Peter Marino commissions Lighting Sculpture by Brand van Egmond for newly opened Chanel Boutique

Fri, Feb 9 - Tue, Dec 31  2024

Chanel Flagship Watch and Jewelry Boutique - New York Consulate Region

On February 9, 2024, Chanel opened the first boutique dedicated to Fine Jewelry and Watches on American soil, on New York City’s iconic Fifth Avenue (730 Fifth Avenue). William Brand – the founder of Brand van Egmond – was commissioned by Peter Marino, a long-standing collaborator of the Chanel Maison, to create a unique lighting sculpture for the boutique.

William, who is not only the founder but also the designer of every Brand van Egmond collection, is regularly commissioned to design and create new light installations. Beauty is not enough for him, he always wants to surprise with his work as well.

The lighting sculpture welcomes guests as they enter and sets the atmosphere for their visit. Peter Marino, architect for Chanel and other luxury Maison’s for more than a quarter of a century, was inspired, among other things, by Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel’s apartment at 31 Rue Cambon in Paris and her great love for collecting art.

The boutique features a combination of contemporary art, antiques and custom-made furniture and lighting, largely in black and gold. For the first time in Chanel’s rich history, a Dutch atelier has had the honor of adding its lighting to this iconic boutique.

The Kelp collection stood as inspiration for Peter Marino’s request for a tailor made light installation. Together with his team of craftsmen, William created the sculpture in his own atelier, and befittingly in high-gloss brass. Characteristic of his creative process is the craftsmanship. The start of a new concept is often an experience or anecdote, which William then translates into creations that come to life in his own hands. It is a dynamic and experimental journey in which he wants to put a soul into an object. By sculpting with his hands, they acquire their own emotion and character. This method distinguishes the work from just design and transforms it into a unique work of art. The result is an eye-catcher that deserves attention.

‘It is a pleasure for me to see how our lighting sculpture appears enchantingly like a jewel amidst the Chanel jewelry. It is in line with how I work: by putting emotion and character in my lighting sculptures’ – says William Brand.

This new project in NYC represents the epitome of the creativity and craftsmanship present within the Brand van Egmond atelier, by sculpting the harmony between modernity and classic esthetics.

Chanel is not the first luxury boutique to be graced with lighting from The Netherlands’ based atelier. Brand van Egmond cherishes its contribution to the world of timeless luxury by having its sculptures present in Maison’s as Louis Vuitton and Chopard, but also in palaces and art exhibitions.

About Brand van Egmond

Founded in 1989, the atelier was established with the sole intention to create without any restraints. Under the direction of founder and designer William Brand, the Brand van Egmond team stands ready to create new and surprising concepts, which are executed in their own atelier. Combining infinite patience with a love for handwork the atelier pays homage to the time-honoured tradition of craftsmanship. Materials of the highest quality are used to create Brand van Egmond lighting sculptures. Crafted to last for generations, their high quality protects them from the passage of time.

About William Brand

William was trained as an artist and architect. He graduated at the Utrecht School of Arts. As an award- winning furniture designer he for many years designed buildings and interiors for fashion brands, including the headquarters of Brand van Egmond. His interior designs are always of a minimalist nature, in contrast to his lighting designs which have a powerful sculptural presence. He considers his lighting sculptures the objects that help define the identity of an interior. His way of working is quite specific. Immediately after defining the concept he starts working in the workshop like a sculptor; experimenting and crafting while having the object grow in his hands, often with unexpected results. His work has been exhibited at the art fair Tefaf, but also at museums like SCAD and Istanbul Modern.

About Chanel

Chanel is a private company and a world leader in creating, developing, manufacturing and distributing luxury products. Founded by Gabrielle Chanel at the beginning of the last century, Chanel offers a broad range of high-end creations, including Ready-to-Wear, Leather Goods, Fashion Accessories, Eyewear, Fragrances, Makeup, Skincare, Jewelry and Watches. Chanel is also renowned for its Haute Couture collections, presented twice yearly in Paris, and for having acquired a large number of specialized suppliers, collectively known as the Métiers d’Art. Chanel is dedicated to ultimate luxury and to the highest level of craftsmanship. At the end of 2022, Chanel employed more than 32,000 people worldwide.

About Peter Marino

Peter Marino, AIA, is the principal of Peter Marino Architect, a 160-person, New York–based architecture practice founded in 1978. Working globally across a broad range of project types and scales, Marino is widely credited for redefining modern luxury through equal emphasis on architecture and interior design. The practice is recognized for its award-winning residential, retail, cultural, and hospitality projects worldwide. Well known for integrating art within architectural designs, Peter Marino has commissioned more than 300 site-specific works of art.