Chanel opens first Queensland boutiques

Chanel's exclusively-for-Brisbane quilted handbag. Photo / Supplied

Chanel has opened its first Queensland boutiques in Brisbane, but tells Viva it has no immediate plans for Auckland.

"I hope so one day. No plans at the moment though," said the company's Sydney-based corporate communications manager Juliet Fallowfield.

So for now, those wanting the latest Chanel fashions and the full beauty range, including Les Exclusifs de Chanel fragrance collection, will need to keep crossing the Tasman.

The two central Brisbane boutiques are in Queens Plaza, at 226 Queen St. To celebrate the opening, a limited edition handbag to be sold there only has been specially created by Karl Lagerfeld. The "Exclusive Edition for Brisbane" quilted handbag with signature chain draws inspiration from one carried by Mademoiselle Chanel. It is small enough to tuck sportily under the arm or dangle from the shoulder to display its aged leather in a colour dubbed Pacific Ocean Blue.

Australia now boasts four standalone fragrance and beauty boutiques and five fashion boutiques, with the others in Sydney and Melbourne. The Sydney flagship store at 70 Castlereagh St will be renovated from January, with trade continuing from a temporary location until May. All the stores sell and redeem the Chanel Gift Card, which comes beautifully boxed.

Rumours that Chanel might open in Auckland have been circulating for some years, but don't despair entirely. The managing director of Chanel Australia and New Zealand, David Blakeley, said it took six years for the company to find the right location in Queensland.

Though we can't yet get our hands on Chanel ready-to-wear, its Christmas choices available here may prove tempting. Among them is the Chanel Fragrance Wardrobe, a special sample set of miniature scents - No. 5, Coco Mademoiselle, Allure, No. 19 and Coco - only available at Christmas and priced at $110. A fragrance layering range of limited edition No. 5 items has also been brought out. This includes a bath oil, after-bath powder and soap set, priced from $70 to $129. Wear it with the parfum, $234 for 100ml.

Designs on you

Creme de Corps is one of the most popular of Kiehl's products and now the body lotion has had a makeover with labels by three Australian fashion designers. No prizes for guessing that the black label is by Ksubi, with the flowers from Zimmerman and colour blocking from Sass & Bide. Stock up now on the 250ml collection at $59 or the 500ml bottles for $98. (From Smith & Caughey's or order on ph (09) 354 2397)

Kiehl's has also just become available in the South Island, now being stocked at Ballantynes department store. "I'm so happy to hear one of my favourite haunts, Ballantynes, has re-opened [post-earthquake revamp] in Christchurch. And I'm really pleased my fellow Cantabrians can finally get their hands on some lovely Kiehl's product," says singer Boh Runga who now calls Auckland and Los Angeles home. "I especially love Creme de Corps and the Grapefruit Bodywash," she says.