A Blogger at Chanel Part Une

So if you have been seeing a lot of 'Chanel' buzzing about the blogosphere, that isn't a just a happy coincidence.  I'm sure a number of bloggers out there received an email from Chanel inviting them to Paris for a weekend, to discover the 'history and iconic places of Chanel'.  I'm also sure that a lot of bloggers thought this was a complete hoax and that they had just been spammed.  Well, working in digital marketing, I know spam when I see it and this appeared to be the real deal so in a rather overly-excited manner, I popped my details over to confirm that yes, I would be delighted to accept Chanel's invitation (sending a rejection back would be rather insane, non?) and come to Paris on the 7th and 8th of September.

The jaunt to Paris last weekend that I mentioned was therefore courtesy of Chanel.  I'll be transparent and say that this is the first time any high fashion brand like this has reached out to bloggers/internet in this way and even as I'm typing this, it sounds like I'm a liar liar pants on fire.  15 bloggers were shortlisted from a list of 100's and they were selected for the quality of their posts, the blog's aesthetic as well as the usual traffic/comment stuff.  This is an age old French brand who are moving forward with the times not just in their presence online (their websites, viral activity and multimedia footage) but by connecting with the people who start that dialogue online.  The same open mindedness that Coco Chanel adopted, in liberating women with her then-outrageous jersey dresses, is applied to this 'Internet Event'.  In all honesty, to be considered a 'significant voice' within the blogging community is a weird concept to me.  I am ONE voice amongst many and far from being a voice of 'authority', I feel like I spout things off without any real consequence or influence...

It does go without saying that I am fascinated by Coco Chanel's life.  It's not the things that she designed and created that amazed me but the circumstances in which she rose from being a courtesan to a celebrated designer.  I seem to love absorbing her life whether through biographies or the pending films (apparently there are over 20 Coco Chanel-related film projects in various stages of production...). 

 
So back to the blogs selected.... a true variety of the fashion/beauty/style blogosphere I think.... I was there waving my tattered Union Jack flag....
The US'ers..
Jamie from Fabsugar/US (more a super gigantic site than a blog....)
Ann from Blogdorf Goodman/US (lovely and beautiful in person...)
Ami and Seth from Cool Hunting/US (the site does exactly what it says on the tin... excellent cool stuff...)
Jean from Notcot/US (the blog trumps all in terms of aesthetics)
Valeriya from Fashion Addict Diary/US (This girl just exudes coolness and model-like nochalence... her blog was one of the first I got hooked onto...)
The people who came from far far away..
Foo from The Clothes Project/Singapore (showing me a new side to Singapore Style)
Betsy from Fashion is Spinach (best blog name ever don't you think?  Betsy is really fab in person too.)
The lone ranger....
Adrian from Fashion Verbatim/Canada (like me, he was waving the Canadian flag.  Super cool guy who bears a striking resemblance to a young Yves Saint Laurent...I gabbed with him non-stop about what else but fashion..)
The Eurochic...
Geraldine from Cafe Mode/France (ack...what French fashion-obsessive doesn't read this blog?  Always nice to see her...her Chanel report is already up!)
Deedee from Deedee Paris/France (the life of a Parisian is what her blog is about)
Brian from Blographic/France (another super site reporting all things cool... wise beyond his years as he's only 21!)
Julia from Eslux/Spain (a blog I hadn't encountered before that I have to check out and blogroll...)
Mary from Stil in Berlin/Germany (been a fan of Stil in Berlin for ages so it was lovely to meet Mary...)

Then finally me...Susie Bubble/UK... 'sticking' 'out' 'sore' 'thumb'  much?  Doesn't my name look funny on a CC badge (which had a very nice gummy bear texture...) 

I must stress that there was no obligation to do blog reportage but for me along with most of the bloggers I think, it would have been criminal not to blog about the wonderful experiences we had.  It started off with a visit to the Chanel perfume laboratories in Neuilly where we met legendary perfume Jacques Polge who has been the 'nose of Chanel' since 1978 and has created the Chanel greats such as 'Coco', 'Chance' and of course 'Coco Mademoiselle.'.  Polge, along with Christopher Sheldrake, Polge's right hand man, guided us around the laboratory where I was knocked out by the scent of the root of an iris.  I will let beauty bloggers like Blogdorf Goodman talk about the artistry of parfumerie seeing as I know nothing but it was fascinating to know that Chanel uses the biggest quantities of the jasmine flower in the world and that they have their own jasmine fields in Grasse... the different varities they showed us, probably because they were in a concentrated form, were very evocative.

