From the runway
CHANEL Métiers d’Art 2021: Honoring a woman of Renaissance
Guess which look is my favorite in this collection!
Métiers d’Art is an annual show by CHANEL, honoring the fine craftsmanship that its artisan partners bring to the house’s collections. CHANEL Métiers d’Art shows usually turns to a different location each year, each venue paying tribute to the workshops that provide the house with lace, buttons, or embroidery. The first Métiers d’Art Chanel show was held in December 2002, in the Chanel haute couture salons on the rue Cambon. In recent years, the shows have traveled from Paris to Salzburg to Dallas, Edinburg, Mumbai, New York, Tokyo and Shanghai. One after another, each collection left fans in awe with intricate designs that are surely favored by fashion collectors and aficionado.
CHANEL Métiers d’Art 2021 took place at the Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley, also known as Le Château des Dames (The Ladies’ Castle). The castle’s name was inspired by its history of famale owners, from Katherine Briçonnet, Diane de Poitiers, to Catherine de’ Medici. Château de Chenonceau is a splendid work of architecture, mixing both Gothic and Renaissance elements. And it was a great source of inspiration for Virginie Viard’s CHANEL Métiers d’Art this time.
The black and white checkered motif on the Grand gallery floor was reflected on sequined mini-skirts. The decorating rugs in the castle inspired the embroidered patterns on the collection’s bag, skirt, and sweater. The collection was dominated by black: black dresses, black skirts, black capes along with black hats. This was a tribute to widow Catherine de’ Medici who only wore black after her husband King Henri II passed away.
When I put on these designs, I feel the ultimate luxury that comes from amazing craftsmanship in every detail. Even better, the collection is versatile enough to mix with modern, more casual items such as a white shirt and high-heeled boots for a refreshing look. I especially adore the accessories in this collection, like CHANEL’s popular two-tone shoes renewed with a glittering twist, or a mini bag with the Chenonceau embroidery.
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