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Director Sam Taylor-Johnson captures Coco Chanel’s apartment in images

LONDON — Fresh from directing the highly-anticipated Fifty Shades Of Grey, Sam Taylor-Johnson has decamped to Coco Chanel’s historic 31 Rue Cambon apartment to capture its storied interior.

LONDON — Fresh from directing the highly-anticipated Fifty Shades Of Grey, Sam Taylor-Johnson has decamped to Coco Chanel’s historic 31 Rue Cambon apartment to capture its storied interior.

The artist, photographer and film-maker has produced a set of 45 pictures taken in the private apartment that will be displayed in London’s Saatchi Gallery in September. “Shooting at Coco Chanel’s apartment was an unexpectedly absorbing experience,” said Taylor-Johnson. “The essence of Chanel is firmly rooted there in all of her possessions, and I truly believe that her spirit and soul still inhabit the second floor.”

The home has been left as it was when Mademoiselle Chanel was alive, and though special guests are sometimes allowed to visit, it is not open to the public, so Taylor-Johnson’s pictures will allow the world a never-before-seen glimpse into the living space of one of the world’s most iconic designers.

“The apartment is beautifully stylish. It feels like she had meticulously chosen every object,” said Taylor-Johnson.

The space is full of artefacts collected by Chanel, with walls stacked with leather-bound editions of works by authors including Shakespeare, Voltaire and Byron; rock-crystal chandeliers, which on closer inspection reveal the blossoming of camellias, one of the fashion house’s enduring symbols; and the white satin-covered bergere on which Chanel was photographed by Horst in 1937. The exhibition, entitled Second Floor, will be accompanied by a book. THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

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