Chanel’s Winter Trip to Paris
Despite the usual scene of the Grand Palais for the brand’s shows, Virginie Viard, Chanel’s artistic director, debuted the Chanel Fall-Winter ‘21 collection at the iconic Parisian nightclub Castel. “This collection is a mix of two influences: the ambiance of ski holidays, which I adore, and a certain idea of cool Parisian chic, from the 1970s to now,” Viard stated.
Further inspired by Karl Lagerfield’s stories of the earlier days of Chanel, where models would do their own makeup and dress themselves, the venue of Castel allowed for them to do just that. Viard explained, “I like Castel so much for its many salons, the spiral staircase, its bar, the journey through this venue, its little house style, where the models can get changed, dressed and undressed, do their make-up together, and have fun like a girls night in. It’s very sensual." The show, directed by Inez and Vinoodh, begins in black and white, to the soundtrack of Diana Ross’s “Do You Know Where You’re Going To?” as models walk the streets and alleyways of Paris. The setting gradually switches from the streets of Paris as the models enter Castel, where we witness the models sipping tea while gazing out the window, putting on lipstick, and changing into their looks in a way that feels unobtrusive. The song changes and the film begins to switch consistently from color to black and white as models begin to walk the “runway”.
Between each look, we are taken behind the scenes to observe the model taking off their coat to reveal delicate mesh pieces beneath; the perfect ode to the classic ambiance of old fashion shows described by Lagerfield. This season's collection creates a contrast of après-ski and Parisian chic as Chanel’s signature tweed, strappy ballet flats, gold embellished “CC” logos, and classic tailoring is intertwined with ski suits, puffer jackets, knit beanies, flashing accessories, and best of all: faux fur Moon Boots.
Virginie Viard, we applaud you for successfully transporting us to the chicest ski holiday that could ever possibly exist.
Strike Out,
Writer: Aubrie Rose
Boca Raton