Once a world leading industrial and textile hub, Manchester has since come to represent the very best in a variety of fields, ranging from education to football. The one (and in my opinion, most important) export, which has defined generations of youths (and the young at heart), is music. Global bands such as Joy Division, Take That, Oasis, and The Chemical Brothers have all originated from this working class city.
Fantasy tweed jacket with matching skirt, fantasy tweed brooch and metal bracelets with glass beads and rhinestones (worn as a choker)
Fantasy tweed coat with matching culottes and metal bracelets with glass beads and rhinestones (worn as a choker)
Fantasy tweed coat with matching skirt and metal bracelets with glass beads
All from Chanel
According to Chanel’s artistic director Virginie Viard, “….Manchester is the city of music, it incites creation.” With that as the backdrop, the stage was set for a youthquake moment, through Chanel. An opening parade of tailored tweed looks in monochromes of pop infused oranges, greens, pinks and reds recalled the late Queen Elizabeth II, often seen in public appearances in eye searingly unmissable hues. While there were prim twinsets and suits, the silhouettes mostly featured skittish hemlines that ended above the knee. It was a definite nod to the sixties. The iconic camellia brooch looked extremely fresh, finished in the same colour and material as the outfit it adorned. Likewise, jewellery was colour coded to each ensemble, completing the look.
Other riffs on British-ness came as tweed and knits in earthy hues drawn from the countryside. It’s a reflection of Mademoiselle Chanel’s own love for the great outdoors. Dresses with puff sleeves recall historical highland style dress and intarsia cashmere knits feature undulating abstract shapes, echoing the roiling hills and wild terrain of the great English landscape. Back in the city, club girls emerge in shiny black leather styled with contrasting jewellery. It was equal parts new romantic and punk.
Fantasy tweed jacket with matching skirt and fantasy tweed brooch
Embellished fantasy tweed jacket dress and fantasy tweed cape
Sequinned velvet dress embroidered with vinyl record motif and embellished calfskin Mary-janes, all from Chanel
A series of little black dresses emerged. They were so densely embroidered that you would be forgiven if you thought one model was indeed wearing vinyl records on her bodice. Short, fun and flirty, they resembled the perfect party dress.
Undoubtedly, tweed lies at the heart of this collection. One standout look featured a shaggy-looking coat with wefts of tweed artfully knotted, resulting in a textural pile. Paired with a t-shirt embellished with teacups (another English obsession) and a miniskirt decorated with balls of thread made to resemble flowers, it felt extremely fresh, stylish and believable. In many ways, the look was the perfect embodiment of how tradition and savoir faire can combine for the modern day.
Creative Direction Chia Wei Choong
Photography Stefan Khoo
Video Director & Editor Belle Chew
D.O.P Hoya
Hair Sean Ang
Makeup Clarence Lee, using Chanel Beauty
Photography Assistant Alif
Styling Assistants Julia Mae Wong & Caleb Lim
Models Hai Li, Sophia & Leila / Mannequin
