do men want a chic, Chanel lip balm with a non-shiny finish? We have a feeling this will be sùrprisingly popular.

 

Boy de Chanel Le Stylo Sourcils Eyebrow Pencil 

Lastly, the French Maison zeroes in on what men truly need to complete a polished visage with an eyebrow pencil. The Le Stylo Sourcils Eyebrow Pencil is waterproof and long wearing and comes in four shades, with a spiral brush on one end to groom the brows and adjust coverage. We already know many men who indulge in eyebrow grooming – and these aren’t even those of the metrosexual ilk – so this product is likely to be a hit. Although, we’re pretty sure there is no gender when it comes to eyebrow pencils or in fact any makeup, the fact that a major fashion and beauty house has designed a line for men to make them feel more comfortable with the idea is a step in the right direction.

The Boy de Chanel makeup line will first launch in South Korea on September 1, according to WWD. It will then roll-out internationally to Chanel.com and in Chanel boutiques between November and January.

 

 

 

 

Return of the masterpiece with the support of Chanel: Last year at Mariënbad

 

In 1961, for the film L’Année dernière à Marienbad (Last Year at Mariënbad), a film that launched a thousand dissertations, and one of the most visually beautiful films ever shot, Gabrielle Chanel designed Delphine Seyrig’s dresses. With the support of French Maison Chanel, a restored version of the film is now being released. In collaboration with Studiocanel, Chanel has helped return this masterpiece to its original glory.

You never seem to be waiting for me, but we kept meeting at every turn of the paths. Behind every bush, at the foot of each statue, near every pond. It is as if it had been only you and I in all that garden.

dir. Alain Resnais, L’Année dernière à Mariënbad (Last Year At Mariënbad)

To celebrate this achievement, the restored version of Last Year at Marienbad will premiere as part of the classic film section at the Venice Film Festival, where the original film was awarded a Golden Lion close to 60 years ago. The digitisation and restoration in 4k were conducted using the original negatives. The colour grading, an essential step, has faithfully restored the beauty of film’s original contrast and images.

On release, the film’s delicate and elegant photography fascinated the public with its troubling intensity, the loss of temporal reference points, and the characters’ psychological games. The film invites the spectator to follow a train of thought through the corridors of the hotel that represent ‘the labyrinth that is the human brain’, as analysed by film critic Jean-Luc Douin.

Gabrielle Chanel always cultivated a close relationship with the art world. To Alain Resnais, François Truffaut and Luchino Visconti, her avant-gardist fashion represented a modern and forward-thinking world, and they would call upon her to dress their greatest actresses.

Alain Resnais did not want Delphine Seyrig to wear specially created costumes, but rather a wardrobe tethered to everyday life, one that would evoke the allure of 1920s cinema stars, as well as a modern and timeless elegance and Gabrielle Chanel, who was already ruling the fashion world and still setting the trends for the 1960s, was the only one who could achieve this.

Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel

Delphine Seyrig would later explain that she appreciated Chanel because, by blending elegance and comfort, the designer enabled women to feel ‘as comfortable as men’, a subject dear to the actress who would become a fervent feminist in the 1970s.

Alain Resnais would use Delphine Seyrig in his next film as well, another French Cinema classic that initially wasn’t received well, but has grown in regard as time has passed.

Exceptional Creation Chanel Monsieur Pocket Watch

Born under the sign of Leo, Gabrielle Chanel made the powerful, majestic lion her protector. In 2018, the Monsieur collection reveals two exceptional pieces designed by the Chanel Creative Studio: the Monsieur de Chanel Chronosphere Clock – that we showed you before- and Monsieur de Chanel Pocket Watch.

Chanel Monsieur Pocket Watch, the most stunning Fine Watchmaking movement in the name of creative freedom.

The Monsieur Pocket Watch embodies the boldness of the lion. This unique piece, designed by the French Maison, is enlivened by the Fine Watchmaking movement specially designed and created by the Chanel Swiss Manufacture: Caliber 2.2. The finish of each component of the Monsieur Pocket Watch, along with baguette-cut diamonds surrounding the case and lion’s paw, illustrate a vision of time that is precious, unique and eternal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Gentleman’s Toy – The Monsieur de Chanel Chronosphere Clock

Mademoiselle’s apartment, at 31 Rue Cambon in Paris, provides an endless source of inspiration. Unique pieces and an atmosphere that is frozen in time sparkle the creativity, giving life to exceptional pieces.

Born under the sign of Leo, Gabrielle Chanel made the powerful, majestic lion her protector. In 2018, the Monsieur collection reveals an exceptional piece designed by the Chanel Creative Studio: the Chronosphere Clock.

Monsieur Chronosphère Clock is one of these, and it represents a new chapter in the French Maison’s watchmaking history.

Coco Chanel’s private room at 31 Rue Cambon Paris. The crystal ball which inspired Monsieur Chronosphère Clock is visible on the coffee table, on the left.

