Fashion month has just wrapped, and while there were seemingly endless shows put on every day across four countries, it is always the same show that garners global attention. But, for the first time in recent history, the Chanel show was relatively low-key.
While Chanel’s idea of ‘low-key’ is no doubt very different to our own, it was the runway’s setting that took guests by surprise. Taking place on a relatively simple, curved runway, it was miles away from the more typical extravaganzas we’re used to seeing from the French fashion house. There was no palpable theme – the set subtly based on the River Seine – no rustling leaves covering the ground, no faux supermarket aisles… even the models’ hair was entirely pared back.
But make no mistake, this show lacked in no way. Bursting with unexpected sartorial touches, the collection spoke for itself.
Having been headed up by Virginie Viard since the passing of the legendary Karl Lagerfeld a year ago the brand has been careful to protect and nurture the designer’s – and his predecessor, the eponymous founder’s – vision.
To this end, the collection made several nods to the brand’s heritage – with injections of tweed, monogrammed tights and lots of pearls – but at the same time made major strides forward, with modern accents giving the cult brand a fresh new feel.
Here are the 10 key looks from Chanel’s AW20 offering that tell you everything you need to know about next season…