Then came the slightly Blue Peter-esque portion of the visit.  The process of 'baudruche' was demonstrated, which involves wrapping a rubber skin material (which I uncouthly pointed out felt like a condom... yes... see what I mean when I say sticking out like a sore thumb....) around the perfume flask to make an airtight stopper.  Then they showed us how they imprinted the double CC logo onto a black wax seal on the bottle.  My poor attempt at both procedures got the French Chanel ladies giggling... this is me concentrating super hard and basically being completely uncoordinated...

Afterwards we had lunch at the Ritz (as you do...).  If you see where I'm coming from, I was enjoying myself in a somewhat 'This is so surreal...'state of mind.  We then walked the route that Mlle. Chanel used to take from her rooms in the Ritz (where she stayed) to her shop on 31 rue Cambon.  As it was very quiet, it might sound a little hokey and odd but as we were walking, the air was a little heavy as people spoke of the Chanel No.5 that used to be sprayed in that route before Mlle. Chanel did that walk. 

  

(Shiny shiny Chanel girls from the New York office...)

What happened afterwards was the much-anticipated visit of the Rue Cambon premises and I know it was silly but gawp and gasp I did.  It felt like an all-access pass as we descended that mirrored staircase.... and there I have to stop as unfortunately I can't reveal imagery/video footage of Coco Chanel's apartment until tomorrow....
So there will be a Part Deux.

It was onto the Chanel Jewellery store on Place Vendome where we looked at vintage lookbooks of Chanel's jewellery lines, sat on big grey couches watching the recent couture shows on a screen and Hortense Izoc very kindly talked us through Chanel's approach towards jewellery.  Meanwhile, I was conscious that I was in physical contact with a gazillion diamonds on bracelets and necklaces, worth more than my year's salary and basically trying to not look like I was about to break it. 

Please excuse all the gushing and the 'Wowee...that's super cool!' tone of this post but really what can I do but not be in awe of what was basically some kind of a fantasy school field trip.  We were then whisked away to the Chanel headquarters in Neuilly where we were told we were about to meet Jacques Helleu.... and preview the new Coco Mademoiselle advert featuring Keira Knightley
Ok, there was definitely a mind warp going on.  I was about to go into a room with the artistic director of Chanel?  What?  Why?  How?  Kaiser Karl may be the face you associate with Chanel but Helleu has devoted his whole life to Chanel, promoting Chanel from the age of 18, creating those ads, choosing those women - (Catherine Deneuve, Ines de Fressange, Kate Moss..and now Keira Knightley) and many Chanel employees haven't even seen him in the flesh...

   
No worries...sure let's just saunter in there, say hello and sit down.  That is exactly what we did with 15 chairs, a black lacquer table with Mr Helleu sitting there wearing sunglasses with the blinds pulled down.  We found a straight-talking no frills man who had he been speaking in his natural tongue of French, was probably hilarious too.  We were then shown the 30, 45, 60 second versions of the advert, all directed by Joe Wright.  I'll let you guys make up your minds when it is available to the public tomorrow but I found it quite a surprise and NOT what I was expecting at all.  A slew of references to Coco's life in an ad that doesn't feel 'period-like' and without meaning to sound trite, they did make the absolute right choice with using Keira Knightley. 

The day concluded with cocktails & canapes at Mini-Palais, a Paris restuarant hotspot located in a very imposing Grand Palais.  Speaking to various Chanel people, I found them keen and excited about 'connecting with bloggers' and yes, still a little hesitant as to what it is we bloggers do but above all, willing to learn and see how their brand comes across when we write.  Whilst I was there, I was feeling the surreal qualities of our itinerary too much but upon reflection, I can see what it is Chanel was trying to gain from such a novel event and appreciate that a bloggers' voice has some value to it.  I'm hesitant to inflate what a blog does but it's perceptions from other people are changing. 

Thank you Chanel for giving me the opportunity to be immersed in a designer's history that I've always been interested in but also thank you for being the first to recognise all those who produce blogs with 'dashed-off copy, blurry digital photos and zero knowledge' (H&M.... you should be ashamed of yourselves for printing such a thing in your magazine...). 

Comments

[Emma]

erm wow.

[a]

yeah.....wow.

[lily]

the first thought in my head was gosh..you lucky bi...ch! but you're so well deserved, that is really cool and wowy, thanks for the report!
p.s. you already know that i love your blog.

[susie_bubble]

Oh dear... I have no idea whether you guys are saying a sarcastic-toned 'Wow'....

