MADEMOISELLE PRIVE - SAATCHI GALLERY

'Hello, welcome' said two rather burly, well dressed security guards.

We weaved and snaked through the beautifully flowered courtyard and joined the queue. 

The cover from the rain was minimal and we were silently (yeah right!) suffering in the London drizzle...

UNTIL.

the employees of the Saatchi began handing out big black umbrellas - we knew we were in good hands.

My favourite thing about the entire exhibition was this little lady...

I found this illustration so endearing and so instantly iconic.

For me, it succinctly epitomises the elegance and simplicity which is central to Chanel's timeless aesthetic.

This staircase really was gorgeous; it oozed wealth and opulence and had such a transportive quality. It didn't feel as though this was a mock up of the infamous steps, it felt so real, and that was what stole your breath a little.

I really enjoyed this adorable illustrated depiction of Chanel's Hat shop, it was so charming: I loved that it was in keeping with the illustration of Coco and how it still managed to retain an air of sophistication as well as being playful.

Another thing I also particularly enjoyed about this room was how the illustrated Coco was brought to life; she was climbing out of the hatboxes and walking along on the screen in front of us - we were watching a Chanel cartoon! - something I don't think anyone would've expected!

Unfortunately, I couldn't get my app to work, and the frustration tarnished my experience.

I understand the want to engage your visitors in a more interactive format, but, to me, a visit to a gallery or exhibition is a rare opportunity to not be on your phone: an opportunity to disconnect with technology and immerse yourself in a more thoughtful, tranquil medium.

I didn't want to be relying on my phone to aid my experience.

That being said, it was a clever and interesting idea, and I was very much enthralled when clips would appear on your phone that you couldn't see before your eyes.

I enjoyed walking through the exhibition and piecing together my knowledge of Chanel with the facts in front of me: I enjoyed having these little epiphanic moments.

I had to take a second look at this before I realised what it was; a bucket of discarded leather-threaded chain synonymous with one of 'those' quilted bags. 

I liked the hapless disregard for its importance.

This was a really interesting room, really quite an abstract concept and I commend Chanel for that. It actually felt like, to be quite frank, I was standing on the set of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with these clam-like domes filled with vibrant, bubbling liquids. It was very futuristic and stylised, something I wouldn't have predicted. 

I liked the fact that the paragraph of information was enormous and slathered across the wall. This room gave you a lot to look at: it was visually busy, far removed from Chanel's straightforward, minimalist aesthetic.

This room literally was a breath - or an inhalation - of fresh air, you were hit by the scent of greenery as soon as you entered the open space. It was a severe contrast to the previous room and a revitalising, and aptly serene ending to the experience.