As one of Southeast Asia‘s most alluring cities, Bangkok offers a shopping infrastructure that’s matched by very few other cities in the region, and notably in the upper segment, leading fashion houses are well represented, including Chanel. The iconic French fashion house operates no less than three standalone boutiques. As of late, the brand’s store at Central Embassy, one of the city’s upscale shopping centres, has reopened after a significant expansion and revamp. First opened in 2014, the premises now measure over 600 sqm. (6,458 sq.ft.) and feature an interior design by acclaimed New York City-based architect and longtime collaborator Peter Marino. The renewal is even visible from afar as the façade is composed of white lacquered panels reminiscent of pleated fabric and contrasting black lava stone. Effortlessly oozing Chanel‘s design codes, the retail space flaunts many signature elements, such as soft gold metal and polished surfaces.
These material set the backdrop against luxurious textured wall finishings and woven wool carpets and iconic tweed furnishings. Additionally, in the tradition of artistic patronage established by founder Coco Chanel, the boutique displays a collection of modern art pieces, all handpicked by Marino, which signal the legendary iconography of the Paris-based fashion house. With a store this big, it’s no surprise there are two entrances. Coming in by the left side doors, shoppers are immediately immersed into the world of Chanel footwear thanks to a spacious shoe salon brimming with the newest models. Up next are three plush salons, all presenting the ready-to-wear collection, and channelling the elegance of Coco’s plush apartment on rue Cambon in Paris. Tweed-upholstered sofas and woven carpets exude an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere and blend harmoniously together with site-specific artworks and furniture.
The tightly curated selection includes a patch bronze lamp by Moroccan artist Laurence Montano which is paired with a polished bronze table designed by French-Swedish artist Ingrid Donat. The elevated shopping experience extends even to the fitting rooms which feature a white monochrome painting by Chicago-based artist McArthur Binion and a brass and silver glass mirror by sculptor duo and fellow Americans Curtis Jeré. Upon entering the store through the other entrance, shoppers find themselves in a luxurious entry gallery adorned with a golden brass and rock crystal chandelier by Paris-based, affiliated goldsmith Goossens, and which is connected to the shoe space which eventually leads to two spacious rooms dedicated to accessories. Here, small leather goods, costume jewellery and eyewear are presented in niches framed in black and gold alongside a wide range of iconic Chanel handbags.
Chanel
Central Embassy, 1031 Thanon Ploenchit, Shop G11-13 (Pathumwan)
Bangkok 10330
Telephone: +66 2 5088995
Daily 10am-8pm
Publishers Note
Just to be clear – superfuture® is a design blog and not a political commentator. No surprise there. The scope of our content has always been global and borderless, however that can often mean covering projects in countries where we will not agree with the politics or actions of those countries. In a world that’s as screwed up as ever right now, the focus of our support is to those designers, architects and other creatives who aim to make the world a more liveable one – as opposed to people that try their hardest to destroy it. So if a project hits our desk and we like it based on its design credentials, we may choose to publish regardless of its location or creators nationality. superfuture® has always been inclusive and hopes for all current wars, aggression, violence, hate and extremism to end.
