For the Chanel’s 2023/24 Métiers d’art collection, Virginie Viard takes us on a merry excursion to Manchester. “For me, Manchester is the city of music,” the artistic director exclaims in the show notes. “It incites creation.”

The creation part for this particular collection sees Viard returning to Chanel’s most beloved fabric. “Tweed is central to this collection, “ she adds. “I thought a lot about Gabrielle Chanel but I didn’t want to recreate Coco’s look, when she was wearing the Duke of Westminster’s jackets. (Instead) I took my cue from the Coco who brought colour to her tweeds. I added a vibrant, pop spirit to them.”

Music Meets Fashion

When pop music meets fashion, where better to present the collection than in Thomas Street? Located in the north of Manchester, the street is recognised for its artistic and musical history. Making it the perfect backdrop for a collection that serves as a symphony of the past, present, and future of the Maison—by now, a Viard signature at Chanel. 

BAZAAR-exclusive backstage shots from the Manchester show.

Thus, much like the rhythmic pattern of a captivating song, the Chanel’s 2023/24 Métiers d’art collection presents itself as a harmonious balance of the Maison’s core codes. In her quest to pay homage to Gabrielle Chanel’s timeless tailoring, Viard chooses to highlight a poetry of emotions with a distinct nod to the ’60s. From the signature chains adorning the jacket hems to the contrasting interior fabrics. All told in an exciting palette of salmon pink, pumpkin, apple green, mustard, sky blue, red and rust light.

Backstage at the 2023/24 Métiers D’art Collection from Chanel.

Homage To Great Britain

And true to form, the line-up offers a myriad of textures and silhouettes that references cool Britannia. Observe tweed wraparound skirts, cashmere knitwear, and Bermuda shorts. Elsewhere, black Mary-Janes evoke a sense of innocence, while leather and denim wildly flirt with the pulse of Manchester’s music scene. On the softer side, babydoll nighties and strapless dresses rekindle an English countryside romance. In a sense, the collection expresses an exciting blend of classic British cheek with contemporary Chanel chic. 

Backstage at the 2023/24 Métiers D’art Collection from Chanel.

Artisanal Craftsmanship

Of course, at its heart, the collection is testament to the artisanal craftsmanship that lies at the heart of Chanel’s Métiers d’art HQ, le19M. Thus, embroidery is interlaced with feathers, pleated lines sway to their own rhythm, and jewelled buttons wink knowingly at the Chanel heritage. For a measure of levity, playful teapots, vinyl records, and cute flowers adorn the collection.

With an electrifying hum of Manchester’s pulsating music heritage, the 2023/24 Métiers d’art collection celebrates Chanel’s enduring love affair with Great Britain.

Check out the runway show below: