Chanel’s dream trip to China

In the blue hour, the magic of West Lake is located in the heart of Hangzhou, 200 km south of Shanghai, this vast expanse of water, bordered by green hills and ancient pagodas, takes on a certain poetry under the winter mist. Marco Polo, discovering the place 13 In the 19th century, he spoke about the “earthly paradise”.

From Coco Chanel’s apartments to China

It was in this timeless setting that Chanel presented its Métiers d’art 2024-2025 fashion show, dedicated to the know-how of 19M art houses (plasters, embroiderers, hatters, etc.). appear on one of the Chinese lacquer panels known as the Coromandel, which is dated In the 19th century, which adorned the walls of Coco Chanel’s apartments at rue Cambo 31. “When I look at this screen, I see doors opening,” liked to say the designer, whose imagination was fed by these distant landscapes. This precious object inspires the entire Métiers d’art collection as a celebration of travel, real or imagined.

Modern travelers

On a catwalk set at the water’s edge, models parade the night in long black coats with expensive tweeds, lacquered midi skirts and embroidered jet cashmere, or shimmering mini-suits with patent thigh-high boots, drawing a slender silhouette as if drawn in india paint. but in a comfortable full-length print overalls based on Coromandel screen patterns, layered under tweed jackets and short skirts worn with thigh-high boots.Layering voluptuous knits, skirts with Bermuda shorts, bags.

“Golden Hands”

The exclusive know-how of the 19 M art houses is fully expressed through some of the evening gowns, especially the dresses with impeccable pleats, which evoke a fanfare. The gathered collar by Lemarié and the long dress embroidered with sequin flowers, which took hundreds of hours, were applied by the masters of Maison Lesage. work with these “golden hands”.

The announcement of the new DA is imminent

Weaving a common thread between the past and the present, tradition and modernity, this collection was designed by a creative studio, waiting to know the name of the one who will transfer from Virginie Viard last June 5, to K. The artistic direction of the double C label The most anticipated announcement in the world of fashion should probably take place in a few days. Rumors point to the arrival of Matteo Blasi, who is currently at the helm of Bottega Veneta.

But the mystery remains in Hangzhou. The only certainty is that China, the second most important market in Kambon, remains a highly strategic destination in the context of the luxury crisis. Of the several hundred hand-picked guests, customers, press and VIPs, the majority were locals, e.g. top model Liu Wen, who opened the show, or actresses Zhou Xiu, Zhang Zifei and Xin Zhili, who They appeared in the teaser of the parade with you. , directed by Wim Wenders, starring Tilda Swinton from Cambon Street to the shores of West Lake. She was surrounded by other Chanel ambassadors such as Caroline de Maigre and Charlotte Casiraghi at the evening show.