Parisian Grace Echoed in Chanel Couture’s Fall-Winter Collection

The stony banks of the Seine River set the scene for Chanel’s recent haute couture presentation. With a view of the Eiffel Tower, fashion’s elites gracefully traversed the rough landscape to partake in an open-air collection paying tribute to the essence of Paris.

Echoing the celebrated bouquinistes, those quaint bookstalls that dot the riverside, Chanel crafted their replicas. However, these stalls were not your average. They were meticulously designed tributes to the brand’s history, displaying biographies of the iconic Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel and postcards featuring actresses linked with the house, including Vanessa Paradis, a contemporary embodiment of the Parisian woman, who applauded from the front row.

Here are some key moments from Tuesday’s fall couture showcases, including when The Big Big News connected with French actress Clémence Poésy.

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THE PARIS OF CHANEL

“This collection is the depiction of a tender yet daring Parisian woman,” noted Virginie Viard, Chanel’s creative director. “It’s like balancing on a line between power and finesse.”

Tuesday’s gathering of tweeds, silk chiffons, organza and embroidered lace, filled with floral and graphic designs, affirmed Viard’s concept of this lush and feminine cosmos.

Despite the glimmer and shine of golden heels and buttons, the collection adopted a reassuring simplicity.

Confident yet understated hues, flat-pleated golden tweed skirts, menswear-inspired overcoats, and delicately crafted jackets contributed to the quiet charm of the show. A striking piece was a navy blue asymmetrical coat-skirt with feathery tulle spilling from the lapel, blending unevenness with Chanel’s tenets of discipline.

At one moment, a model strolled down the runway walking a black dog, a seemingly capricious touch that had spectators eagerly capturing photos. But perhaps the most quintessentially Parisian accent was a fruit basket — a tribute to the Parisienne of the 1970s.

Viard defined her method as, “Passing on feelings, merging the most unlikely elements, doing things in your unique way, simply dreaming.” And through this collection, she adeptly transported us all to Paris, presenting an emotional homage to the everlasting charm of the Parisienne, right on the Seine’s quayside.

POÉSY ON CHANEL’S BOOKSTALLS: ‘UNLIKE ANY BOUQUINISTE!’

French actress and “Harry Potter” alum Clémence Poésy attended Chanel’s show, appearing mesmerized by the Seine-side “bouquinistes” display. The scene, replicated by the house, was a charming honor to Paris’ iconic riverside bookshops, adored by both locals and visitors.

“There was a Parisian aura, being on the Seine’s quayside and having the bouquinistes at the start,” Poésy shared with AP, her eyes sparkling with the spectacle of the show. “It felt like journeying through various epochs of Parisians.”

The actress was particularly entranced by the French mainstay’s playful nod to Paris’ past, which brought forth images of both the ’70s and new wave cinema. But it was the bouquinistes — a regular fixture of her weekends — that truly fascinated her.

“You meander along the Seine and venture into all these antique and secondhand bookstores along the river and bridges,” she reminisced, describing her routine. “You often find something you wouldn’t buy elsewhere.”

Chanel’s one-of-a-kind installation, she chuckled, was indeed “not your typical bouquiniste.” With a fond smile, she added, “I hope it remains there indefinitely. It’s such a precious thing.”

THE ROMANCE BEHIND CHANEL’S LITTLE BLACK DRESS

French actress Anna Mouglalis, known for portraying Chanel in the movie “Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky,” unveiled the romantic tale behind the creation of the iconic little black dress (LBD) in a conversation with AP.

Currently a Chanel ambassador, Mouglalis stated: “I fell for Coco Chanel when I studied for the role. I read everything.”

Mouglalis revealed the heart-wrenching story behind Chanel’s universally cherished LBD. Coco Chanel, shattered by the sudden death of her lover, Arthur “Boy” Capel, incorporated her mourning attire into her fashion line, hence creating the LBD. Capel, aside from being Chanel’s great love, also played a significant role in helping her open her first store.

“It was remarkable that the little black dress was created because she was mourning for Boy Capel. She never married. She loved him, he was her true love,” Mouglalis confided. “She was hurt and channeled the mourning into her designs. Everything is so tied to her personal story.”

A PRIVATE AFFAIR WITH GIORGIO ARMANI PRIVÉ

A rare luxury in the couture world – space – was generously provided by Giorgio Armani Privé on Tuesday evening. VIPs congregated amidst dramatic sidelights, enclosed by vast beige silk curtains, emphasizing the private and exclusive nature of the event. The scene was set on a runway streaked with glossy squares of black and white, a tribute to Armani’s couture signature of geometry and luster.

The collection unfolded, a dynamic flowering of structured jackets sparkling with glittering threads and 3D floral appliqués, effortlessly transitioning into flowing, lustrous floor-length gowns. A standout blue jacket, encrusted with jewels, inspired visions of marine crystal formations, showcasing Armani’s detail-focused craftsmanship.

Joyful eccentricity punctuated the collection with sculptural, giant black hoops encircling one model’s figure, as well as a slightly awkwardly moving top constructed in poppies. The glimmer was a constant, a kaleidoscope of rainbow shades reflecting off the luxurious fabrics.

However, among the lavish display, a minimalist yet striking black velvet dress claimed the spotlight. Couture’s sophisticated answer to Morticia Addams, the floor-length gown was backless, tastefully adorned at the back. It was a striking reminder that in Armani’s world, simple elegance often outshines grandiosity.

A MODERN PARISIAN SOIRÉE BY MABILLE

Picture an upscale Parisian fashion bash; a mixture of contemporary sophistication, effortless glamour, and a touch of playful spirit. This is the aura Alexis Mabille encapsulated in his fall couture.

From the start, Mabille established the mood with a black floor-length dress that delicately balanced fluidity and allure. Models strutted the runway holding empty crystal champagne glasses, evoking images of a high-fashion celebration in the City of Light.

Playfulness met artistry as Mabille used his signature bows to sculpt a dress, while his enduring affection for floral themes blossomed as white chest decorations.

As Parisian as a moonlit saunter along the Seine, the collection boasted lacy corsets over sheer black Sahara pants, creating a contemporary yet sensual aesthetic.

In a thrilling twist, the collection sparked with disco-era vitality. A

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Chanel fall couture show

More about Chanel fall couture show

• Chanel Official Website
• Coco Chanel Biography
• More about Virginie Viard
• History of Parisian Bouquinistes
• Clemence Poesy IMDB Profile
• The story behind the Little Black Dress (LBD)
• Giorgio Armani Official Website
• Alexis Mabille Official Website
• Stéphane Rolland Official Website