Every December, Chanel fans are captivated by the brand’s Pre-Fall presentation. Known as the Metiers d’Art collection, it celebrates Chanel artisans’ incredible skills and craftsmanship. It is one of the brand’s most anticipated collections of the year thanks to the often ornate details and many collector’s items that appear each season. The details dazzle and delight; on this fine Friday morning, we’ve got the scoop for you on Chanel Metiers d’Art 2023.
Nods to a Seventies Spirit
The Métiers d’Art 2023 show was presented in Dakar, which is the capital of Senegal, West Africa. This was the first time Chanel, or any other European or US-based fashion brand for that matter, showed in Sub-Saharan Africa, Vogue Runway reported. The collection marks the start of a relationship between creative director Virginia Viard, Chanel, and Senegal. In fact, showing the collection in Dakar has been in the making for three years, but COVID-19 protocols slowed down the execution.
Revealed at Dakar’s former Palais de Justice, a stunning setting for the Métiers d’Art 2023 collection, the pieces pay tribute to the joy and savoir-faire of fashion. Influences from the pop/soul/funk era of the 1970s, which Viard was inspired by, are seen throughout. One glance at the collection, and fans will feel the influence. There are intricate tweed trousers reminiscent of the bell bottoms of the ’70s, bold, hippie-chic prints, and platform shoes.
The Bags of Chanel Metiers d’Art 2023
A vibrant, warm color palette showcases Chanel’s most storied House codes, like sequins, pearls, and the camellia flower, which has been used by the House for decades. The bags are mostly wearable, with novelty pieces sprinkled throughout. Classic flaps are given a chunky-chain strap makeover, and patent continues to be a push this season. A couple of new bags caught the eye, like a Classic Flap-turned lunch bag clutch and a double top handle bag with a long, flat body. What’s most notable are the colors used, and Chanel applies an ombre technique to patent and sequin Flap bags in bold shades of red, orange, and yellow.
View bags from the runway and backstage below, images courtesy of Chanel.
Well, I can see a side view of a bag with a top handle that looks interesting. I am 63 years old though…..am I too old to be interested in fashion? Go easy on us older ladies….we still love our fashion especially when we can remember the era that influenced the styles.
You’re not too old! Never too old for fashion:)
Ooh, I’m delighted that they showed in Subsaharan Africa, and had such a diverse lineup of models. Not a fan of the rolled lunch bag tops on some of those flaps, but there are some lovely RTW pieces. Very vibrant show.
As usual with Métiers d’art, the collection is simply delightful.
Agreed, this collection is just joyful. (I may be biased. I LOVE the 70’s aesthetic)
The clothes are anywhere from same-ole to downright hideous.
😱 There are some nice bags but clothes are just hideously awful. Looks like contemporary grand mothers or old age( 60 – ???)women’s outfits!!
Not inspiring at all.
isn’t that usually what chanel is known for? the fabric they use and the suits they make.
also calling women over 60 old is kinda funny- I’m 30 but I can clearly recognize 60 is hardly “old”
Exactly. Well said.
Not related to this show, I happened to stop by Chanel boutique Portland OR today. It was sad. There are about 20 bags on display and a few small things in counter. That. Was.All. It felt like going out of business. There was so much talking about them trying to deter non VIP shoppers, judging from this store, that is ridiculous. If an alien came to this store, they would not think us earthlings care about it much.
You’re talking about the Chanel boutique in Nordstrom’s near Pioneer Square in Portland. I buy from there, when I’m in town, because the tax is zero! I love it! Perhaps, their inventory is low because of the Holiday season? When I fly in, from Denver, once a year to see family, I always make at least one trip to Chanel and they have a large inventory. (That’s in the summer months). However, there is usually a waiting list to buy the classics because of the tax savings! My S.A. is Claire and she’s amazing! She can find you anything! Also, I love that they have the Gucci boutique directly across from Chanel! Fun!
Thank you. That’s really good to know! I haven’t been to this boutique since 2018 so the comparison seemed drastic. But I will pay them another visit after the holidays to see if anything exciting is there. Yes, the Gucci in Nordstrom has always been well stocked. Even better they opened an independent boutique in Pioneer Square and the space is super fun with lots to see. I have been enjoying that one.
I really like the denim. That red top is going to be highly sought after. Not sure about the bags because I really can’t see them.
Virgine my dear, it’s time to retire and make your grandma quilts at home. It’s not even about them being matronly, they’re just downright hideous. It’s the same thing over and over or just ugly. At least Karl had that classic Chanel look but kept up with the times and innovated. This? No.
Still would love to see the large heart in denim!!!