[WendyB]

Great opportunity for you and I am glad you did it. Thanks for the photos. Separately, I wonder if ultimately blogging policy will go the way of serious news organizations (not supposed to accept "junkets") or glossy magazines (gifts, trips, dinners...you name it, just give it to us). I suppose the best thing about blogging is that everyone can decide for themselves, based on the purpose of their blogs.

[melon]

whoa...........so friggin cool!!! you look amazing and like you are having a great time! :P

[WendyB]

I should add that I'm very impressed that Chanel has a more enlightened attitude towards blogging than H&M! You'd expect it to be the other way around.

[mylifeandart.typepad.com]

What a Smart move on Chanel's part and you totally deserved the trip. And thanks for your report. It is totally awesome as everything else on you blog..

[Drusilla]

To be honest, reading this absolutely makes me want to cheer, because I honestly can't think of anyone I'd rather have doing reportage on Chanel. It's good to know they're actually pushing themselves to get to know the bloggers, instead of just going off ranting about them like H&M and lots of fashion publications do.
And I nearly had to run for the loo on reading the following
"which involves wrapping a rubber skin material (which I uncouthly pointed out felt like a condom... "

[selina]

ah i loved reading that post! sounds gorgeous, can't wait until tomorrow!

[Lou]

How utterly fabulous! That sure is a chance of a lifetime and you are the envy of every fashionista around the globe!

In the age of the Internet global brands must accept that the old way of doing business just doesn’t work any more. Companies need to embrace new and exciting ways to connect with consumers. Its great to see a fashion house as established as Channel be at the forefront of this change.

[Angie Montreal]

I think in this situation "wow" can only be meant sincerely! So, a big fat wow to you Susie!! Congrats!

[Pretty Girl]

You're the best at what you do Sussie, you deserved the invite. Love the blog and keep up the good work. You're such an inspiration.

[Gerald]

Susie,
Did you all choose to wear such similar colors? or was it by accident?

You all look so perfect in your cream, black and gray...!

[Andrea]

ok, so I envy you soooo much! well deserved though. How more glamourouse? trip to Paris to visit Chanel? oh my...big wow from me.

[Stella]

Lovely! this is very much well-deserved, Ms. Bubble!

[T-Rex]

Go, You! I'm so thrilled that you got the opportunity *and* that Chanel is forward thinking enough to appreciate the blogosphere.

[Eli]

Were you spoken to in French the whole time?

[sammi]

wow wow wow wow!! And hehe well done for keeping the humour distinctly british!

[jeannie]

i love that one of the oldest and arguably most classic fashion house recognized one of the newest methods of fashion reporting! great coverage susie!

[crabby rangoon]

Yup. UH-mazing. What a cool opportunity! Keep up the good work. I love your blog!

[Eternity]

Wow is the word! What an amazing experience to have! I look forward to Parte Deux (et Trois? Quatre?)

[Ruth]

I'm so envious , but also happy for you ! I hope you got to keep the nametag. x

[sarah]

i'm really happy about the increased in webblogs within the past few years. :) (from street fashion to fashion blogging etc.) congratulations on the invitation!

do you have a close up of the jacket you're wearing in the photos? the outfit looks great.

[Kelly]

What a fantastic trip! And I agree that it was well deserved. By the way, you really couldn't be any cuter than you are and your skin is just flawless.

[joyce]

Oh my god, you just got an invitation from Chanel. I cant believe it! You ar SO lucky. I hope you enjoyed it (and i bet you did!!!)

:)

[maya]

that's all so beautiful! What an adventure.

It's really cute how all the bloggers are in neutrals =)

Glad you wrote about it - what fun.

[Emma]

that was not a sarcastic wow...it was a WOW of amazement/awe/slight bit of jealousy.
I guess it just sounded different in my head!

x

and if you're wondering why i'm on your blog for the second time in one evening....dont!

[Dorian]

that was wise of them to choose you among the others, and I must say also very unfrench of them to choose so many americans!
I guess you must feel very proud to be personally handpicked by Chanel (CHANEL!) for your style! you go girl!

[hoolybird]

I am so jealous! What an amazing thing for you to be able to take part in! Just wanted to say, you are becoming little grating in the way you continuously put yourself down in a really self-conscious way. You are allowed to admit that you are an obvious success - that is a GOOD thing and you should be proud of yourself. Which I think you actually, and rightly, are - but with an annoying compulsion to pretend that you don't see why you are much admired and praised by many. Please stop saying things like: 'I am ONE voice amongst many and far from being a voice of 'authority', I feel like I spout things off without any real consequence or influence...'. It is quite clear you are not stupid - so please stop acting like you cannot see that you are talented in this area. Please just write your blog without all the self-deprecating comments - it will be EVEN BETTER for that.

