Chanel is a lot of things, but first and foremost for the past few years, it’s been a brand that loves a theme. When one of our editors stopped by the Chanel Fall 2015 preview recently, Chanel’s unparalleled level of commitment to its aesthetic whims was on full display; although the preview was in Chanel’s offices, the space looked fully like a French bistro, just as the Grand Palais in Paris had in March for the brand’s runway show.
Inside, the deeply detailed bags were displayed like pastries and confections, but the wares were not nearly as sugar-sweet as the setting might imply in the hands of a less imaginative creative team. Instead, these designs are treats for grown women, sure of their style and their ability to carry off an intricately crystal-covered day bag.
Below, check out the photos we shot at the preview–are you as excited for this collection as we are?
I love this collection and, of course, it doesn’t hurt that they are presented as confections. The bags in slides 17,18, and 20 are wonderful. The clutches in slide 15 are stunning. And I would love to put on a few of these bracelets. I can’t wait to see them in person and hopefully I won’t drool!
The Boy Bags are terrific! Not sure about the reissue with the forks and spoons, that is a lot of money to spend on something very whimsical.
Chanel has a lot of courage which is evident in the risks they take. That’s healthy for a brand.
Some of these are really pretty yet seem off. The black one in 23 is attractive but the proportions seem to be at odds. The elements look too big and overpower the small bag (smaller chain?). I love the quilting in #21 but the walls of the bag look really thick. Like there is too much bag and it looses its function. The quilting looks exaggerated.
#20 seems to work well. REALLY pretty.
Did they seem chunky in person?
I agree with your comments. I love the chances they take but they are some question marks in this line. I also love the bag in pic #20. I also love the bracelets with their vintage-y vibe.
But others here seem off. I don’t care for the bags in #8. They seem to be novelties that went to far to be a standard offering and not far enough to be interesting. Also I really despise the cutlery adorned bag. It looks cheap – not whimsical.
Overall a decent offering but nothing that is making me start a want list.
Very good point raised: fine line between whimsical and cheap. While no where near the price points or prestige of Channel, Kate Spade does whimsical really well. Or maybe one is open to KS’s whimsy because the price is low. High price = high expectations(?)
I agree with you and Sparkletastic. This is not Chanel’s best work. Some items seem off. And yes! Kate Spade does a great job with whimsical. I think Chanel could too. But it has to be whimsical in an even more fashion forward and intriguing way to be worthy of Chanel – the brand and its price point.
i agree with sparkletastic 🙂
Will always love Chanel, but pic 21 looks like colored bubble wrap to me.
Ha!
Vintage Chanel flaps with GHW used 22kt gold plated alloy. I heard that the recent flaps with GHW don’t use that anymore. Does anyone know what Chanel uses now?
When will Chanel get a new designer? It would be great to see the classics redone with a new eye. I feel like some of their stuff is really dated…though I know it sells like crazy…so what do I really know? 🙂
rumor from the deep has it Marc Jacobs is being groomed for taking over Chanel…..not sure if i’m excited about that though..
if you go to a chanel store there are 95% older women… so that’s kind of fits
Oooh you said what I was thinking. I love a LOT of what he’s done over the years. But, maybe a strong new designer under him can freshen things up a tad?
I disagree. Long live Karl Lagerfeld. I love how he uses elements of the history of the brand and yet adds a modern touch.
i really believe in that too. I see no imaginativeness in any of the designs for the since karl hit the grounds 🙂
amanda, the chanel previews are the best!!
I knew the bubble wrap bags would be next after the chevrons debuted. Chanel always goes in cycles. Precious designs but very predictable.
Slide 9 and 10 made me jizz in my pants….
love Karl but its true i need a fresh perspective on chanel.
One of each please! Boy bag may be the favorite, cuffs are to die for and the sequins and crystals, while over the top are definitely sexy!
The only piece that spoke to me was the jacket (coat? ) in slide 4 – lovely!
i’m never one for a lot of color or for huge logos, but I’m liking the plaid bag in slide #6, and the art deco clutch with the interlocking double Cs in #15 and #16. My love for the clutch in particular surprises me, but I think it’s quite well done. Despite all the gold and shine, I still think it’s rather tasteful. The clutch that looks like a huge makeup compact is also calling out to me.
That is… a lot of bling.
(I rather like pic 22, though.)
you can buy this one here http://goo.gl/PLle8H
rumor from the deep has it Marc Jacobs is being groomed for taking over Chanel…..