Manchester brings out the best in Chanel and its Métiers D'Art

Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel was famously an Anglophile (her signature tweeds were inspired by British country wear) so bringing the annual Métiers D'Art show to Manchester, historic home of the British textiles industry, seemed fitting. And it certainly brought out the best from the luxury house's creative director Virginie Viard.

There was, of course, plenty of tweed in an array of shades ranging from sweet lilac and turquoise at one end of the scale to muted browns, greys and camels at the other, which blended perfectly Manchester's Victorian industrial landscape.

Flat Mary Janes were the only shoe in town (Chanel.com)

More modern Manchester references came in an insignia knit emblazoned with the city's name, while the same print was seen layered under sheer babydoll dresses, which would not have looked out of place in Manchester's famous 90s clubbing scene. Of course, Manchester's most famous model, Karen Elson, played a central role in the show appearing in a Kelly green tweed suit at the start and closing proceedings in a sequinned strapless minidress.

Karen Elson in Chanel (Chanel.com)

The Métiers D'Art show is designed to showcase the work of the various Chanel-owned artisans – from knitters to milliners – so there were plenty of knits and hats on display and plenty of trend cues that will no doubt be widely noted.

Baker boy caps were widely featured (Chanel.com)

Flat Mary Janes were pretty much the only shoe in town with sparkly emblazoned straps or studded with the house's signature pearls and often worn with knee socks. Baker boy caps and beanies were the headwear of choice while the signature Chanel tweed jacket was given an update in the form of a 90s-style sleeveless gilet.

Sleeveless gilets provided an update on the tweed jacket while Argyle knits were another British influence (Chanel.com)

"CHANEL has chosen to present the 2023/24 Métiers d’art show in Manchester, one of the most effervescent cities of pop culture and an avant-garde one, whose bands, spanning all genres, have changed the history of music," the house said in its show notes.

Manchester emblazoned knitwear (Chanel.com)

Manchester's unique pop culture and industrial history paired with one of fashion's most storied luxury houses might have seemed an unlikely mix but they brought out the best in each other.

Houndstooth checks were a strong feature (Chanel.com)

Images: Chanel.com