Chanel Ginza

Tokyo is home to several Chanel boutiques, but the largest and most iconic one is located in Ginza. As is traditional, the architect for this project was Peter Marino — a longtime collaborator with the brand who has completed hundreds of projects around the world. According to Marino, this project, created twenty years ago, was one of the most revolutionary for him, thanks to the innovative use of technology and lighting.

The building’s 10-story façade is made of triple-layer glass that changes its transparency depending on the level of electrical charge. At night, the LED-lit wall transforms into a massive digital art installation. In this way, the façade does more than just illuminate the space; it also serves as a communication tool, conveying the brand’s imagery and messages to the public and the city. Marino emphasized that his goal was not to create a building that says, "Look at me!" but rather, "Look at the product."

Interestingly, the idea of using glass for storefronts first appeared in Ginza in 2001, when Hermès opened a store made of glass bricks — just a five-minute walk away from Chanel’s boutique.

Name: Chanel Ginza / シャネル銀座
City: Tokyo
Address: view the address
Architect: Peter Marino
Year: 2004

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