Inside the Grand Palais in Paris, a mesmerizing transformation took place during Chanel’s recent couture show. The setting was an imaginative garden with enormous beanstalks reaching for the ceiling and vibrant flowers that seemed almost otherworldly. Attendees included Tilda Swinton, Michelle Yeoh, and Catherine Deneuve, highlighting Chanel’s ability to attract distinguished guests.
The show felt like a fairy tale with a hint of danger, a concept developed by designer Matthieu Blazy. Inspired by a book of fairy tales from Gabrielle Chanel’s past belongings, Blazy created a visual narrative that brought these stories to life. Blazy, formerly with Bottega Veneta, is in the early stages of his tenure at Chanel, with this being only his second couture collection.
Blazy pondered if Gabrielle Chanel’s journey was itself a fairy tale, drawing parallels to ‘Jack and the Beanstalk.’ The rise from obscurity to fashion prominence inspired clothing that echoed fairy tales. Intricate embroidery resembling bean shoots adorned sheer Chanel suits, while delicate vines and surprising butterflies appeared on various garments. Handbags resembled charming figures like sleeping bears, and shoes adopted the form of butterflies and golden eggs.
Blazy cleverly referenced characters such as Goldilocks and Puss in Boots. Attention to detail revealed hidden treasures within, like painted linings in jackets or mock to-do lists sewn in silk. The deliberate fraying of edges paid homage to Coco Chanel’s hands-on design approach. Blazy articulated that Chanel’s haute couture is crafted for women and their diverse lives.
The collection emphasized practicality amid whimsy. Simplistic pieces like sharp coats and sequined shifts translated into wearable fashion. By casting women of different ages, Blazy showcased versatility without saying a word. The concluding piece, a stark black dress, symbolized Chanel’s independent spirit, as she never married.
The audience included luminaries such as Pedro Pascal, Lupita Nyong’o, Vanessa Paradis, and athletes like boxer Imane Khelif and skater Surya Bonaly. They gathered for the allure but left contemplating the purposeful design.
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