Chanel’s latest showcase at Paris fashion week was a spectacle of elegance and strength, symbolized by a colossal black ribbon that framed the runway. Constructed from steel rather than silk, this striking feature stretched 368 meters and towered beside the catwalk, reinforcing the message that the house of Chanel is both resilient and stylish.
With the impending arrival of new designer Matthieu Blazy next month, Chanel has been operating without a creative lead for nearly a year. Despite this gap, the brand remains anchored in the legacy of its founder. Coco Chanel’s image defined by her signature suit, pearls, and ribbon-trimmed boater hat continues to shape the house’s identity, ensuring its enduring appeal. The latest collections, designed by the studio team, remain faithful to these classic elements, proving that fashion, much like a beloved dish, thrives on consistency.
A star-studded audience, including Dakota Fanning, gathered to witness the latest interpretations of Chanel’s heritage. Grenadine silk tweed suits in cream, lipstick red, and black were accessorized with ribboned hats, while crystal bows featured as jewelry and silk bows adorned blouse buttons. A trompe l’œil ribbon design traced across a knitted dress, adding an artful touch. Pearls were dramatically enlarged, appearing as tennis ball-sized heels on boots and oversized cross-body strings, with one central pearl doubling as a miniature handbag.
Footwear was given a contemporary twist with sock boots that combined lace-trimmed socks with glossy black patent toes, updating Chanel’s signature two-tone pump in line with the trend for sophisticated hosiery. Handbags, the true financial powerhouse of luxury brands, were prominently featured, ranging from tiny, stamp-sized styles to large laptop bags, ensuring an option for every look and occasion.
While runway shows and red-carpet moments contribute to a brand’s prestige, financial success in the fashion world is often dictated by accessories. This principle has propelled Louis Vuitton to the pinnacle of luxury, with its brand value estimated at $130 billion last year. Dressing celebrities for award ceremonies is as much about visibility in Paris as it is about the glamour of Hollywood.
Louis Vuitton’s latest collection embraced the cinematic romance of train travel, drawing inspiration from classic films such as Casablanca and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Designer Nicolas Ghesquière skillfully blended nostalgia with contemporary creativity, delivering a collection that felt both imaginative and fresh.
Devore velvet gowns paired with silk turbans evoked the golden age of the Orient Express, while slouchy knitwear and handkerchief-hem skirts styled with chunky boots suggested an Interrail aesthetic. Sculpted dresses nodded to Marilyn Monroe’s iconic looks in Some Like It Hot, and a small collaboration with Kraftwerk saw the 1977 Trans Europe Express album cover appear on the back of a pinstripe jumpsuit.
Ghesquière remains a rare figure in the fashion industry, maintaining his role at Louis Vuitton for over a decade. With another four years on his contract, he stands apart from the constant shuffle of designers at other luxury houses. His steady presence was evident as he closed the show with warm smiles and waves, even sharing a moment of appreciation with Brigitte Macron in the front row.
