Chanel brings a new edge for Métiers d'Art 2024
The luxury fashion house (which still doesn't have a creative director) hosted a runway full of its classic tweeds and more vivacious looks in China. See every shot from the runway.
Chanel presented its Métiers d’art 2024 show in Hangzhou, China, and offered a new edge to its classic look.
The looks masterfully blended the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing standout looks that merged Chinese-inspired landscapes with Chanel's signature silhouettes. A notable ensemble paired the brand's iconic multicolor tweed fabric with blue silk pants, reimagining classic Chanel codes with a fresh, global perspective. Long, trench-like silhouettes, leather boots, and intricate embroidered details further exemplified the sophistication of the collection. The runway also featured Chanel's classic matching sets—mini skirts paired with coordinating jackets—and floral patterns designed to complement the scenic backdrop. Rich fabrics and oversized coats added to the collection’s mysterious allure, evoking a sense of understated drama. The theme of travel radiated throughout, with thoughtfully designed bags and intricate knits that captured the spirit of adventure and exploration.
The collection celebrated the brand’s timeless legacy while drawing inspiration from Gabrielle Chanel’s own Coromandel screens. These lacquered screens, which adorned the walls of her Paris apartment, served as a source of creative influence for the collection. Embroidered floral motifs, alongside jade green, pink, and sky-blue hues, evoked the elegance and brilliance of these screens. Hangzhou's West Lake, a prominent feature on the largest Coromandel screen in Chanel’s Rue Cambon apartment, also shaped the show’s aesthetic.
The collection notably embraced the sensuality of the night, expressed through the delicate floral detailing and rich textures that embodied the backdrop of West Lake. Every color and texture carried significance, with denim blue hues evoking the shimmering, wavering surface of the lake and deep brown and black tones recalling the wooden panels of the Coromandel screens. These elements infused the runway with an air of mystery and intimacy, aligning with the tranquil beauty of the lake and the artistry of the lacquered screens.
The Métiers d’art show arrives during a transitional time for Chanel. The brand's creative director position has yet to be filled after the departure of Virginie Viard in June 2024. Speculation abounds regarding her successor, with names like Hedi Slimane, Phoebe Philo, Daniel Roseberry, and Simon Porte Jacquemus, continues circulating as potential candidates. Whoever assumes the coveted role will face immense pressure to uphold and innovate within Chanel’s storied legacy, navigating the challenges of honoring its heritage while pushing boundaries in fashion.
Swipe the gallery to see all the looks from the runway.
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