"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening". -- Coco Chanel
Can you refer to the greatest fashion designer who ever lived as your “muse?” The answer is YES, especially when she’s been the source of artistic inspiration for millions for more than 100 years. Coco Chanel was so far ahead of her time its mind-blowing. Her quote regarding fashion referenced above shows her keen sense of wisdom. Chanel depicted life through a fashion lense and showed the world how to define a lifestyle.
As a self-proclaimed Francophile, all things Chanel is in my DNA. So when I decided to start my tea business, adopting a business model that transcends the test of time, not to mention promotes a brand philosophy that speaks to a state of mind was key. Selling a lifestyle is our common goal.
Because the French have always been known for their innate sense of style and sophistication, its no wonder that the French elevated the simple act of taking tea to an art form. I once read that early in her career, Chanel hosted teas in her elegantly furnished apartment above her Rue Cambon shop. Again, proving that she was ahead of her time, her guest list was a mixture of journalists, and business associates with friends - a modern idea for the time.
The tea was set on an Oriental table as her guests settled on her beige suede sofa and armchairs. Macaroons, toast, jam, honey, and crème fraiche were ordered from the Ritz and a Ceylon tea (black tea, grown in Sri Lanka) was poured from her Vermeil teapot. Chanel always took her tea with lemon.
Today, I'm having lunch with my dear friend Tracey at Laduree SOHO, I'm sipping on Laduree Ceylan (Coco's favorite), enjoying chocolate macaroons (my favorite) and paying homage to the one and only Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel.
Chez Chanel, Happy Birthday!