One of the things that made legendary designer Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel such a compelling character is that she embraced both the feminine and the masculine. This duality influenced her fashions (she was among the first designers to introduce sports-inspired clothes and trousers, freeing women from constrictive skirts and corsets) but she was, at times, also one of the boys.
Coco Chanel was also all about experiences. Which is why Chanel (the brand) is hosting a one day only Gentlewoman's club on Mercer Street in New York City on Sunday, November 12th. Called Club Coco, the club Wing Soho will be transformed into a unique social space modeled after old school men's clubs such as the Yale Club in New York or the Savile Club in London. Except that instead of dark rooms filled with cigar smoke and the smell of whiskey (not that there's anything wrong with that), Club Coco is filled the scent of No.5. And maybe some whiskey too.
For one day only, select Chanel customers (who RSVP here) will be greeted at the door with charcoal-infused lemonade, a membership card, and a menu of activities. For example, make a stop at the makeup station for a quick touch up using colours from latest Chanel Maquillage collection. (Really one of the boys: the most popular shade is named after Coco's own boyfriend, Arthur Edward "Boy" Capel.) After being refreshed physically and aesthetically, settle into the comfy seating of the library and relax while waiting to visit with a numerologist (card readers will also be on hand). Even skeptics can take the readings as good, sisterly advice. And speaking of sisterhood, you can can head straight to the trophy-lined games room to meet other amazing women while leaning in to a game of pool. Or reach out and connect with good friends in a refined and graceful way at a letter writing station (Club Coco will supply both postcards and postage for you).
And, this being Chanel, there has to be shopping. Since the whole goal of the Gentlewoman's club is to slow things down a little and really appreciate your time, members are invited to shop and discover the Boy-Friend Watch Bar. Chanel doesn't offer a lot of different timepieces, but all of its six collections, from the original Première to the J-12, are all classics. The Boy-Friend line, introduced in 2015, with its masculine, oversized rectangular case which reflects the stopper of the Chanel No. 5 perfume, the newest incarnations reimagines feminine watchmaking with luxe alligator straps or metallicized bracelets finished with Chanel's favorite tweedy texture.
To join, sign up at at chanelcococlub.eventbrite.com using the code CocoClub. Sunday, November 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 52 Mercer St., 5th Fl., New York.
