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This one goes out to the cobblers. To the embroiderers. To the milliners. To the goldsmiths. The skilled workers whose decades of perfected tailoring have long been part of the Chanel atelier family.
Today in New York City, Karl Largerfeld has presented his specialised couture show, The Métiers d’art. This year, he chose The Met as the location for this gloriously detailed collection, specifically The Temple of Dendur room. A wing of the gallery that hosts a 2000-year-old ancient Egyptian temple, featured by the Manhattan institution for 50 years. And Largerfeld’s inspiration for the presentation followed suit. More than a smattering of luscious gold played throughout a dreamed-up collection of what is Largerfeld’s Ancient Egyptian Chanel. Pharaoh couture for a modern dynasty.
Traditional tweed shared ensemble space with spectacular beading, tasseling and metallic lapels, while column dresses with golden stripe accents gave reverence to the iconic death mask of Tutankhamun. But the focus here is the detailing. The Métiers d’art is something of a glorified showcase for the explicitly talented ateliers who service the French fashion house throughout all of their collections. An opportunity for Largerfeld to shine a light on the fact that Chanel pieces are a production crafted by teams of people worldwide. Their Instagram video series dedicated to these amazing collaborators, which they posted in the lead up to today’s show, is inspiring to say the least. One will now look at Chanel collections with even greater respect.
Familiar faces walked as part of this prehistoric homage, Kaia Gerber and Pharrell Williams among others. While the most chic stars turned out for the exclusive event. Dressed in monochrome Chanel best celebrities like Julianne Moore, Lily Rose Depp, Penelope Cruz, Christy Turlington and Diane Kruger gave the show a unanimous standing ovation.
When the gallery’s other most exclusive event takes place next May, The Met Gala, will we see some of these pieces make a glorious return? We’re absolutely betting on it.
