This July, East Hampton quietly became home to something extraordinary: Chanel’s private summer salon. Set in a beautifully appointed guest house just off James Lane, the experience is as curated and elegant as you’d expect, yet refreshingly personal and intimate.
From the moment I arrived, it was clear this wasn’t retail as usual. Sebastian and Chris, two of the most knowledgeable and gracious hosts you could ask for, guided me through the space. Each room was designed to showcase a different element of the collection: airy ready-to-wear pieces, flowing silk sets, iconic tweed dresses, and a selection of jewelry, sunglasses, and watches.
A few of my favorites: A black patent carry-on trimmed in gold hardware that struck the perfect balance of polish and edge. A dreamy floral silk set made for barefoot dinners and beachside nights. And of course, the showstopping Chanel surfboard, equal parts collectible and conversation piece.
But beyond the pieces themselves, the real luxury was the atmosphere. The salon felt calm and completely immersive. I wasn’t just browsing; I was stepping into the Chanel world. One where every detail has intention, and every room tells a story. This type of brand experience is becoming increasingly rare. Rather than push product, Chanel invites you into a narrative of legacy, ease, elegance, and modern summer living.
Just next door on the property, another reinvention is unfolding at The Hedges Inn, newly stewarded by Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall (the duo behind The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach). Their debut of Swifty’s at The Hedges, now offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. Like Chanel’s salon, Swifty’s blends old-school charm with thoughtful, modern hospitality. The Hedges and Chanel’s salon reflect the same sensibility: a reverence for heritage, a commitment to craftsmanship, and an understanding that true luxury lies in experience.
Appointments at Chanel’s salon through the end of July are required, but well worth it. In a place where everyone’s chasing the next big thing, Chanel quietly reminds us that timeless always wins.
