Tom Sachs Recreates Chanel's 31 Rue Cambon in NYC Studio

Contemporary artist Tom Sachs has unveiled "31 Rue Cambon," an immersive public exhibition that meticulously recreates Chanel's historic Parisian fashion house address within his New York City studio. The installation, located at 245 Centre Street, transforms Sachs' workspace into a handmade replica of the iconic Chanel boutique, featuring Sachs' signature industrial and handcrafted aesthetic. The exterior of the recreated storefront includes cream awnings and interlocking double-C gates, which open to reveal an interior space outfitted with beige carpeting, mirrored walls, and glass display cases. Within these cases and along the walls, 31 suits are displayed, each a reinterpretation of Chanel looks spanning several decades. These garments are constructed from three-quarter-inch plywood, with paint applied in a dragged technique to mimic the characteristic bouclé texture of Chanel's fabrics. The exhibition extends Sachs' long-standing artistic practice of reinterpreting luxury brand imagery and iconography through raw, functional materials. This approach was previously explored in his 1998 work, "Chanel Guillotine (Breakfast Nook)." The "31 Rue Cambon" installation further examines how the visual codes of luxury remain recognizable even when detached from their traditional high-fashion textiles and construction methods. Throughout the space, details are rendered using hardware components and accessible materials. For instance, a chandelier is adorned with bicycle reflectors, and slingback footwear is constructed from cardboard and wood. Brooches are styled using costume elements and LEGO bricks, demonstrating Sachs' unique material vocabulary. The exhibition is curated by Colby Mugrabi and is open to the public at the Tom Sachs Studio from September 11 through October 10, 2026. This project highlights Sachs' consistent engagement with consumer culture and luxury goods, deconstructing and rebuilding them with an emphasis on process and material honesty. The transformation of his studio into a fully realized architectural and sartorial replica underscores his dedication to detailed craftsmanship and conceptual exploration. The public's access to this meticulously crafted environment offers a unique perspective on the enduring appeal of Chanel's brand identity and Sachs' artistic commentary on it.