Chanel reseller Classic Coco finds a fashionable home at style staple Gus Mayer.

A stunning red tweed look by Lourdes Chavez from Gus Mayer paired with a vintage Chanel heart necklace (circa 1995) and a vintage Chanel large double flap (circa 1989-1991) from Classic Coco

The name Gus Mayer has been synonymous with high fashion in Nashville since the store opened its doors in 1975. Its storied, sartorial history is part of the city’s well-dressed legacy–in fact, it is the only original tenant of The Mall at Green Hills to remain open. Fashion philes have been flocking to Gus Mayer ever since–be it to find the perfect gown for the Symphony Fashion Show (for which the store is an annual presenting partner) or to peruse the latest pieces from designers like Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, Zang Toi, Prabal Gurung and Zimmermann.

A vintage Chanel turnlock choker (circa 1996), a vintage Chanel multi-stone pendant (circa 1997) and a vintage black enamel multi-charm necklace (circa 1995), all from Classic Coco

“Gus Mayer is Nashville’s leading upscale specialty store that offers exclusive designer apparel, shoes, accessories and more for women,” says Ashley Taylor Nelson, store manger and buyer. “We are very lucky to have an exceptional customer base who inspires us every day.”

A striking patterned top from Zimmermann and black cowboy hat from Christine Moore, both from Gus Mayer

They’re not the only ones inspired by Gus Mayer’s legacy. Alexandra Steinberg, founder and CEO of Classic Coco was looking for a retail partner with whom to share her collection of vintage Chanel bags. The reseller and Chanel expert knew there was only one name in Nashville to call upon.

A gorgeous floral gown by Monique Lhuillier from Gus Mayer

“I realized that I needed to pave the way of bringing vintage Chanel into high-end contemporary retail boutiques,” New York-based Steinberg says. “One retailer that caught my eye was Gus Mayer as they have a large client base in the South. They pitched the idea to come to Nashville and do an event. The vintage Chanel event turned out to be wildly successful. Since then, the Classic Coco x Gus Mayer vintage Chanel department has grown tremendously.”

Nickho Rey Margaret earrings from Gus Mayer

“A Classic Coco collaboration with Gus Mayer, quite simply, just makes sense. Our clients are well-versed on the evolution of Chanel and have a strong eye for exclusive pieces,” says Nelson. “They understand the value in finding a unique, vintage piece and the craftsmanship behind it.”

That craftsmanship is not just part of the Chanel legacy, it’s a key factor in Classic Coco’s success.

Alexandra Steinberg wears a vintage Chanel black lambskin medium classic double-flap bag from her collection.

“Luxury customers expected perfection,” Steinberg says. “Over the years, I was able to grow an amazing team of Italian leather craftsmen to restore and preserve the longevity of these bags. Classic Coco is the only vintage reseller of Chanel handbags to have its own in-house team of leather craftsmen who clean and condition every bag to preserve its archival heritage.”

The partnership between a style house like Gus Mayer and a style staple like Chanel is a match made in high-fashion heaven and the collaboration has made for some incredible events. The store hosts Classic Coco shopping parties and pop-ups regularly, allowing Nashville’s elite to source vintage Chanel pieces they wouldn’t otherwise be able to find. And even when the events aren’t on the schedule, Steinberg’s pieces are available to customers.

Classic Coco founder and CEO Alexandra Steinberg

“You can find a curated collection of vintage rare bags and jewelry year-round at Gus Mayer,” Steinberg says. “The quality of our bags combined with the superior southern charm of Gus Mayer is what keeps customers coming back.” classiccoco.com;gusmayer.com

“The quality of our bags combined with the superior southern charm of Gus Mayer is what keeps customers coming back.” –ALEXANDRA STEINBERG