Villa Noailles is a sight to behold for admirers of French architecture. Tucked in the hills above Hyères in the south of France, the early modernist house was designed by architect Robert Mallet-Stevens in 1923 for art patrons Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles. For Chanel, the national interest is nothing novel since the Maison has long embraced the legacy that the Noailles left behind, forged by the friendship between the couturier and the couple in the ’50s.
At this year’s Paris Fashion Week, the Maison borrows inspiration from its many terraced gardens to create the Spring/Summer 2024 collection. The inside of the Grand Palais Éphémère has been altered with decor that mimics the classic home and its art de vivre. More importantly, the tone of the collection was established by the lavish use of light and colour, the abundance of geometric patterns, and the juxtaposition of clashing asymmetries.
“This collection is an ode to liberty and to movement, and tells a story that has its origins in the gardens of the villa Noailles.” - Virginie Viard
Loli Bahia opened the show with a bang, sauntering down the runway in a deep V-necked tweed kaftan with many layers of jewellery—looking like she was ready for the best time of her life. On the same path, striped terry cloth in every hue dominates the coats and dressing gowns with accents of pink or black tweed. Elsewhere, neoprene suits are embellished with floral motifs while lace emerges on dresses and trousers. The denim-on-denim look and marriage of hooded cape and swimsuit subsequently add to the casual chic appeal of the series.
When it comes to accessories, the offerings are equally marvellous with updated 2.55 chain handbags, quilted camera bags and pearl chain evening bags that make excellent companions in warm weather. Between the baby blue knee-length boots, velvet flat slides, and glittering ballet flats with black bow accent, what truly hit out in the footwear is the arrival of flip flops that perhaps signifies an air of change for the Maison.
To top it all off, Rianne Van Rompaey closed the show in a painted-like floral gown that wonderfully captured the splendour of the gardens. All in all, the collection accurately illustrates the other facets of Chanel all while staying true to the sophistication that remains essential to the House.
Scroll through the gallery to see all the celebrities attending the show.
In case you missed it, watch the entire show unfold here:
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