The cobbled banks of the River Seine served as the stage for Chanel’s latest haute couture collection. With the Eiffel Tower in the distance, the fashion world’s well-to-do glitterati navigated the uneven terrain for an outdoor collection that celebrated the soul of Paris.
Following the famous bouquinistes, those charming bookstalls along the river bank, Chanel created his own renditions. But on closer inspection, these were no ordinary stalls. They have artfully curated homages to the brand’s legacy, with biographies of the legendary Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel and postcards of actresses associated with the house, such as Vanessa Paradis, a modern incarnation of the Parisienne, who applauded from the first row.
THE PARIS OF CHANEL
“This collection is the portrait of a sensitive yet daring Parisienne,” said Virginie Viard, Chanel’s creative director. “It’s like being on a line between power and delicacy.”
Tuesday’s assemblage of tweed, silk chiffons, organza and inlaid lace, in a myriad of floral and graphic motifs, testified to Viard’s vision of this rich and feminine universe.
Confident yet understated colors, pleated gold tweed skirts, masculine-inspired overcoats and finely textured jackets all played on the subtle allure of the show. A standout piece was a dark blue asymmetrical coat-skirt with feathered tulle that fell from the lapel, a fusion of asymmetry with Chanel’s codes of austerity.
At one point, a model strolled down the runway walking a black dog, a seemingly whimsical addition that had onlookers snapping at their cameras. But perhaps the most quintessentially Parisian touch was a fruit basket – a tribute to the Parisienne of the 1970s.
Viard described her approach as: “Passing emotions, putting together the most unlikely elements, doing things your way, just dreaming.” And through this collection, she has masterfully transported us all to Paris, an emotional tribute to the enduring allure of the Parisienne, right on the quayside of the Seine.
POESY ABOUT CHANEL BOOKCASES: ‘NOT YOUR USUAL BOUQUINISTE!
French actress and “Harry Potter” alumnus Clémence Poésy attended Chanel, and it seems the allure of the “bouquinistes” on the Seine had her enchanted. The scene, recreated by the house, was a charming homage to the iconic riverside bookshops in Paris, so beloved by locals and tourists alike.
“There was a Parisian essence, being on the banks of the Seine and having the bouquinistes at the beginning,” Poésy told the AP, her eyes shining with the show’s magic. “It felt like I was traveling through many eras of Parisians.”
The actress was particularly enchanted by the French stalwart’s playful nod to Paris’ past, which evoked images of both the 1970s and new-wave cinema. But it was the bouquinistes – a regular part of her weekends – that really captivated her.
“You walk along the Seine and go to all those vintage and second-hand bookstores along the river and bridges,” she explained, recalling her routine. “You usually find something you wouldn’t buy anywhere else.”
Chanel’s unique on-brand installation, she chuckled, was definitely “not your usual bouquiniste.” She added with a tender smile, “I hope it stays there forever. It’s such a precious thing.”
LOVE STORY BEHIND THE BLACK DRESS BY CHANEL
French actress Anna Mouglalis, known for her role as Chanel in the movie “Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky,” unraveled the romantic story behind the creation of the iconic little black dress (LBD) in an interview with the AP.
Mouglalis, a current Chanel ambassador, said, “I fell in love with Coco Chanel when I was studying for the role. I read everything.”
Mouglalis revealed the heartbreaking story behind Chanel’s widely adored LBD. Coco Chanel, devastated by the tragic death of her lover, Arthur “Boy” Capel, incorporated her mourning clothes into her fashion line and gave birth to the LBD. Capel was not only Chanel’s great love, but also played an important role in opening her first store.
“It was unbelievable that the little black dress was made because she was mourning Boy Capel. She never married. She loved him, it was her great love,” Mouglalis said. “She was hurt and put mourning in her fashion. Everything is so connected to her personal story.”
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and was published from a syndicated news agency feed – Associated Press)