One of the biggest surprises coming from Maison Chanel this year is this breathtaking desk clock, designed by the legendary Parisian house and developed and manufactured by the famous master clockmakers from L’Epée 1839. Called Monsieur de Chanel Chronosphere, this ravishing clock is basically an objet d’art that tells time, made of glass and about 15 cm in diameter, reflecting the brand’s distinct style.

The sphere was actually inspired by a rock crystal ornament from ‘Coco’ Chanel’s apartment, that was imagined back then by the French jeweler Robert Goossens. Inside this stunning glass sphere you’ll see L’Epée’s seven-day, cal.1855, an incredible movement with a vertical escapement that brings the entire show to life.

Two mesmerizing drums will show the hour and minutes from the upper half of the globe. The numerals show off Chanel’s own modernist typeface that was actually inspired by the numbers on LCD displays in electronic watches. Meanwhile, the plates of the movement have been black coated with PVD while the gear train is plated in palladium.

Sleekly monochromatic, the glass globe is held up by four solid bronze lions, cast in a faceted, sculpted form that’s reminiscent of the Art Deco movement, with a matte black finish. In case you might want one of these incredible desk clocks, you should know that the Monsieur de Chanel Chronosphere Clock will be produced in a very limited run of just five units, each of them expected to cost around €200,000. Beauty doesn’t come cheap.

Come into the world of Chanel……

 

 

 

 

 

Les Eaux De Chanel

French Maison Chanel launches Les Eaux De Chanel, a new line of three Eaux de Toilettes that will be sold exclusively at Chanel boutiques and the Chanel website starting June 2018. The collection created by perfumer Oliver Polge is named after travel routes and the ties between Gabrielle Chanel and certain cities during her career, offering ‘a sense of freshness that is as emotional as the memory of a journey’.

Inspired by three destinations beloved by Gabrielle Chanel, Les Eaux De Chanel start a new chapter in the history of Chanel fragrances. A sensation of freshness. A journey in every spray.

 

Chanel Paris – Deauville

Gabrielle Chanel and her aunt Adrienne in front of the Chanel Boutique in Deauville, 1913. Chanel collection

Inspired by the landscapes along the Normandy coast, Paris – Deauville transposes this bucolic charm to the heart of a fragrance of the open air.

Chanel Paris – Deauville is an aromatic-citrusy fragrance that possesses a ‘lively, natural, radiant freshness’, inspired by the Normandy coast where Gabrielle Chanel opened her first boutique in 1913. The fragrance is designed to convey rural charm with green nuances that resemble clean, fresh air.

Top notes: Sicilian orange, Basil, eergamot, Lemon, Lime, Petit grain
Heart: Jasmine, Rose, Hedione, Green notes
Base: Patchouli

Pairing the green facets of Basil with sparkling top notes of Sicilian Mandarin, this aromatic citrus fragrance unleashes a lively, naturally radiant freshness.

 

Chanel Paris – Biarritz

The Chanel Boutique in Biarritz, 1931, photo Seeberger, Bibliothèque Nationale de France

Inspired by the pure air and energy of the Basque coast, Paris – Biarritz captures the spirit and freedom of this significant city.

Chanel Paris – Biarritz is announced as an exeptionaly fresh and vivacious scent inspired by the energy of the Basque coast. In 1915, Gabrielle Chanel discovered the city of Biarritz, which delighted her with its at the same time sporty and sophisticated atmosphere and where she opened the first couture house across from the casino. The fragrance contains sparkling fruity notes of Sicilian tangerine and lily of the valley.

Top notes: Tangerine, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Lemon, Orange
Heart: Lily of the valley, Neroli, green note
Base: White musk, Patchouli

Vibrant and delicately fruity, Sicilian Mandarin highlights the sparkling radiance of a Lily of the Valley accord in this lively fragrance that is as refreshing as a splash of sea spray.

 

Chanel Paris – Venice

Gabrielle Chanel on Roussy Sert’s yacht in Venice, photo V.H. Grandpierre.

Inspired by the exotic and enchanting city of contrasts, Paris – Venice interprets the captivating draw of this legendary place that marks the boundary between East and West.

Chanel Paris – Venice is a fresh oriental fragrance inspired by one of the favorite cities of Gabriele Chanel – Venice. In 1920, this city meant love at first sight to her and a fresh start after the death of Boy Capel. The Baroque and Byzantine art works of Venice became an inspiration for her style. Paris – Venise as a perfume represents the border between the East and West, the contrasts of light and dark tones, as well as freshness and sensuality.

Top notes: Orange, Bergamot, Lemon, Petit grain, Pink pepper
Heart: Neroli, Iris, Rose, Geranium, Ylang-Ylang
Base: Benzoin, Orris, Tonka, Vanilla, Violet, White musk

A composition of shadow and light, between freshness and sensuality, in which essence of Neroli illuminates the warm tones of an oriental accord with ambery accords of Vanilla and Tonka.

