RAIN, SHINE
OR SNOW:

Why the boot is an essential part of any CHANEL girl's wardrobe

Unveiled at Paris' legendary 1960s nightclub chez Castel, Artistic Director Virginie Viard's Autumn/Winter 2021 collection for Chanel had us wishing the cold weather season would hit Kuala Lumpur. Across the tweeds, pearls and camellias, the runway held a mirror up to the house's eternal aesthetic codes and reinvigorated it for the now, via a mix of cool Parisian chic and the spirit of ski. And though it may be a while before any of us will be able to hit the slopes or the nightclub, the one key accessory that we can instantly warm up to are the cosy, equestrian-inspired boots that punctuated the collection, paired with everything from suits to velvet dresses and jodhpurs open on the leg and decorated with press studs.

Tough, trans-seasonal and timeless, boots are an essential part of any wardrobe. And while the style typically thrives in the fall, there are plenty of weather-appropriate ways to wear them across any occasion. Take a cue from Gabrielle Chanel herself–the iconic founder was as much of an accomplished rider and horse lover as she was a designer, and boots were an important part of her everyday style. Whether she was riding in the countryside or travelling in the city, a pair of boots completed every outfit. In 1958, she even paired her tweed suits with versatile felt biker boots fashioned by her favourite shoemaker Massaro–a house that continues to be a part of Chanel's Métiers d'art since 2002.

Fast forward to 1983, Karl Lagerfeld arrived at Chanel and made boots a key element across collections. Doing what he always did well, Lagerfeld presented the unexpected to show that boots could add an elegant and assertive allure to any outfit and get anyone through the four seasons in style. Think of all the variations of boots that exist in all the different ways that they adorn our feet. Mademoiselle's biker boots were endlessly recreated in all sorts of leathers and fabrics, and worn with everything from gowns and suits to miniskirts and shorts.

Finally we arrive full circle, with Virginie Viard, who was inspired by a photograph of her predecessor in a pinstriped suit and boots for the Autumn/Winter 2021 collection. The Artistic Director drew from the equestrian world and translated black leather riding boots folded under the knee via contrasts: bare legs were adorned with ankle boots in black curly faux fur, while padded knee-high numbers come with zips to reveal silver heeled booties to dance the night away in. That's not all: there's also the strappy sandals, embellished with chains and little white bows, that were paired with salopette-ski suits on the runways and will go effortlessly well with wardrobe classics hanging in every woman's closet. Need we say more?

CHANEL Shoe Boutique
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Lot 3.49.01 & 3.49.02

creative direction & styling / colin sim
photography & videography / chee wei (FLIER STUDIO)
makeup / plika makeup
hair / keith ong
outfitS / chanel & models' own
models / jane chuck & ashley lau
editor / rachel au
text / kelly lim
layout design / sarah tai