Out of the night’s shadow, a figure cloaked in black emerges from the dark water, more vision than reality. Light dances across her face, while the hem of her sweeping coat lifts slightly with each step, revealing knee-high boots that gleam with every movement. At first, it’s hard to make out the details—and perhaps that’s intentional. Chanel’s Metiers d’Art collections have always been about slow discovery.
As Chinese supermodel Liu Wen made her way down the runway, the embroidery on her coat revealed delicate images of florals and deer—crafted in porcelain, sequins, glass, and crystals. Her boots, low-heeled and understated in silhouette, dazzled in strass from top to toe. The ensemble balanced couture craftsmanship with a sense of grounded, wearable beauty. These pieces, after all, are designed to not just be admired, but be lived in.
The Coromandel screen in Coco Chanel’s apartment at 31 Rue Cambon served as the starting point for this collection. Its deep lacquered surface and glowing mother-of-pearl details inspired not only the rich palette, but the luminous finishes, too. The tweeds are particularly striking—especially up-close. One standout, named “Screens” and created by Lesage, features 28 different threads to mimic the iridescence of shell. Shown as a cropped skirt suit with a bold shoulder, the look feels modern and confident—perfectly suited for the style-forward streets of Seoul or Tokyo.
Floral motifs, a constant thread in Chanel’s story, appear again here—but never in the same way. Each artisan house brought its own interpretation to life. The camellia—Chanel’s symbolic bloom—appears alongside water lilies embroidered by Montex using the Lunéville technique. Together, they frame the neckline of a sleek black cardigan and sweater, their shimmer echoing the soft glow of mother-of-pearl. Elsewhere, a long column dress crafted in lace by Montex explores the aesthetic of Chinese porcelain. The floral designs are vivid and the lace itself—woven on a Leavers loom—offers a level of intricacy and texture that feels both delicate and substantial.
One of the collection’s true marvels is a blouson crafted from pleated silk charmeuse—an extraordinary piece brought to life by the hands of Lognon and Lemarié. Known for its fluid, slippery nature, this fabric is notoriously difficult to tame. And yet, here it is transformed into something sculptural and ethereal—eight layers pleated into a padded, feathered form that feels both light and architectural.
Drama aside, the piece is rooted in a quiet devotion to technique and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It speaks to the beauty of the finished garment and the patience, skill, and deep artistry behind it. Like much of the collection, it does more than tell a story—it draws you into its world, one meticulous detail at a time.
Creative Direction Chia Wei Choong
Photography Stefan Khoo
Video Director & Editor Belle Chew
D.O.P Hoya
Hair Peter Lee / 35a
Makeup Kimberly @kimxbby__, using Chanel Beauty
Photography Assistant Alif
Styling Assistant Caleb Lim
Model Yuan Xiang / Mannequin
Location Maggie’s
Special Thanks Five Ten