The Les Eaux De Chanel fragrances come in simple packaging with a luxurious feel and lightweight glass flacons of a more rounded shape compared to Les Exclusifs.

Using lighter-than-usual glass, the bottle is made for you to travel with ease and it is housed inside a corrugated cardboard packaging that evokes the rippling of the seawater as it recedes from the beach and leaves its mark in the sand. The matte surface of the cardboard has densified the black ink used for each inscription, presenting an even more delicate texture of the Chanel jacket.

Equipped with a unique pump, the bottle diffuses micro-droplets of fragrance for a longer time than an ordinary spray. The pump offers an effect of a soft and gentle cloud, thus heightening the soothing, comforting sensations upon application.

From 1st June 2018 onwards, the Les Eaux De Chanel fragrance collection is available at Chanel Boutiques and Chanel Fragrance & Beauty Boutiques worldwide. Each scent will be available as a 125 ml Eau de Toilette.

Come into the beautiful world of Chanel.

 

 

 

 

The Time of Chanel

A tangible and yet eternal present: the time of Chanel.

“Fashion is always of the time in which we live”, said Gabrielle Chanel in the brand’s Inside Chanel series, which was launched to coincide with Baselworld ’17. Focusing on the importance of time, the video showcases how the maison has masterfully fused the traditional and the contemporary to create a present that reflects the founder’s peerless vision of luxury. Also featured in the 90-second clip are the horological pieces that were unveiled during Baselworld including the J12, the Monsieur de Chanel and the Premiere Camelia Skeleton.

In time for Baselworld ’17, Chanel shares its latest insightful video. Watch Chapter 19 of Inside Chanel….

 

 

 

Camus receive prestigious French Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label

French Maison Camus has been awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label in recognition of itssavoir-faire, advanced technical skills and commitment to crafting quality products.

Created in 2005 by the French State to promote its industrial and craft heritage, the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label rewards outstanding economic and cultural talent across the country. Selected companies undergo a rigorous and lengthy examination process by an official body comprising independent and governmental entities.

Camus has been recognized as one of the select few Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant labeled brands to contribute to France’s economic standing, which include Baccarat, Boucheron, Chanel, Hermés, and Chateau Laubade.

Cyril Camus, President of Camus, representing the fifth generation of the founding family, said: “It is a privilege for Camus to receive the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label, which testifies to the devotion and savoir-faire passed on from each generation of my family to the next, as well as to the ongoing support from all those who have worked alongside us over the years. This success is also theirs”.

Maison Camus spans more than 150 years. With 180 hectares in the Borderies cru, the smallest and rarest district in the Cognac appellation, the Camus family has always been deeply involved in making and distilling Cognac.

Come into the beautiful world of Camus.

 

 

 

 

Up all Night, Chanel Le Lift Firming Anti-Wrinkle Flash Eye Evitalizer

Its known that Chanel skin care is not only popular with women, but also with men. Not because of their black and white packages, but because of the structure of the products, which are quickly absorbed by the skin. And more important: they work!

Maison Chanel’s Le Lift Firming Anti-Wrinkle Flash Eye Evitalizer is a two-step eye care system that starts with an intense roll-on serum followed by hydrogel patches for immediate revitalization and radiance. Product includes ten sets of two hydrogel patches.

Chanel researchers isolated a remarkably potent extract from the Edulis Morning Glory and created the signature Le Lift ingredient, 3.5-DA ( Chanel-exclusive form of dicaffeoylquinic acid.. The Chanel-exclusive compound is 50 times more concentrated than the original molecule, and restores skin to its optimal firmness while improving tone and suppleness, by intuitively detecting and targeting individual factors of aging.

Radiant eyes in a flash!
Step one: Reduce the look of puffiness and dark circles with a targeted serum.
Step two: Smooth and rejuvenate with refreshing hydrogel patches. Hello, refreshed eyes.

Eriched with 3.5-DA and a vitamin complex, the targeted formula of the serum helps to reduce the look of puffiness and dark circles. Enhanced with the revitalizing power of the patches, the eye contour instantly appears smoother and more radiant. Fine lines are visibly softened and signs of fatigue look diminished.

Use as needed or continuously for 11 days to enhance your Le Lift ritual.

Le Lift, Firming – Anti-Wrinkle Flash Eye Revitalizer is an eye serum which should be applied after cleansing and toning the skin. Some clients use our Le Lift, Firming – Anti-Wrinkle Flash Eye Revitalizer as a quick boost during the day as needed. In this case it is okay to use the Le Lift, Firming – Anti-Wrinkle Flash Eye Revitalizer over skin which already had eye cream applied.

Please know that these hydrogel patches are not reusable however, they do include 10 sets of two patches.