Principles of trendless clothing made to last reflect a sustainability-influenced shift within the fashion industry
The splashiest new venue in Paris fashion, the setting for a Chanel catwalk show bedazzled with pearls and sequins, is a workshop that celebrates the old-fashioned art of craft-made clothes that last a lifetime.
Designer Virginie Viard took only the briefest of bows at Chanel’s Métiers d’art show. Instead the spotlight fell on the 600 embroiderers, pleaters, goldsmiths and other artisans who work at the state of the art building, le19M, where it was held. Victoire, a machinist in her early 20s, gave a pre-show demonstration of Chanel’s trademark quilted stitching while Marina, a jewellery maker, talked show guests through the making of a pair of the brand’s famous double-C earrings.
