Were you there when it arrived?
When Oakridge Park opened its doors to the public last May, CHANEL was not yet among them. Pristine cladding concealed the facade entirely — no glimpse inside, no preview of what was coming. The wait made this moment all the more pronounced. Now the doors are open, and I am on the right side of them.
Outside, curious onlookers press close to the facade for a look at what Vancouver’s most talked-about retail address has finally revealed. Inside, it is another world entirely. Champagne arrives before I have taken in the full sweep of the room, and the attentiveness with which I am received signals that this House understands hospitality as thoroughly as it understands fashion.
Peter Marino’s design draws me forward through a progression of beautifully considered spaces rather than announcing itself on arrival. Black lacquered frames hold glass shelves aloft. Pale stone floors give way to the deep, textured darkness of a woven carpet underfoot. Above it all, a crystal chandelier by Goossens — the storied French decorative arts house — presides over the room with absolute authority.
As one moves through dedicated spaces for ready-to-wear, handbags, footwear, and fine jewellery ensure you do not miss the Watches & Fine Jewelry salon carries High Jewelry collections rarely seen outside of Paris. The Fragrance & Beauty destination includes a CHANEL Privé suite where appointments feel less like retail and more like ritual.
Debuting within these walls is the Métiers d’art 2026 collection — among the first opportunities in Canada to encounter Matthieu Blazy’s creative vision for the House. Certain exclusives, including selections from Les Exclusifs and Les Extraits de CHANEL, are available only at this address.
Thirty-five years after CHANEL first arrived in Vancouver, the city now holds its largest Canadian expression.
Were you there when history was made?
[Imagery courtesy of Chanel].
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury and luxury lifestyle niches. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read business magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and is an EIC for Hire. Connect with her here: [email protected].
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