Taking place under the young and vivid St Thomas Street, the Chanel Métiers d’Art 2024 show embraced the dynamic creative exchange between the city known for its its influence on music and modern style and, of course, the heritage of the French Maison.
In a star-studded showcase that resonates with Manchester’s vibrant pop culture, Chanel¡s latest collection liberates femininity from conventional constraints, artfully blending it with masculine elements, creating a visionary style that transcends time and trends, embodying the essence of the French house’s hidden youthful spirit. With joyful nods to British musical culture and the art of Chanel tailoring, the collection radiated the city with autumnal and vibrant colours in striking contrast. The juxtaposition of rich textures, pure silhouettes, and poised attitudes conjures a soft yet daring femininity. The main character? Tweed and more tweed, in playful and living tonalities.
Viard expressed, “Tweed holds a central role in this collection. While contemplating Gabrielle Chanel, I aimed to avoid replicating Coco’s style during her time with the Duke of Westminster’s jackets. Instead, I drew inspiration from the vibrant Coco who infused colour into her tweeds.”
The collection’s opening ensemble showcased impeccable tailoring in classic textures, a Chanel signature. Knee-length and mini skirts gracefully adorned the models, while cycle shorts under coats and Beatle caps added a touch of youthful exuberance. This fusion of classic and modern elements set the tone for the collection.
Viard’s passion for the 1960s Chanel era was evident in the collection’s second segment. Black patent leather dresses with rain-spattered effects and baby-doll dresses adorned with safety pins and vinyl-record jet embroidery captured the rebellious spirit of the era while maintaining Chanel’s timeless elegance. Diving into a playful direction, a nod to Manchester’s renowned footballing pedigree was beautifully incorporated into the collection: one model adorned a Chanel-branded Manchester City shirt, while another sported a scarf in Manchester United colours, adding a touch of local flair and showcasing Chanel’s efforts of new challenges.
The designs were interpreted with warmth and playfulness, thanks to the use of textures like tweed, Shetland knitwear, and cashmere. These elements were combined with playful nods to British culture, creating a collection that was both authentic and modern. The Métiers d'Art collection for Chanel was a celebration of British style, the vibrancy of Manchester, and the poetry of emotions. It was a collection that seamlessly blended classic elegance with contemporary modernity, making it a must-have for modern women who appreciate timeless style with a touch of rebellion.
In addition to the collection, the luxury house held the ManchesterModern: Past, Present, Future exhibition from the 8th to the 10th of December that explored Manchester’s creative spirit, showcasing art from photography to crafts supported by Chanel. Visitors engaged in embroidery workshops with the fashion house artisans. The exhibition celebrated Manchester’s legacy and current artistic vibrancy.
