Fashion & Culture: Chanel show in London ending soon; Paris Fashion Week runs February 26 to March 5

From February 26 to March 5, 2024, Paris is once again the epicenter of an exciting array of runway events and presentations for its Fashion Week, showcasing the latest women's ready-to-wear collections for the upcoming Autumn-Winter 2024-2025 season.

In spite of the rain, Paris remains an enchanting destination for both tourists
and the worldwide fashion community. Photo by Lucia  Carpio.

Despite the forecasted rain showers during these few days, the unpredictable weather won't dampen Paris' allure as it captivates the attention of the global fashion community. The city is set to attract celebrities, international buyers, journalists, and influencers, reinforcing its status as a beacon of style.

A shop in the Carousel de Louvre, Paris, selling Paris 2024 Summer Olympics momentos and keepsakes.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Beyond its prominent role in the fashion world, Paris is renowned as the city of love, gastronomy, and culture. It is also the host of the 2024 Summer Olympics.  This week, the City of Lights is poised to come alive with the dynamic energy of fashion shows presented by esteemed fashion houses, beloved designers, and emerging fashion stars. While attending these shows in person may pose a challenge, some brands are embracing virtual accessibility through their websites or social networks, ensuring that fashion enthusiasts worldwide can experience the event in real-time.

Speaking of Parisian fashion, Chanel, one of France's most revered design houses, will stage its fashion show on March 5th 2024 as one of the main events to close Paris Fashion Week. 

The sell-out exhibition "Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto," at London's Victoria & Albert Museum
is closing on March 10th, 2024.
The V&A museum shop is stocked with souvenirs of the exhibition.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Chanel's illustrious founder, Gabrielle Chanel (1883 – 1971), affectionately known as Coco, is hailed as one of the most successful "couturière" of the 20th century. Currently showcased at London's prestigious Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) is the sell-out exhibition "Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto," running since September 2023, and now concluding on March 10th, 2024 (after an extension from the original closing date of February 24th). 

Chanel's brand and personal style became synonymous with sophistication and luxury, making her a prominent figure among the fashionable elite.  The legacy of the House of CHANEL is intricately tied to the evolution of Chanel's iconic design style, a lasting influence that continues to shape the way women dress today.
Replicating the Chanel apartment on 31 rue Cambon, Paris, is a spiral staircase lined with mirrors at
the "Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto" exhibition in the London's Victoria & Albert Museum.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Although tickets have been sold out for months, gaining entrance is still possible by becoming a member of the V&A, ensuring immediate admission.  So hurry up if you still haven't seen this showcase on the life and works of Coco Chanel, who has taught the world how to dress tastefully, elegantly and with superb class.

Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel, photographed by Roger Schall for Vogue, May 1938.
Photograph: Condé Nast/ Shutterstock, courtesy of Victoria & Albert Museum, London, UK

Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel, was a pioneering fashion designer whose innovative concepts revolutionized the fashion industry in the early 20th century. Her design philosophy was grounded in simplicity, comfort, and functionality, deviating from the elaborate and restrictive fashion trends of her time.

Chanel's tweed suits are iconic, featuring boxy jackets with contrasting trim and slim skirts, providing a chic and modern alternative to traditional women's attire. 
Photo by Lucia Carpio

The key concepts of her designs are timeless elegance (she believed in creating pieces that could withstand changing trends and remain relevant over time), comfort and functionality (she challenged the prevailing corseted and constrictive styles by promoting garments that allowed freedom of movement), and innovative use of fabrics (especially jersey, which was unconventional in high fashion at the time; she transformed this humble material into luxurious and comfortable garments.)

Chanel's focus on comfort, functionality, and timeless elegance resonated with women of the upper echelons of society. Her designs offered a sense of freedom and modernity that appealed to those seeking a break from the elaborate and impractical fashions of the early 20th century.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Her strengths also lay in her keen business sense, establishing herself as a successful entrepreneur. She launched the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume and expanded her brand into various product lines, contributing to her lasting legacy.

The Chanel quilted handbag design with chain strap, and signature double-C logo.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

She pioneered the art of branding.  The interlocking C's of the Chanel logo became synonymous with luxury and sophistication. Chanel's branding was influential in creating a distinctive identity for her fashion house.  The Chanel 2.55 handbag, introduced in 1955, became a classic with its quilted design, chain strap, and signature double-C logo.

Chanel popularized the concept of the Little Black Dress, a versatile and timeless garment that became a wardrobe staple for women.

The V&A acquired this notably austere black worsted suit and hat from 1969 during a Christie's auction of Chanel's personal collection in 1978, a purchase made seven years following her passing. Gabrielle's challenging childhood unfolded in a convent, where the nuns taught her to sew. This early influence may elucidate why, as a designer, her colour palette consistently leaned towards the beige, black, and white reminiscent of the nuns' habits.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Her tweed suits were revolutionary.  These iconic suits featured boxy jackets with contrasting trim and slim skirts, providing a chic and modern alternative to traditional women's attire.  Look closely and you see the intricate details of hand-craftsmanship, the epitome of haute couture.

During the 1920s, Chanel's presence was widely recognized in Britain. She frequently graced the society pages of British newspapers and magazines, often seen in the company of notable figures such as the Duke of Westminster, Winston Churchill and his son Randolph.

While Chanel was a French designer, Chanel's close relationship with London and Great Britain is well documented. She opened a boutique in London in 1927, marking her first venture outside of France. The London store helped expand her brand's international presence.

Additionally, Chanel drew inspiration from British menswear, incorporating elements such as tweed fabrics and collarless jackets into her designs. Her connections with the British aristocracy, including the Duke of Westminster, also influenced her work.

Chanel had said, no outfit is complete without jewellery, and hers carry her signature for timeless elegance, innovation, and incorporation of distinctive design elements. 
Photo by Lucia Carpio

In summary, Gabrielle Chanel's fashion design concept emphasized timeless elegance, comfort, and functionality. Her strengths included business acumen and iconic branding, and her signature looks, such as the Little Black Dress and tweed suits, continue to influence fashion today. Despite being a French designer, her close relationship with London and association with Great Britain played a role in expanding her brand globally.  

Photos by Lucia Carpio at the "Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto," closing on March 10th, 2024 at London's Victoria & Albert Museum.