Chanel SS 24’ Haute Couture
In Paris' Grand Palais, Chanel débuted its Spring/Summer 2024 Haute Couture, a blend of style and whimsy by Virginie Viard, capturing the maison's chic essence. This collection, imbued with a sense of légèreté, beauty, and feminine frivolity, subtly embraced the theme of ballet, weaving it through the designs like a delicate fil d'or.
The show's opening was a theatrical spectacle as the grand Chanel button installation descended. It was here that actress Margaret Qualley, embodying Chanel's elegance, stepped onto the runway. Dressed in a harmonious blend of a cream tweed jacket, a petite pelmet skirt beneath a white tulle overlay, and thick white tights, she paid a modern tribute to Gabrielle Chanel. Her outfit, complete with an impish smile, set the tone for a collection that celebrated youthful elegance and playful dressing. The collection's color story was a tender journey from pure white to soft pastel hues, perfectly capturing the spirit of spring. Ballet's influence was subtly interwoven, coming into clearer view with a tweed twinset and leotard-like undergarment ensemble. The ballet theme culminated in a striking black coat-dress, elegantly cinched at the waist and gracefully expanding over a white ballerina tutu. The charm of the collection was found in the intricate handwork, a signature of Chanel’s haute couture. Observers were drawn to the refined craftsmanship, seen in details like raffia embroidery that mimicked open-weave tweed and delicately shirred bodices.
Photo by Francois Durand/Getty Images
The finale showcased the Chanel bride, a vision in a silver-white tunic dress with voluminous chiffon sleeves and a sweeping tulle train, encapsulating Viard’s style: romantic, ornamental, yet contemporary. Balletcore beauty was a highlight, with models displaying natural, understated makeup that complemented the collection’s femininity. The oversized Chanel button symbolized the blend of elegance and functionality, hanging over the runway like a beacon of grace. Chanel's SS24 Haute Couture show in Paris was a celebration of whimsical details and balletic beauty, solidifying Viard's visionary approach and marking an enchanting chapter in Chanel's legacy.
