Chanel Metiers d’Art 2024-25 in Hangzhou, China “A Dream in Lacquer and Light”. Story by RUNWAY MAGAZINE. Photo / Video Courtesy: Chanel.
By nightfall on the serene banks of West Lake in Hangzhou, Chanel unveiled its 2024-25 Métiers d’art collection—a breathtaking convergence of history, artistry, and Gabrielle Chanel’s most cherished inspirations. Hangzhou, a historic city steeped in culture and the heartbeat of China’s technological innovation, provided a fitting backdrop for a collection that weaves the poetic nostalgia of antique Coromandel screens with the avant-garde craftsmanship of the Maisons d’art at le19M.
A Journey from Paris to Hangzhou
The Métiers d’art collection, traditionally a celebration of Chanel’s unparalleled savoir-faire, took on a new dimension this year, offering a tribute to Mademoiselle Chanel’s deep affinity for Coromandel screens. These lacquered masterpieces, adorned with intricate depictions of nature and daily life, were more than décor to Chanel—they were portals to another world. One such screen, cherished by Chanel and hung in her apartment at 31 rue Cambon, depicted Hangzhou’s enchanting West Lake. This poetic connection made the location a natural choice for presenting the collection, turning the runway into a tapestry of allure, travel, and dreamlike exploration.
Wim Wenders and the Art of Storytelling
To mark this extraordinary unveiling, acclaimed director Wim Wenders brought his visionary storytelling to a short film starring Chanel ambassadors Tilda Swinton, Leah Dou, and Xin Zhilei. The film captured the ethereal interplay between the collection’s Parisian roots and its Chinese inspirations, adding cinematic depth to the evening’s grandeur.
The Craftsmanship of le19M
The collection resonated with meticulous craftsmanship, a hallmark of the Métiers d’art. From long shouldered coats in velvet and satin to tuxedo jackets lined with white silk, each piece bore the unmistakable touch of artistry. Atelier Montex’s phosphorescent braids, Paloma’s frogging embellishments, and Lesage’s floral camellia embroideries elevated the garments to wearable art. Mandarin collars, pagoda sleeves, and Coromandel-inspired motifs evoked both East and West, creating a harmonious duality.
A Palette of Dreams Chanel Metiers d’art 2024-25
The color story was a lyrical homage to the Coromandel screens: jade green, pink, and sky blue mirrored the lacquered brilliance, while faded blues reflected West Lake’s rippling waters. Deep blacks and browns recalled the rich, velvety patina of antique woods, lending a touch of nocturnal mystery. The play of textures—embroidered flowers, gold lace, pleated ruffles—offered a sensory experience that was as romantic as it was tactile.
Accessories with Purpose
Accessories amplified the narrative of travel and intimacy. Travel bags, vanity cases, and jumpsuits featuring Coromandel motifs emphasized the collection’s nomadic spirit. Hats by Maison Michel, cloud-shaped pearl necklaces, and pillow-like handbags added a whimsical touch, while thigh-high boots and reflective slippers from Massaro rooted the looks in the practical elegance Chanel has always championed.
The Romance of Nightfall
The eveningwear was a triumph of sensuality and romance. Very long dresses, skirts with pleated plastrons, and negligees echoed the collection’s dreamlike theme. Lace inlays, lacquered finishes, and soft fleece materials conjured an almost celestial tranquility, inviting wearers to indulge in the fantasy of Chanel’s cushioned dreamscape.
A Universal Invitation
The 2024/25 Métiers d’art collection was more than an homage to Gabrielle Chanel’s inspirations—it was an invitation to journey inward, across borders, and through time. By uniting the romanticism of Chinese lacquer art with the precision of Parisian craftsmanship, Chanel created a collection that transcends fashion, becoming a global celebration of beauty, history, and innovation.
As the final look swept across the runway, the West Lake shimmered under the Hangzhou night, reflecting not just the brilliance of the collection, but the timeless allure of Chanel.
See All Looks Chanel Metiers d’Art 2024-25
