GABRIEL

May 28, 2020 Ido Peled

A while ago Tami (Kern1's founder) approached me to ask if I would like to kick off the second series of her 'The Traveler' project, for which she lets one and the same classic black Chanel jacket travel to five selected women in five different European cities for a period of two months. She gives them the opportunity to keep, wear and experience the jacket for a few days and asks them to capture their perception of the jacket in one or multiple photographs to emphasize the versatility of Chanel jackets. Last February, when I was visiting Paris from Australia for business, we could finally start the project. Right from the moment the jacket arrived at my hotel, I unwrapped that (beautiful!) package and I tried it on, I knew that it was meant to be. It has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember to one day own my very own Chanel jacket and it was the fit of this one that I couldn't go past. The way it almost molds to my body in the most delicate way, it looked like it was made for me. I did have a moment of 'but do I need yet another black jacket?'. However, I knew this one was different. I told Tami I would like to keep the jacket and it therefore never made it to the other participants of Kern1's 'the traveler project'. It is my first Chanel jacket, a treat to myself that I know I will treasure forever. I'm very much an investment shopper, I purchase pieces that I know I will not only get endless wears out of, but also pieces that I will be able to treasure for years to come, and one day, be able to pass them down to my little girl. Seeing this jacket hanging in my closet alongside my other investment pieces makes me happy. Also, I am absolutely very passionate about buying vintage and, am a firm believer in incorporating a nice mix of both vintage and new into your wardrobe. Recently I purchased the new season Chanel velcro sandals, and together they are a little match made in heaven. The gold detailing on both the jacket and shoes, combine together perfectly. Currently, in Australia it is still quite warm, so recently I have been styling the jacket with shorts - a very 'Gab outfit'! When buying vintage I do feel that the condition is quite important, I do want it to be in pre-loved condition, knowing that on its journey, it has been looked after well and its previous owner did treasure it. My jacket absolutely tells that story and I am looking forward to continuing it.

GABRIEL WALLER, AUSTRALIAN ENTREPRENEUR AND FOUNDER OF GABWALLER.COM, A PERSONAL SOURCING SERVICE FOR LUXURY FASHION

First picture by Elisabeth Willis for Elle Australia