Nicolai Ouroussoff does acknowledge the "keen architectural intelligence" of architect Zaha Hadid, but the NY Times architecture critic takes down the Chanel Pavilion a couple notches, finding the entire project "delusional." The Chanel Mobile Art exhibit in Central Park offers a variety of artistic works inspired by Chanel's quilted leather purse; Ouroussoff writes, "the pavilion sets out to drape an aura of refinement over a cynical marketing gimmick. Surveying its self-important exhibits, you can’t help but hope that the era of exploiting the so-called intersection of architecture, art and fashion is finally over." He also finds the "life-size S-and-M teddy bear and scenes of a Japanese model tied up in gold chains...completely mundane" and hates that the pavilion is in Central Park. more ›

Art and commerce are now communing in nature: The Zaha Hadid-designed Chanel Mobile Art is now open in Central Park. Situated in Rumsey Playfield, the 7,500-square foot orb is filled with art inspired by elements of the famous quilted Chanel bag and visitors can also listen to an audio guide, narrated by Jeanne Moreau (the NY Times described the audio as "discussing everything from sex and love to the secrets at the bottom of a woman’s handbag"). Chanel, which has previously displayed the orb in other cities around the world, donated a low seven-figure sum to Central Park, plus will pay a $400,000 use fee to the city. more ›