[susie_bubble]

Hoolybird: It is not really self-deprecation but rather a very oblique realistic point of view. A blog by definition can't really be a voice of authority because people will disagree with you openly and challenge you constantly.... and I am ONE voice amongst many...just look at my blogroll!

Point taken, self-deprecation is in my natural state of being though and if you met me, you'd see why!

Thanks everyone for the comments! I was really chuffed that I got picked. Proud? Not really. Happy? Immensely.
Random answers to q's...

I was spoken to mostly in English but I do understand French more these days...

The nametag is mine for keepers.

We really didn't plan the neutral colour scheme in our outfits... we must have all been thinking not to go too crazy with the colour scheme for Chanel though....

[Danielle]

Lovely! I'm so proud (and a little envious) of all these terrific bloggers (who really are great enough to have the folks at Chanel paying attention) and a bit envious of Adrian for getting to hang out with you too! Love this post!

[Merideth]

I just have to add my "wow!" to the list too! This sounds like it was amazing!

[meg]

ah I guess I don't need to echo 'lucky you' but what an amazing experience! I'm glad you took advantage of it, and what you wore looks great. I'm sorry we didn't get the chance to meet up but hopefully I'll be back asap and we'll definately go for drinks then! I'll demand it!

[lady coveted]

oh my... this is wonderful! i'm so happy you were invited!

[Winnie]

wow, that's some invite :)

[f&art]

Thank you so much for the detailed description. Yeah, H&M somehow screwed up didn't they? Actually it's no wondert that they picked your blog (and the others aswell - was emailing with Mary about that for some time...). They simply are the crème-de-la-crème. But hey, I'm proud anyway that they sent me the perfume "sample" bottle which is worth a 90 EUR (I just found out today). WHOA. They really invest in us bloggers ;-)

[diana]

I may be paranoiac and maybe I dreamed it or imagined it, but I got a Chanel newsletter some time ago. It was simple and sleek but I was sure it was spam. The text was short and elegantly written, however, I have no idea if it's the same thing. When I saw that, I just thought that somebody made fun of me. I am sure it's not the same thing, but it's weird because I have this deja-vu feeling about that story with getting it in your mail and completely ignoring it. God, I am so confused. I am sue my mind had problems...
Anyway, it was amazing to read about your experience. Love the name tag. Susanna sounds so elegant.

[Lera]

you've got to love the tag with your name and Chanel logo on it...

[NAIK FUR]

Willy Wonka and the Coco Factory! what an experience and now I'm wondering if they invited Jessica Kagen or any of those bloggers who have sided with her on the bracelet scandal?

[riz]

Always loved your blog, Susie. Those of us just starting out really appreciate you! I can't stress enough how much you really deserve this. You are a true visionary. You have your own style and your own voice. You are very brave. I mean that.

[NAIK FUR]

sorry, didn't mean to post that many.

[riz]

wow, you really deserve this susie. You really encourage those of us just starting out. You are so adventurous and truly a visionary - you have your own voice, and therefor your own style. I love your attitude, that you know sometimes people will challenge you - but that's what's so great and democratic about your blog. Cheers!

[Lauren]

what a once in a lifetime experience! i agree with everyone you definitely deserve this opportunity and i'm happy to see Chanel investing their future in bloggers! :)

xoxo, lauren

[a]

susie, my 'wow' was also most definitely not intended to come off as sarcastic.

[Amy]

That's amazing. I wish I had your life, seriously. ;) You're a talented blogger and v. cute, and British to boot!

Looking forward to the second part!

[Lulu]

oh susie, i am a longtime fan of your blog, and YOU SOOO SOOO SOOO SOO DESERVE THIS! you didn't stick out at all, you were more than one of the perfect choices to take this amazing day of all things Chanel. ALSO you of all people truly appreciated this, i can only imagine the outits you began to think up being surrounding by all of this. can't wait for part duex! eeeeeek

CONGRATS AGAIN!! so jealous.......

[Aja]

Susie I bet when you started this blog, you never dreamed it would take you down this path. . .congratulations!

[julia]

congrats! and envy;-)
i guess we better stop writing in german and start blogging in english:-(((((

[evie]

a big congrats! i really am happy for you and not so much envious because you put so much effort into this brilliant blog that i think this invitation is well-deserved. i can't wait to read the 2nd part!!