Under the twilight glow of Hangzhou’s West Lake, Chanel unveiled its « 2024/25 Métiers d’art collection », linking Paris to this historic Chinese city. Inspired by the Coromandel screens that adorn Gabrielle Chanel’s preserved Parisian study, the collection reflects her fascination with Hangzhou’s serene landscapes. Though she never visited West Lake, its imagery finds new life in this homage to travel and artistry.

Revisiting Gabrielle Chanel’s stylistic vocabulary, the collection highlights the skill of the « Maisons d’art » at le19M. Director Wim Wenders complemented the event with a film featuring Chanel ambassadors Tilda Swinton, Leah Dou, and Xin Zhilei. Floor-length coats in tweeds and silks feature intricate details, including embellishments with frogging, pagoda sleeves, and phosphorescent embroidery, adding a sense of dramatic decadence to the pieces.

The designs balance structure and fluidity, with straight-cut jackets, pleated skirts, and cropped trousers creating a dynamic interplay of movement and form. Travel-inspired accessories, such as vanity cases and knitwear bearing Coromandel motifs, extend the narrative of exploration. The color palette moves between jade green, pink, and sky blue, reminiscent of lacquered screens, and earthy browns and blacks, echoing the natural tones of night.

Floral motifs appear across pleated gowns, tailored suits, and accessories, referencing the artistry of Chinese craftsmanship. Reflective boots and hats by Maison Michel layer bold finishing touches into the looks. The collection’s richness in texture, form, and pattern evokes the essence of West Lake while celebrating Gabrielle Chanel’s legacy of opulence and imagination.

Discover « Chanel’s 2024/25 Métiers d’art collection » at Crash.