Channeling Coco Chanel
Mountain Mayhem











In celebration of its Aspen pop-up this ski season, French luxury fashion house Chanel hosted several events in mid-March including an afternoon of winter activities at The Dunbar, Kevin Costner’s spectacular ranch at the base of Independence Pass. When the invitation arrived in my inbox to join, it took all of two minutes to read and RSVP, replying “mais oui, merci.”
Prior to the event that afternoon, I’d never been to the majestic mountain retreat, set on 160 acres with rivers, lakes and views of the Continental Divide, as well as several stunning homes, each designed in a rustic-elegant style. Only in recent years has it become available to rent at a premium for overnight stays and special events and it was certainly an honor to see it this way.
Arriving at the entrance to the ranch, guests were first welcomed by Chanel hosts and then valets and then whisked away by private car up the road to the main residence. Chanel, written out in wrought-iron letters, was erected on a wooden post, which served as a gate to the outdoor space. DJ Alix Brown of New York City played down-tempo dance tracks under a bright blue sky, wearing a Chanel knit sweater and black trousers paired with a Western hat while guests mingled, enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres and drinks and outdoor activities from snowshoeing to sleigh rides to tubing on a choice of three sledding hills.
In addition to Chanel executives and representatives were VICs (Very Important Customers) and brand ambassadors including Natasha Liu Bordozzo, Phoebe Tonkin, Camila Morrone, Sadie Sink, Havana Rose Liu, Maria Isabel, Chloe Wise, Tommy Dorfman, Chriselle Lim, Coco Baudelle, Amy LeFevre, Tylynn Nguyen, Harley Viera Newton and Kelly Sawyer Patricof, all dressed to the nines in favorite Chanel finds.
In full transparency, the only Chanel style I brandished that afternoon was espresso-colored eyeliner by Chanel Beauty from the Cos Bar, quite a reach away from a ski jacket, wool suit or quilted leather handbag, though one can always dream…and save up for a signature item with the interlocking Cs for founder Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel.
Chanel’s limited-run boutique is open through April in the historic Benton Building at 521 East Hyman Avenue. Inside you’ll find signature items including Chanel’s current cruise collection, its Coco Neige collection, J12 watches in black or white ceramic and Chanel No.5 perfume displayed in oversized bottles in honor of the iconic fragrance, which turned 100 in 2021.
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