The iconic Grand Palais in Paris transformed into a vibrant hub of excitement on Tuesday as Chanel put on a show for the ages, marking the end of an era before Matthieu Blazy steps in as the new creative director. This extraordinary finale showcased not just stunning designs but also a galaxy of stars lining the front rows, with no less than Kylie Jenner seated above two giant interlocking C's. The scene was not only a spectacle of fashion but also a metaphorical bridge to Chanel's next chapter.
Expectations hovered between anticipation and skepticism, with many predicting subdued vibes sans a head designer. Yet, Chanel's studio defied these expectations, presenting a collection bursting with color and innovative artistry. Chanel, traditionally known for the sophisticated use of black, turned the spotlight on Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s lesser-highlighted flair for color. A spectrum of joyful pastels, bold tones, classic black, and midnight blue traversed the runway, charting a course from dawn to dusk in a collection that encapsulated Chanel's essence at its pinnacle.
The runway pieces were a masterful blend of whimsy and grandeur. Beyond the staple tweed skirt suits, historical touches such as leg-of-mutton sleeves nodded to Victorian elegance, while rhythmic sequins and paillettes sparkled under the radiant Grand Palais light. Bold red silk trains injected drama, with playful nods to the 1970s evident in stylish neckties. Yet, a standout ensemble was a satin pastel yellow gown adorned with delicate buttons, echoing the glamor of yesteryears while retaining contemporary flair. These meticulously crafted buttons in rock crystal, metal, and rhinestones, were a testament to Chanel's famous attention to detail.
The audience reflected Chanel's unparalleled influence, boasting a guestlist that stood among the finest of Paris Fashion Week. Aside from the likes of Kylie Jenner, high-profile figures such as global ambassador Jennie from BLACKPINK, G-Dragon, Lily-Rose Depp, Dua Lipa, Marion Cotillard, along with actresses Elsa Zylberstein and Antonia Desplat, graced the venue. Pamela Anderson also made a notable appearance, flanked by a formidable security team.
Amidst the glamorous ensemble, the conversation largely revolved around Chanel's impending transition. Since 2019, Virginie Viard has held the reins after Karl Lagerfeld's departure, but with mixed reviews, the brand is poised for fresh direction. A guest notably remarked, “Even the studio show seems better than what Viard did,” encapsulating the sentiment that innovation is due. Blazy, stepping up from his influential role at Bottega Veneta, brings with him a strong pedigree in craftsmanship that many believe is just what's needed for Chanel’s forward path. Notably, Chanel remains in strong financial health, with substantial revenues and a surge in ready-to-wear categories under Viard's stewardship, a promising foundation for Blazy's vision.
This celebration of 110 years of Chanel couture also coincided with the release of a captivating film peering into the brand's fabled Rue Cambon headquarters. Featuring Vanessa Paradis, Marion Cotillard, and Naomi Campbell, the film sheds light on the meticulous craftsmanship involved in couture creations. One seamstress, with pride and precision, detailed that at Chanel, garments may require thousands of hours of careful handwork with 25-30 precise measurements taken—all highlighting why Chanel remains synonymous with couture excellence.
