Blackpink's Jennie, Park Seo-Joon And Dazzling Embroidery At Chanel Métiers d'Art 2022/23
The stars were out in full force for Chanel's Métiers d'Art presentation in Tokyo
Chanel's 1970s-influenced Chanel-Dakar collection was first presented in December 2022 in Dakar, Senegal. It was a significant Metiers d'Art presentation for Chanel, the first time even in the continent, and one that the brand had been considering for some time. "We've been thinking about it for three years. I wanted it to happen gently, over several days of deep, respectful dialoguing," explains Virginie Viard, the House's Artistic Director.
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Six months later the collection, which hits stores this June, found its way across the world in Tokyo, Japan for a re-show held in the Tokyo Big Sight, a large exhibition hall. Splicing in elements from Japanese culture including a lilting opening performance of the late Ryuichi Sakamoto's "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" by the guitarist Ichika Nito, it was clear that this was a Japanese take on the Chanel-Dakar experience, adding another intriguing layer to this cross-cultural exchange.
A rousing performance by Japanese dancers from Tokyo's Tama University of Fine Arts lent an element of youthful subversion to the proceedings as they moved in unison across the runway space in joyful discord before the presentation began.
As for the runway presentation, the spirit of Chanel, as always, came through with the house's key material tweed taking centrestage. Chanel-Dakar saw an abundance of plant motifs, geometric shapes and a warm, multi-coloured palette seen on an almost elongated silhouette—think fitted coats and flared trousers paired with platforms for a leg-lengthening effect.
Pieces like the oversize sweatshirts were apt canvases for the Metiers d'Art's fine craftsmanship to shine through in the form of dazzling embroidery work including the House's signature camellias in 3D clusters, intertwined pearls and twinkling, jewelled buttons.
The accessories too had a new spin, with the House's signature chain being replaced by chunky wooden links on mini bags in vibrant hues, as well as intricate woven detailing on mini Chanel 22 bags. Multicoloured ombré finishes on the classic flap bag in both leather and tactile sequins stood out as did beading not just on the bags, but on vests, skirts and sweaters for a craft-inspired but sophisticated update to the Chanel oeuvre.
As the party continued in the same space, guests who included friends of the brand, local Japanese celebrities like actress Rinko Kikuchi, model Nana Komatsu and twin DJs Ami and Aya (AMIAYA) mingled with long-time Chanel ambassadors Kristen Stewart (who attended with her fiancée Dylan Meyer) and the ever-stylish French model Caroline de Maigret. Also present were Korean superstar Park Seo-joon, and Chinese singer and actor Wang Yibo.
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Guests were treated to a cross-cultural spectacle of performances including songs by Japanese all-girl band CHAI, Senegalese rapper Nix, as well as a nostalgia-tinged and boogie-inducing set by French DJ duo Polo and Pan. But the post-show highlight was surely when Blackpink superstar and Chanel ambassador Jennie came onstage for a three-song performance of sultry tunes "Fly Me to The Moon" and "Killing Me Softly," followed by her first live performance of a remixed version of her solo single "You and Me." As the crowd danced late into the night one thing was certain; the storied French fashion house sure knows how to throw a great party.
Scroll ahead to see all the looks from the show.