‘Chanel? South of the River?’ we hear you cry. But the rumours, we’re thrilled to report, are true. And what better situ for a French fashion and beauty house to settle than the elegant surrounds of Turbine Hall A at Battersea Power Station, the decommissioned Grade II-listed, coal-fired station at Nine Elms that reopened to rapturous applause for the first time in 40 years back in October last year.
Besides, for all its undeniable glitz, gloss and allure, could one ever reach Bond Street – stress and crumple-free, coffee and croissant in hand, newspaper tucked neatly under the other – by boat? The answer, of course, is no.
The Chanel Boutique perches prettily in its Power Station surroundings, its design entirely in keeping with the architecture of the building: vast, tiled columns from the original build seamlessly incorporated into the store design and a custom-made, art deco luminaire suspended to illuminate a sizable central make-up stand. This is where clients may take in the entire Chanel make-up portfolio as well as create virtual eye, lip and nail looks before taking a seat at one of the dedicated make-up stations to test and try on their favourites IRL.
This gleaming central bank is flanked on the left by Chanel’s iconic fragrance wardrobe, while a slight turn to the right reveals a display of the brand’s roster of famously hardworking skincare. Treats and charming touches are to be found throughout; from giant bottles draped in pearls, to limited-edition beauty offerings, covetable coffee-table books and more.
Head to the back of the store, meanwhile, to discover the Exclusives Corner, a neat, plush space equipped with sofa, a coffee table and my beloved Chanel Les Exclusives de Chanel fragrances (if you haven’t tried Sycomore, you must), alongside a concise edit of small leather goods from purses to vanity cases, plus a wall of the brand’s best-selling sunglasses to ensure you secure the perfect match to your new make-up up look.
