By Lindsay Hohmann
Edited by Ella Querin
Chanel’s 2024 Haute Couture show featured a marvellous collection of feminine silhouettes, ballet beauty, and tasteful frills. Centred around designer Virginie Viard’s newest collection, the show took place under an oversized Chanel button– a hallmark of Chanel’s design– in the Grand Palais Éphémère in Paris. Each piece in the collection acted as an expression of grace, movement, and precision– incorporating classic elements of Chanel’s historic brand identity while also referencing contemporary fashion culture.
Margaret Qualley Opening the Show
There was arguably no one more perfect to open this show than actor and former ballerina Margaret Qualley. A muse for both Lana Del Rey and Chanel, Margaret’s elegant and effortless energy paired perfectly with the stripped-down look of the show. Her all-white look included a classic Chanel tweed jacket and an oversized black ribbon tied in her hair.
Kendrick Lamar’s Short Film
Margaret also starred alongside Naomi Campbell and Anna Mouglais in a short film that debuted at the show. The exquisite black and white short film, The Button, was produced by Kendrick Lamar and his company, pgLang. In the film, Margaret embarks on a journey in hopes that Coco Chanel herself will replace the classic Channel button which is missing from the cuff of her jacket. The film brought about themes surrounding beauty within imperfections and the importance of attention to detail, which is central to Chanel’s designs.
Femininity at Its Peak
The collection seamlessly weaved together the heritage of Chanel. With ballet and dance deeply embedded in the history of the brand, the Chanel Haute couture collection is characterised by pastel hues, leotards, dainty embroidery, flowing silhouettes, and crisp white stockings. While it might be a trend at the moment, Chanel has been influenced by the arts and ballet for decades. In Viagard’s own words, “I have tried to bring together the power and finesse of bodies and clothes in a very ethereal collection”.
Whimsical Fabrics
Playful fabrics were the core of the collection, injecting classic looks with a sense of personality and statement. From opulent pastel feathers to frothy tulle and sequin embellishments, each look presented a distinctive texture. While each piece was made distinctive through fabric, the show still emulated a strong sense of harmony through cohesive movements and shapes, further echoing the show’s inspiration from ballet.
Beauty Details
Lively colours and designs were tempered with a classic Chanel French beauty look; nude lips, sultry smudged eyeliner and clean matte skin. Hair was left soft, natural, and undone, emphasising the movement of each piece. While the beauty looks were simple, they served as an ideal foundation, enabling each look to command attention.
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