Take A Look Inside Coco Chanel’s Parisian Apartment

Photo Credit: Sonya Molodetskaya

Paris Fashion Week is one of the most important events in the fashion world. Twice a year designers, bloggers, press, and fashion lovers from around the globe gather in the City of Lights. If Paris were to transform into a theatrical performance, fashion would become the star actress. Every spring and fall, I travel to Paris to be at the center of this beautiful event.

This February during the presentation of the Fall 2018 collections, Paris was covered in snow. When the snow melted, it began to rain, but the cold did not stop anyone (myself included!) from wearing their best looks to the shows. However, the weather did require some creativity. What is the best fashion weapon during stormy season?! Bright colors! Yellow, green, and pink looked even more vibrant against the snowy white background. Shades of lavender, white, and beige looked feminine and tender.

Photo Credit: Sonya Molodetskaya

The Dior show was held in the Musée Rodin. Designer Maria Grazia Chiuri continued the feminism theme that she started in her past collections, concentrating on the role of women in society. Inspired by the 60s, the years of social revolution and women’s recognition, the presentation recalled Marc Bohan’s era. Bohan was the designer for Dior in the 60s and was best known for inventing the “Slim Look.”

Of course, Paris Fashion Week would not be complete without the Chanel show. As always, creative genius Karl Lagerfeld did not disappoint. The setting for the show was a frosty autumn day in the forest. The trees were covered with moss, and the rustling of fallen leaves could be heard. Tweed coats and suits helped to plunge the viewer into the atmosphere of fall—and lace dresses with long gloves reminded me of the holidays. The predominant colors of the upcoming Chanel season are black, gray, and shades of brown.

Photo Credit: Sonya Molodetskaya

Besides the shows, the most thrilling event was visiting Coco Chanel’s apartment. Located in the center of Paris on the legendary Rue Cambon, her home was shown to a select group of fashion lovers. Today, 47 years after her death, the apartment remains in pristine condition. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine that one day I would follow the legend—see the images she saw, touch her beloved objects, and sit on the famous couch where Coco Chanel entertained her guests.

A spiral staircase with dozens of mirrors—causing a surreal effect—leads to the second floor. Every day when she was leaving or entering, Coco Chanel stopped on the fifth step of the staircase to examine herself from different angles. She also used the mirrored staircase to see people’s reaction without them seeing her.

Photo Credit: Sonya Molodetskaya

None of the objects in the apartment were there by accident. Every little thing has its own fascinating history. I noticed statuettes, table and writing supplies, and elements of mirrors and lamps in the shape of a lion. Apparently, Chanel’s Zodiac sign was Leo, and that’s why she surrounded herself with symbols of this animal.

Coco Chanel was born in poverty, but she managed to transform herself from an unknown Provincial singer to the owner of a huge fashion house, which still has a leading role in the industry today. The life of Coco Chanel teaches us never to give up, and constantly go toward our goal, despite any obstacles.

Photo Credit: Sonya Molodetskaya

Photo Credit: Sonya Molodetskaya

Photo Credit: Sonya Molodetskaya

Photo Credit: Sonya Molodetskaya