Earlier this year, I found myself swept into a whirlwind trip to Dubai—part work, part fantasy. February was packed to the brim with commitments (hosting an event and styling for Saks, along with what felt like a hundred million other things squeezed into one week), but one experience rose above it all: living, quite literally, in a Chanel dream.
Set against the striking backdrop of The Pavilion Downtown Dubai, Chanel created an immersive, invitation-only event unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The exhibition was designed as a journey through 11 uniquely curated spaces, each telling a different story of the maison’s artistry and vision. From the moment you walked in, you weren’t just viewing Chanel—you were inside it. It was intimate, magical, and unapologetically chic.
And for a few days, I was completely, joyfully “Chanel-ified.”
Stepping Into the Chanel World
The experience unfolded as a carefully orchestrated diary of moments. By day, the exhibition invited guests to explore the brand’s history and creativity through immersive installations; by night, the space transformed into a social hub for gatherings, dinners, and the kind of soirées only Chanel could host. Every corner carried a sense of refinement, yet also a playfulness that made the event feel personal and alive.
Highlights From My Chanel Weekend
Looking back, the days blur together into a kaleidoscope of fashion, friends, and unforgettable encounters—but a few moments stand out as clear highlights:
- Dressed by Chanel for the big party. Being styled head-to-toe by the house itself felt surreal—a true Cinderella moment, except with couture instead of glass slippers.
- A formal dinner at the exhibition. The evening was elegant, intimate, and quintessentially Chanel. Every detail, from the tablescape to the ambiance, carried that ineffable touch of luxury.
- A young girls’ brunch. Lighter in mood but no less polished, the brunch was a reminder of how Chanel continues to inspire across generations.
- The grand Chanel party. The final night culminated in a spectacular celebration. I had to dash straight from the festivities to the airport, still dressed in Chanel, suitcase in hand—a glamorous blur of fashion-meets-reality.
- An exclusive shoot with Harper’s Bazaar Arabia. Shot at the exhibition itself, the campaign was a dream come true: stepping into the role of a Chanel muse within an environment already saturated with the maison’s magic.
- A rare chance to photograph the exhibition. Alongside a handful of select bloggers, I was given the opportunity to capture the space—albeit under the watchful eyes of bodyguards. The exclusivity only made it more special.
- Meeting Karl—well, almost. No Chanel diary would be complete without mentioning Karl Lagerfeld. While my encounter was more “sort of” than literal, just being in a space so deeply connected to his creative vision felt like brushing shoulders with fashion royalty.
The Magic of Chanel in Dubai
What struck me most throughout the weekend was how seamlessly Chanel managed to translate its Parisian soul into the heart of Dubai. The city, already synonymous with luxury and innovation, provided the perfect backdrop. Yet within The Pavilion, the world narrowed to a curated experience—intimate, elegant, and immersive. It wasn’t about seeing a collection on a runway; it was about living within the codes of Chanel itself.
For me, the exhibition was more than just a brand activation—it was a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and community. From formal dinners to spirited brunches, every gathering reminded me of how fashion connects people, sparking conversations and inspiring dreams.
A Diary Worth Keeping
As I rushed from the closing party straight to the airport, still wrapped in Chanel and balancing the glamour with the reality of boarding gates and flight schedules, I couldn’t help but smile. These are the moments that stay with you—not just the clothes or the parties, but the feeling of being part of something larger than yourself.
Thank you, Chanel, for a few unforgettable days that blurred the line between reality and fantasy. For a brief, dazzling moment, I wasn’t just attending an event—I was living inside a story only Chanel could tell.
