Unveiled recently in Paris, the CHANEL Haute Couture SS22 collection is an absolutely exquisite example of the staggering skill and talent that is required to create these incredibly special collections. The clean lines and delicate femininity of the pieces honoured the couture construction and finishings utilized to create them. Petal thin chiffon and silks ethereally floated down the runway while sumptuous iridescent tweeds and fine bright laces play beautifully against intricate embroidery, hand sewn beading, and jewelled buttons. Many a piece looked as if it was quite literally sculpted thanks to the perfection of its cut and draping. Stylistically, one can clearly see creative director Virginie Viard’s modern nod to the 1920 and 30s in the pieces – a time period that saw elegant simplicity and the freeing of women from the constraints of earlier clothing and one that has deep ties to the House of CHANEL. It was during this time that Mademoiselle Chanel rose to prominence with her designs and quite literally freed women from the formally de rigueur corset. While this reference could easily take the collection in the direction of period costuming, Viard instead made it feel fresh, elegant, with the perfect subtle nod to the House’s history.
Viard’s Art Deco inspiration for the CHANEL Haute Couture SS22 also extended to the spectacular set. “The idea for the show’s decor came from a longstanidesire to work with Xavier Veilhan. His references to constructivism remind me of those of Karl Lagerfeld” notes Virginie Viard. “I like this similarity of spirit between us, now and across time. In addition to creating the shoe decor with its references to the avant-garde of the 1920s and 1930s, Xavier wanted to work with Charlotte Casiraghi. His artistic universe is full of horses and Charlotte is a skilled rider.” Casiraghi, a beloved House ambassador and highly accomplished equestrian, opened the show on horseback while wearing a black tweed blazer with jewelled buttons from the collection.
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