Dreamy, mesmerising and magical. It’s been seven years since Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic Chanel Cruise Dubai show, and yesterday, Virginie Viard returned with a very different mood for the Maison.
As this was a replica show of the collection that first showed in Provence, there were no nods to emblematic Arabesque themes unlike Karl’s homages to Arabian geometry or crescent moon motifs. Instead this collection was resolutely modern – and the casting was refreshingly diverse – to embrace every woman, from ‘90s slip dresses worn over T-shirts to velvet cape coats. One piece I’m dreaming about is the white maxi shirt dress which I can’t wait wear at a beach club in Dubai ASAP. And after a seven-year wait, it’s not a moment too soon.
The show saw some of the biggest names not only regionally, but worldwide. From Penelope Cruz to John Legend and iconic Moroccan singer Faouzia who is topping every chart, the day was filled with surprise appearances and we couldn’t have been any more delighted. We sat with Faouzia to get her thoughts on the show and ask her about her future performances.
First of all, talk me through this amazing outfit.
“Thank you! So this is a black turtle neck with little pink Chanel logos with it, little accents here. I love it because it’s very Chanel, you have the classic black with a touch of pink.
What’s in your Chanel compact bag?
Lipstick to touch up, that’s it.
Welcome to Dubai!
Thank you!
What did you think of the show?
I absolutely loved it, it was very mesmerizing, I feel like I couldn’t take my eyes off absolutely every look. It was so incredible.
What looks stood out for you?
I think the one look that comes to my mind, is the very flowy white dress. It really was so beautiful, the look is imprinted in my mind. And so many great accessories as well. There was like an arm accessory, so cute.
Is this your first Chanel Show?
Yes. this is my first Chanel show.
How does it feel to be at a Chanel Show?
It felt incredible, this is a brand that I genuinely love so much, and I’ve been following for years and years and years. And so to be here is very, surreal, and to watch it front-row is just like a dream come true.
You’ve got concerts coming up, I heard a rumour that one might be sooner than we think?
Very very soon, I can’t say much about it.
Have you missed performing live?
I’ve missed it so much, and I can’t wait to be performing in less than two weeks now, In New York, and Los Angeles, so it’s going to be incredible. I’m already getting ready for rehearsals, as soon as I land back in LA, I’m going straight to rehearsals.
What does it mean to you to be here in the Middle East?
It’s amazing, and to be in Dubai, which is just the capital for so many things, fashion being one of them. It feels like, it doesn’t feel real, even when I look outside and I see all those buildings and the skyline, I feel like there’s no way this is real. Like I can’t believe I’m here right now. I’m having the time of my life, I feel like time is ticking so quickly, and there’s just so much going on with magazine shoots, and being here at the show. And I’m like no! Slow down, I want to enjoy it, I want to be here longer you know?
Have you had a chance to meet any of your Middle Eastern fans?
I haven’t, I’ve been very much like hotel, and then events. Maybe I’ll bump into one, I’d love to.
What does it mean to you to be of your generation) in the Middle East?
It’s very exciting, I think that there’s so much creativity, and passion for so many things, for music, fashion, and to be in the midst of it, to be a part of it, is very inspiring. I feel like I am feeding off of other people’s energy, and vice versa. So I think we’re just a generation that is very excited to create and showcase what we have to the world, and I think there’s so much for us to give. To be a part of it is very exciting.
