Inspired by the café culture of Paris, Coco Café is a beauty pop-up with elements of coffee, cake and Chanel charm.
Located at the Visual Arts Centre in Dhoby Ghaut Green, the space is ensconced in serene surroundings.
Don’t be misled by the name – it isn’t actually an eatery. I know, I was excited by the idea of a Chanel café too!
Food and beverages won’t be sold on the premises but there will be complimentary concoctions and confections (see below).
One of the key beauty highlights at the space is the new Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss range. It was introduced last month with its Spring 2017 companions which include Rouge Coco, Rouge Coco Stylo and Le Vernis.
Replacing the much-beloved Chanel Lèvres Scintillantes Glossimers (rest in peace), these slick successors are formulated with moisturising coconut oil, peptides and Vitamin E, as well as the brand’s exclusive Hydraboost Complex for softness and shine.
Retailing at S$48 here in Singapore, these lacquered lovelies feature three limited-edition multi-effect top coats that easily transform your lip looks.
You’ll also get an exclusive glimpse at the upcoming Chanel Cruise 2017 Les Indispensables de L’Été makeup collection, pre-launched just for the beauty pop-up.
I was so distracted whilst I was there that I didn’t manage to take a photo of the products but I’ll leave you with a press visual of these sun-kissed pieces to drive your desire!
If you look carefully, you might spot a fragrance artefact: the now-discontinued, ultra-rare Chanel Chance Shimmering Touch body gels.
Don’t they look like sparkly lip balms?
As you beauty-g(r)aze, you could enjoy complimentary beauty services that include:
- A soothing hand massage using the Hydra Beauty skincare line
I love the mist (such an indulgence!), and have enjoyed the Hydra Beauty serum and cream both here and while holidaying in drier climes.
- A flash lip-pairing service
Chanel beauty advisors will show you how to change your makeup look based on your selected shade of Rouge Coco Gloss. Do you see the recommended combinations cleverly-styled as cocktail concoctions?
- A flash makeover service
The ‘Five for Five’ experience will help you get your Chanel face on in 5 minutes, with 5 essential products. I was wondering why this number specifically, then I remembered that iconic scent!
- A flash manicure service
I’m currently in love with the colour combination of Chanel Le Vernis in Graphite (bring it back!) + Rouge Noir, and am pleased by the performance of the chip/shock-resistant Le Gel Coat. Finally, a high-end nail necessity that actually works (side-eyeing Dior here).
Commemorate your visit by snapping a shot and personalising it with customised Chanel digital stickers at the Rouge Coco Gloss Beauty Booth. I was quite happy with how the Polaroid-styled photo turned out, thanks to its flaw-forgiving flash. Yes, that’s my baby sleeping in the sling. :)
If you’ve already registered via the Chanel SG mini-site, you’ll receive a drink on the house. All the slots have been taken but don’t worry if you’ve missed the registration: Walk-in visitors are welcome, and customers who make purchases will be offered free drinks and desserts.
You could enjoy your treat in the cosy lounge area—there’s limited seating—or have it packed to take away.
Below is a peek at the specially-curated menu.
Hot Coffee: Black Coffee, Latte, Mocha
Chanel Beauty Bubble Tea, inspired by Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Serum
Ingredients: Coconut water, lychee popping boba pearls, butterfly pea flower, lemon, lime
Four juices inspired by the different floral and fruity notes of the CHANCE fragrances
CHANCE
A classic floral cocktail
Juice ingredients: jasmine tea, pineapple, ginger, green apple, carrot
Fragrance ingredients: Jasmine, Pink Pepper, Amber Patchouli
CHANCE Eau Fraîche
A cocktail full of freshness
Juice ingredients: mint, cucumber, lemon, lime, pear, jasmine green tea, pandan
Fragrance ingredients: Jasmine, Citron, Teak Wood
CHANCE Eau Tendre
A flavourful, soft and delicate cocktail
Juice ingredients: pear, beetroot, lemon, lime
Fragrance ingredients: Jasmine, White Musks, Grapefruit-Quince
CHANCE Eau Vive
A vivifying and spicy cocktail
Juice ingredients: pink grapefruit, orange, pear, beetroot, lemon
Fragrance ingredients: Jasmine, White Musks, Grapefruit-Blood Orange, Vetiver
The juices aren’t going to be served in perfume bottles, of course! I didn’t manage to snap a close-up of the beverages but see if you can spot them in the earlier photos. ;)
Delectable desserts!
Worth trying are the bubble tea (you’ll be surprised by the lychee burst) and the strawberry cake. Do note that the refreshments are available whilst stocks last.
As I mentioned earlier, Coco Café is located at the Visual Arts Centre, Dhoby Ghaut Green (adjacent to Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station).
It’s open to the public from now till the Easter weekend (8 to 16 April 2017) and will welcome visitors daily, from 11 am to 8 pm.
It’s a cute concept, and so printemps-perfect with its adorable, airy flair.
I like how Chanel chic doesn’t always have to be haute couture, and how this makes the brand more accessible to the younger crowd and perhaps to older customers too, who might have shied away due to the ultra-sophisticated image of the fashion house.
Here’s a cute video of Coco Café by NUYOU Singapore. So much Chanel memorabilia, no?
