For Chanel’s annual Métiers d’Art show, the French maison transported guests to Dakar, the capital of Senegal, for a three day celebration of the city’s artist scene. “Going beyond the runway show, it’s the event as a whole that I took into account,” creative director Virginie Viard said of the evnet. “We’ve been thinking about it for three years. I wanted it to happen gently, over several days of deep, respectful dialoguing.”
Opening with a dance from renowned local company École des Sables (and choreographed by Dimiti Chamblas), the show was a blend of music, dance and fashion. The location — the former Palais de Justice in Dakar — was described by Viard as “one of the most beautiful venues we have ever presented a collection in”, chosen not just for its aestehtics but for its part in the accomapnying artistic programmes taking place throughout the festival. “It was an obvious choice, and has been a source of inspiration as well,” Viard said.
The collection marks a first not just for Chanel, but for all the European luxury fashion houses. The Métiers d’Art show was the first to be held by a European house in sub-Saharan Africa, and shone the spotlight firmly on local collaborators, including rapper Nix, singer Obree Daman, and 12 of the 62 models who walked the show (according to the New York Times). In January, Chanel will return to Dakar for a 19M program, working alongside local embroiderers and craftspeople.
“Real dialogues, nourished over the long term, it is this human and warm dimension that motivates my work and that I try to re-transcribe,” Viard said. “I put all my soul into it. These marvellous encounters from which artistic adventures like this one are born, that’s what drives me.”
As for this collection? Viard took inspiration from the “popsoul-funk-disco-punk” decade of the 1970s, symbolising freedom, energy, and jubilant feminity. It was on display in the long, fitted coats, tight, flared trousers, seventies collars, platform shoes, multicoloured tweeds, and sweatshirts that were oversized, colourful and embroidered with flowers.
See highlights from the show below, or watch the full presentation above.
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