In a breathtaking display of timeless elegance and innovation, Chanel commemorated 110 years of haute couture magic with a spellbinding show at the Grand Palais in Paris. The centerpiece was a mesmerizing infinity-shaped catwalk, symbolizing the eternal allure of the iconic fashion house while heralding a daring new chapter under incoming creative director Matthieu Blazy.
A Catwalk to Infinity and Beyond
The mastermind behind the awe-inspiring set was none other than renowned scenographer Willo Perron, acclaimed for his work on Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball tour and Rihanna’s jaw-dropping Super Bowl half-time show. Perron’s vision took the form of two sweeping, curved walkways that interlocked to create a figure eight, evoking the eternal essence of the Chanel brand.
It was an elegant visual allegory for a business strategy that is focused on maintaining sales and profile during an extended interregnum.
Tweed, Transformed
While the house awaits Blazy’s highly anticipated debut in October, the interim collection paid homage to Chanel’s most enduring icon: the tweed suit. Models sashayed down the runway in playful, cropped variations paired with micro mini skirts, a nod to Cher Horowitz’s unforgettable look in the ’90s classic “Clueless.”
Crystal-adorned buttons and slender velvet belts added a touch of opulence, while lace embroidered to mimic tweed showcased the unparalleled artistry of the haute couture ateliers. Tiered chiffon gowns floated ethereally, defying gravity with their featherlight construction.
Celebrities Embrace the New Era
The front row was a star-studded affair, with A-listers eagerly embracing Chanel’s fresh, youthful aesthetic. Kylie Jenner turned heads in a creamy tweed suit, accessorized with edgy belly chains and bronzed abs peeking out beneath her cropped jacket. The look was a clear indication of the brand’s appeal to a new generation of fashion enthusiasts.
Gen Z-coded belly and ankle chains, and several inches of bronzed abs between the cropped, braid-trimmed jacket and its matching box-pleat skirt.
Other notable celebrities to sport Chanel’s revamped tweed include Taylor Swift, who donned a chic playsuit for an NFL game, and rising star Mikey Madison, who opted for a crisp white suit on the Toronto Film Festival red carpet.
The Future Looks Bright
As Chanel navigates this period of transition, the maison’s rich heritage and uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship remain the guiding lights. With Blazy poised to infuse his creative vision into the storied brand, the fashion world waits with bated breath for a new era of Chanel to unfold.
This momentous couture show served as a poignant reminder that, while designers may come and go, the enduring legacy of Chanel is forever. Like the infinity symbol so eloquently expressed in the catwalk’s design, the house’s influence knows no bounds, transcending time and trends to remain an eternal source of inspiration and innovation in the world of haute couture.
