CHANEL makes a grand entrance into Paris Fashion Week SS22. Model Charlotte Casiraghi opened the runway show on horseback, sporting a Chanel jacket made of their classic black tweed and decorative sequins.
“The idea for the show’s décor came from a longstanding desire to work with Xavier Veilhan. His references to constructivism remind me of those of Karl Lagerfeld,” says creative director of Chanel Virginie Viard.
The decor for the runway presentation toed the line between avant-garde and surrealist with large blobs and geometric structures suspended from the ceiling over the catwalk.
Classic house motifs such as two-toned Mary Janes, first debuted in the 1920s and revisited in the 1980s, made a reappearance in the AW22 collection.
Tweed sets and dresses were uplifted by playful details such as a sleeve of blue ombre feathers or chain detailing. Feathers were continually used throughout the lineup – attached with crystals onto a black sheer slip dress as well as constructing the midsection of a midi dress embellished with a kaleidoscope of pastel sequins.
Gowns with unexpected silhouettes were a standout in the collection. A black long sleeve, mock neck gown cut from organza was elevated by a skirt of white tulle that hung low on the waist. The tulle skirt was attached with an embellished belt in the shape of a mountain range – the model’s midriff on display through the sheer black organza.
A bride wearing an embellished spaghetti strap and simplistic wedding gown concluded the show while carrying a navy blue bouquet. Chanel continually finds a way to reinvent their signatures pieces in a fresh way, and this AW22 collection is no exception.
by Jamison Kent