Final evening, Hangzhou in China performed host to the newest Chanel 2024/25 Métiers d’artwork present. The annual occasion, which celebrates the various craftspeople who contribute to the home’s luxurious creations, was hosted nearer to dwelling in Manchester, UK final yr.
This yr’s location was teased with a movie launched final week, that includes Tilda Swinton, Leah Dou and Xin Zhileiand (all ambassadors for the home) and directed by Wim Wenders. Swinton travels from the enduring Rue Cambon house in Paris to Hangzhou’s West Lake, snapping photographs on an analog digital camera alongside the best way.
The actual star of the movie, nonetheless, was the intricately painted picket display that Swinton pictures at first and reappears all through. Gabrielle Chanel collected vintage Coromandel screens — considered one of which she discovered so lovely, she displayed it on the research partitions of her house. It depicts a scene of Hangzou’s West Lake, “the very place the place Chanel has chosen to unveil its 2024/25 Métiers d’artwork assortment, devoted to attract, journey and goals.”
(Picture credit score: Chanel)
With over a thousand company in attendance, the present kicked off at dusk with conventional Chinese language drummers. An extended, winding boardwalk served as a catwalk, which fashions delicately sauntered throughout, illuminated by mushy lakeside lighting.
And what in regards to the garments? Lengthy, shouldered coats in treasured tweeds, satin and velvet, embroidered with flowers, swished elegantly on the water. Frogging, pagoda sleeves and mandarin collars all paid homage to the town and wealthy tradition of China, in addition to being crafted by native artisans.
The travelling theme was additionally mirrored within the baggage, with giant holdalls and dainty vainness circumstances. Coromandel display motifs featured on knitted jumpsuits that had been worn beneath two-piece fits, so flashes of conventional patterns had been seen on uncovered limbs.
(Picture credit score: Chanel)
It wouldn’t be a Chanel present with out camellias — a flower beloved by Mademoiselle however are literally native to China. The motif appeared on lapels, jewelry, hats, baggage and buttons all through the gathering. Pale blue denims had been included to “recall the ripples on the floor of the lake water” whereas the black, brown and darker tones reference “the wooden of the panels and velvety steps into the evening”.
(Picture credit score: Chanel)
Thigh excessive boots and pointed slippers had been the footwear of selection, in black patent leather-based or mushy nubuck suede. Hats and scarves accomplished the ladylike silhouettes, as did the heavy winged eye make-up worn by each mannequin.
Regardless of the place of artistic director at Chanel being left empty since June when Virginie Vard stepped down, and plenty of rumours swirling of her substitute (resembling Matthew Blazy of Bottega Veneta), the home has continued to stay to its historic design codes and unique inspirations for a really lovely assortment. We wish all of it — now.
