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7 Reasons Why by Aug 22, 02:59PM in Shop

Nordstrom's New Chanel Boutique Includes a Leathergoods 'Bar' Designed by Karl Lagerfeld

3. There’s an ample stock of Timeless Classics. “When it’s in a simple shape, any color can become a neutral,” a staffer rightfully points out about the bold hues that are creeping onto the shelves. Options include color-block friendly jewel tones and fall’s de rigeur burgundy tones. Number-one requested color? Lipstick red. Says the staffer, “As soon as they’re here, they’re gone.” Photo: Chantal Gordon/The Feast

Photo: Chantal Gordon/The Feast

1. It keeps our cravings for the brick-and-mortar at bay. We might not have a standalone store (though rumors have abounded for years) but the new Nordstrom spaces capture the chic, serene vibe you’d find at the Beverly Hills and N.Y. stores. We love the tweedy lounge area that lets you watch Chanel fashion shows on a continuous loop. Photo: Chantal Gordon/The Feast
2. It’s a dedicated space for the brand’s breakout (and waitlist-attached) pieces. Associates say popular pieces have included a deep blue checked cape styled with bold colors on the racks (at right) as well as a leather motorcycle pant that’s already sold out. Photo: Chantal Gordon/The Feast
3. There’s an ample stock of Timeless Classics. “When it’s in a simple shape, any color can become a neutral,” a staffer rightfully points out about the bold hues that are creeping onto the shelves. Options include color-block friendly jewel tones and fall’s de rigeur burgundy tones. Number-one requested color? Lipstick red. Says the staffer, “As soon as they’re here, they’re gone.” Photo: Chantal Gordon/The Feast
4. The “Pearl Dice” necklace from Fall/Winter 2011 is now in stock. Clients have been calling in advance of the arrival of this necklace, which features the brand’s iconic pearls and interlocking C’s along with crystal-studded “dice cubes.” The necklace was placed on display on the same day as our visit late last week. Photo: Chantal Gordon/The Feast
5. The SLG Bar was designed by Karl Lagerfeld himself. The vibe is meant to encourage shoppers to “come, hang out, see what’s new,” says a staffer, and that includes the small leather goods “bar” that entails a tall, magnetized wall panel on which accessories like quilted iPad cases (with magnets temporarily tucked inside) are placed. The only two places to find this Lagerfeld-designed feature are S.D. and Paris. Photo: Chantal Gordon/The Feast
6. Another bestseller: the Chanel 2.55 “wallet on a chain” bag. The fan base cuts across all age groups, we’re told by an associate, thanks to its day-to-night appeal. Also, 180 steps go into making each handbag. Photo: Chantal Gordon/The Feast
7. Even the Chanel Beauté section got a refresh. In the makeup department, the space now bears smart little touches of the brand’s sensibility, including new makeup chairs upholstered in tweed. Photo: Chantal Gordon/The Feast

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Scan the party pages of any philanthropic group here in S.D., and it becomes clear that the local market for Chanel is a ravenous one. So, in response to shoppers’ appeals for more and more goods from the storied French fashion house, Nordstrom at Fashion Valley has opened up two in-store Chanel shops.

One space (located inside the second floor’s Collectors section) carries apparel and outerwear and the other (in the first floor’s accessories section) is dedicated to bags, jewelry, and select shoes. With perks including floor-to-ceiling fashion show footage and a leathergoods “bar” designed by Karl Lagerfeld himself, we bring you seven reasons why these new Chanel spaces are worth a shopping trip — or at the very least, a covetous browse.

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