I invited my blog friend Audrey, such a polished New Yorker she is, to go and visit the Chanel Mobile Art Exhibition. The show traveled to three cities, New York being the last, before the company decided to cancel the rest of the tour. Audrey’s visit will remain unique. One-of-a-kind she truly is, and went on her mission full-heatedly. Thank you Audrey, you’re such a sweet friend and a gifted writer. Here, come on embark on a guided tour à la Audrey.

…at the Chanel mobile art exhibit in central park, the handsome usher there dressed in a karl lagerfeld jumper explained that there is a standby line, and currently it looks like the wait is about 4 hours. i looked at the line, a long line, and thought ‘let’s see what happens..’ maybe it won’t be quite 4 hours. some other folk came in line behind me. we all looked at one another, we looked at the architecture of the exhibit space. it was tempting… the pavilion, a white curved fluid ‘star trek’ looking labyrinth, and we thought…let’s try.

now the evening and quest for art seems to be taking on a whole life of it’s own. i’d explained that i’ve a friend in Paris, Susu, who sent me, Audrey, on this journey, and i’d like to make good of it. i felt like a journalist sent on assignment…

it turns out the wait was just about 4 hours. sounds crazy right? but in the end it was really quite lovely. we were lucky, the weather was nice, and 6 of us waiting in the same area on line formed a little group, striking up interesting ideas for conversation and laughing along the way. one girl even went for snacks and brought them back for us to enjoy. towards the end of the wait the usher comes over to us and says… ‘i think you have a pretty good chance of making it in.’

inside there is a presentation of 20 art exhibits, all inspired by Chanel’s classic 2.55 quilted-style chain hand bag. on top of that it is also an experience, unlike anything i have ever attended before. sure, it’s all a bit kooky between the videos and film and interactive and still arts, one has to be prepared to let go, meander around, allow your imagination to go free and be inspired…

there is help letting go as well. when you walk in you are asked to leave all you ‘stuff’ at this fancy coat check area, cute girls in cool Chanel outfits sit you down for a little instructional tutorial. i thought ‘all this for an exhibit.’ but i was in, i was curious and excited. you are given head phones to guide you all through the exhibit and when the voice says… ‘stand up, turn left.’ …you’re on your way for an exciting and original experience… but remember, just let go and go with the flow. much like in life…

Written by Audrey, New York

2 Responses to “Chanel Enchantment à la Audrey”

1. audrey says:

   February 16, 2009 at 9:09 am

   oh Susu, you are so cute. thanks so much for this opportunity, what fun! i had no idea the exhibit was canceled after new york. i spared the details inside because i wanted it to be a surprise for you and anyone else who would visit. so then i have some souvenirs from the exhibit to share with you…

   a bientot mon amie & hope all doings from the weekend went well:)
2. Susu says:

   February 16, 2009 at 4:00 pm

   Audrey – I’m so happy you took my challenge, and did it with so much enthusiasm. I came across the info of the show’s cancellation completely by accident. Apparently the enterprise is going through some financial difficulties, and they preferred not to lay off anyone, but to cut down costs, and the show was one of them. I’m of course sad not to be able to see it, but I’m more content that no one will be out of work.

   And I’ll get to hear all about the show directly from you…:)