Summer on the Côte d’Azur
This new collection of eye makeup, blushes, and nail polishes recaptures the splendor of Gabrielle Chanel’s Provençal villa and all the possibilities of another season in the sun
In the 1920s, high on the ridge of Roquebrune Cap-Martin, Gabrielle Chanel had a house built in her image and filled it with private references: five windows above the front door in homage to her favorite number, 5, a banister inspired by Aubazine, the place where she grew up, and a large star above her bed, symbolizing her fascination with constellations.
Mademoiselle gave this haven, a true respite from the hustle and bustle of Paris, a name—La Pausa. Far from the city, it was where the designer came to unwind for more than 20 years, accompanied by some of her dearest friends, including Jean Cocteau, Misia Sert, and Salvador Dalí.
She had her picture taken in her garden, surrounded by century-old olive trees and flowers, and threw casual, festive parties. Her art de vivre permeated the entire property, from the garden to the luxurious bathroom. Everything exuded her style.
A summer sanctuary
As soon as spring arrives, the rooms are flooded with the gentle sunlight of the South of France, which makes La Pausa appear to shine, as if provoked by time. Both in harmony with nature and located in the idyllic setting of the Côte d’Azur, La Pausa is an essential, joyful testament to the history, taste, and heritage of Gabrielle Chanel.
The spring-summer 2022 collection was inspired by the beauty of this legendary villa. The light of La Pausa, dear to Mademoiselle, is the central theme that guided Chanel’s Makeup Creation Studio. The natural, earthy colors and sparkling sunlight surrounding the villa are at the heart of this collection, along with the sunbeam button motif, designed as a graphic representation of the Riviera, which is embossed on the powder products.
Eyes that sparkle with the colors of the Riviera
The collection’s eye makeup creations are infused with the soft, sunlit hues of the landscape surrounding La Pausa. A unique new version of Les 4 Ombres features the sunbeam motif and the villa’s enveloping shades. It includes a khaki brown color reminiscent of the olive trees in the garden, accompanied by gold and copper shades that evoke the dazzling sunlight of the Côte d’Azur. This light is also what inspired the new, golden beige shade of Ombre Première Laque, which makes the eyes shimmer with a luminous, natural glow.
A warm, sunny collection
The two Blush Lumière exclusive creations, designed in shades of coral pink and terracotta brown, warm up the complexion and leave it glowing. The coral shade is ideal for daytime wear, the brown for a bold, chic look. Both blushes provide coverage that can be adjusted depending on one’s needs, thanks to their easily blendable, creamy powder formula. For a complete sun-kissed look, Baume Essentiel subtly illuminates the complexion, creating the effect of a holiday spent in the sun. Its shimmery coral pink shade livens up the cheeks with a natural, healthy glow. The face is left looking radiant and warm.
Summer nail colors
La Pausa’s color scheme is vast with its yellow walls and softly sunlit, tiled terracotta floors. This contrast, evocative of the south of France, is embodied in the two nail polishes from the spring-summer 2022 collection
Chanel spring/summer 2022 is an ode to the Mediterranean sun, the endless sea, the scent of orange blossoms and fresh lavender blooms, and the joys of a simple, inviting, and peaceful summer.
The new collection, apart from recreating the romance of Gabrielle Chanel’s summer sanctuary, is an ode to the Mediterranean sun, the endless sea, the scent of orange blossoms and fresh lavender blooms, and the joys of a simple, inviting, and peaceful summer ripe with possibilities.
Available at all Chanel counters at Rustan’s The Beauty Source by Jan. 24. www.rustans.com