Perhaps you're like me and often glance in the mirror
thinking, "Oh dear god, this cannot be how I look today!" And then
you realize, yes, in fact, it is how you look every day. Thankfully, there's Chanel.
The retailer announced the recent opening of its Costa Mesa,
Calif.-based Chanel Makeup Studio, which is located inside Bloomingdale's. It's the first of its kind in the U.S., but
not in the world. Apparently Chanel believes that the international peeps
deserve their delicious makeup far before we do, because 10 makeup studios
already exist at in Moscow, Tokyo, Dubai, Istanbul, Barcelona and London.
Shockingly, my feelings are hurt. I'm sure yours are too.
But, have no fear, Chanel makes up for the diss by offering
European and Asian best-selling goods at the new studio that you can't find
anywhere else, at least domestically. Of course this means we'll all have to
book flights to Costa Mesa to take advantage, but hey, Chanel does what it can.
Since I'm not much of a make-up-a-holic (hence the
tremendous mirror disappointment), I was more excited to learn about the sassy
design of the in-store makeup studio at Bloomingdale's. It's only a 500-sq.-ft. space, but makes up for its
smallness with slick, black-and-white decor (in the traditional, classy Bloomingdale's style) including black lacquered shelving
to hold its magnificent quantities of makeup. Wait, isn't lacquer out? Probably
not if Chanel is doing it. The lighting--one of my personal interests--is
set-up specifically to accent both the makeup and those trying it on. Gotta
love that! The aura of the studio is sleek, sophisticated and modern (think Gattaca, not The Jetsons),
with a nice luxurious edge.
I'm assuming the point of the over-the-top design is to
distract customers from the obscene prices and instead transport them into
absolute opulence. Luxury can be an amazing aphrodisiac, after all. In
addition, the in-store studio features four huge plasma screen televisions blaring
Chanel commercials, featuring hotties Nicole Kidman and Keira Knightley. Two
girls who obviously don't realize how good food actually tastes, but, I
digress...To add to the contemporary feel, a ticker streams constantly,
broadcasting upcoming studio events and other important makeup news.
Chanel and Bloomingdale's really know how to do it up right.
Stay tuned...I have a feeling this concept will be spreading
to more U.S. locations.
Been to the Chanel Makeup Studio in Bloomindale's? Or think I'm ridiculous
because their makeup IS outstanding? Do tell! We want to hear from you...
--Heather Strang
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