In an act of perfect coordination, W Magazine China [IG] #11 2024 has dropped its first ‘The Artisan Issue’ in concert with the CHANEL 2024/25/Métiers d’art Show, held today, December 3, on the West Lake in Hangzhou, China.

Supermodel Liu Wen poses in select pieces and ensembles from the show, styled by Louise Ford and lensed by Louise & Maria Thornfeldt [IG].

Chanel flew over 1000 friends and clients into the event to witness the sumptuous beauty and artisanship enveloping the night air of Hangzhou./ Hair by Joseph Pujalte; makeup by Céline Martin

Note: a shorter video without pre-show commentary will be available soon.

First Longform View of Chanel’s 2024/25 Métiers d’art Collection

Presented hours ago at nightfall on the West Lake in Hangzhou, China, the December 3, 2024/25 Métiers d’art collection draws its inspiration from Gabrielle Chanel’s Coromandel screens, that she cherished all her life and that still adorn the walls of her apartment in Paris.

Making claims about the source of inspiration is easy enough for luxury brands. In this case if one knows what Coco Chanel’s Coromandel screens look like, the Chanel atelier has delivered on the promise.

Embroidered floral motifs run the length of a long dress, of a suit, sometimes even swathing the entire piece, while jade green, pink and sky blue colours evoke the brilliance of their lacquer. Each of the silhouettes reveals a unique sense of detail, both visible and hidden.

The silkiness of the pockets, sleeves, collars and phosphorescent braids radiates with gentle luminescence. Continuing this dreamlike journey, long coats in precious tweeds, satin and velvet are infused with mystery. The pockets, signature of CHANEL, take the shape of envelopes, suggesting letter-writing and inviting to a poetic voyage.

Bravo Chanel! What an inspiring gift to artisans worldwide and a gift of deep respect to Chinese culture and the inspiring, global symbolism of West Lake in Hangzhou, China.

Chanel has significantly honored centuries of artisans and artists who imagine the world of fashion as an art form. And then, with individual, by-hand stitches and precious beads applied one by one, the artisans make their dreams real. In the truest sense, these talented artists must be honored and celebrated by designers who recognize their inner capacity to create. ~ Anne