Chanel returned once again to the Grand Palais in Paris this morning with a stellar runway spectacle to kick off the last day of fashion month.
Attended by a large, socially-distanced audience, the spring/summer 21 show was dedicated to the many actresses who have been muses for the house since Gabrielle Chanel founded the label in 1910.
“I was thinking about actresses at the photo call, on the red carpet, that moment when they’re being called to by the photographers: their faces a little distracted, their attitude a little out of sync with the outfits they’re wearing,” explains creative director Virginie Viard in the show notes.
The outcome was a cool and youthful collection of billowing sequin pantaloons, mini dresses with floating organza trains and fluid ruffle maxi dresses printed with black and white flowers.
Alongside the brand’s signature prim boucle suits in pale pink and black, came neon pink acid wash jeans, metallic knit bombers and t-shirts printed with Chanel in neon lights. “I wanted it to be very joyful, colourful, and very vibrant too,” said Viard. Bermuda shorts featured heavily throughout, both in leather and more formal tailored suiting.
Chanel, which recently bought a showpiece shop on Bond Street in a vote of confidence for central London, is one of the last brands to show at Paris Fashion Week, with Louis Vuitton closing the event with a runway show this afternoon.
