It’s been nine exciting years since actor Kristen Stewart was first associated with the House of Chanel. Fresh off her Twilight success and with a lot of potential waiting to be unleashed, coupled with grace, delicate beauty and tenacity, she was chosen as Karl Lagerfeld’s muse, first for the campaign of his Métiers d’Art Paris-Dallas collection and subsequently, the Chanel Beauty campaigns to come.
For Spring/Summer SS23, the leading lady returns to the spotlight of the French luxury label as the main star of Virginie Viard’s collection. “Whether it’s her, or the other women I dress, I need to feel that they like the clothes anyway. But, of the people around me, she is the closest to Gabrielle Chanel, at least to my idea of her. She understands Chanel, its clothes. And with her, it becomes even more modern. This collection, it’s also her,” says Viard of the 32-year-old starlet.
“Of the people around me, she is the closest to Gabrielle Chanel, at least to my idea of her." — Virginie Viard
Rewind it back to several days before the show, when a short teaser clip was released online and to the press. The content: A 15-second snippet by creative duo Inez and Vinoodh, showing cinema Le Champo (a renowned art house in Paris), with Stewart emerging from the screening of Alain Resnais’ Last Year at Marienbad. She’s seen wearing a little black dress defined by an oversized black bow in its centre.
The full film was later revealed at the beginning of the runway show yesterday in the vast show space of the Grand Palais Ephémère. In it, Stewart was asked a profound question: “What makes you hopeful for the future?”
“I think it’s no longer important to know who you are or what you want. I think it’s important to burn down your very best yesterday, every day so that you can start again,” she muses genuinely.
Set up with floor-to-ceiling cinematic screens with footage of the iconic 1961 French film on display, Viard presents a collection inspired by its allure and reimagines glamour, a woman’s freedom, modernity and lightness through the usage of monochrome, pastel tweeds and flowing fabric.
Sheer silk chiffon capes, ruffle lining, polka dots, sequins, lace and feathers showcased throughout the collection allude to the symbols of womanhood. In addition, Chanel’s classic palette of black and white is elevated with gold and silver chain trimmings, micro ribbons, the CC logo stamped all over, and the House’s signature Camellia flower. Overall, a sense of sensuality and quiet power permeates Viard’s latest collection and leaves us hopeful for what’s to come.
Below, scroll through the gallery to check out the celebrities who attended the show, including our very own Yuna!
For more Paris Fashion Week SS23 highlights, click here.
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