CHANEL Fall-Winter 2024/25: A Seaside Reverie on the Deauville Boardwalk
- Yaseen Dockrat
In the heart of Paris, against the grandeur of the Grand Palais Éphémère, CHANEL’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection unfurled as a poignant tribute to the enchanting seaside haven of Deauville. Under the visionary guidance of Creative Director Virginie Viard, the runway became a stage where echoes of the past intertwined with the pulse of the present, weaving a narrative that celebrated both the timeless legacy of Coco Chanel and the ephemeral allure of coastal tranquillity.
Photo: Gorunway.com
At its core, the collection harks back to the genesis of CHANEL itself, drawing inspiration from Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s seminal years in Deauville. It was here, amid the salt-kissed air and sun-dappled shores, that the seeds of the iconic fashion house were sown. Viard’s reverential nod to this pivotal chapter in CHANEL’s history is palpable, as each garment bears the indelible imprint of Deauville’s maritime charisma and Parisian chic.
The runway, meticulously crafted to evoke the ambiance of Deauville’s storied boardwalk, served as a temporal portal, transporting spectators to a bygone era of seaside glamour. Against a backdrop of shifting hues, reminiscent of Deauville’s ever-changing skies, models adorned in a symphony of textures and colours glided with ethereal grace, embodying the essence of effortless sophistication that lies at the heart of CHANEL.
Photo: Gorunway.com
Outerwear emerged as a focal point of the collection, with broad-shouldered peacoats and belted dressing-gown-style coats paying homage to the timeless elegance of Coco Chanel’s iconic tweed suits. These were juxtaposed with modern interpretations, such as bulged-up puffers and shearling-lined jackets, creating a dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation.
The sartorial journey continued with a kaleidoscope of silhouettes and fabrics, ranging from sailor-inspired chunky sweaters to Hollywood glamour-infused silk blouses and pleated frocks. Each piece bore the hallmark of CHANEL’s impeccable craftsmanship, while simultaneously exuding a sense of whimsy and romanticism that echoed the spirit of Deauville’s golden age.
Photo: Gorunway.com
Textiles, too, played a pivotal role in evoking the essence of seaside luxury, with sumptuous leathers, beachfront-approved satins, wistful tulles, and cozy knits offering a tactile feast for the senses. The colour palette, reminiscent of Deauville’s cotton-candy sunsets, danced with hues of peach, pale pink, sunshine yellow, and oceanic blue, interspersed with sandy shades of cognac, rusts, and browns.
Accessories, as always, were imbued with a sense of understated elegance, with iconic CHANEL flap bags taking centre stage alongside winterized shearling iterations. Layered necklaces, “C” logo accessories, and thick bangles accentuated the looks, while sleek pearl-drop earrings added a touch of old-world glamour.
Photo: Gorunway.com
However, it was in the details where Viard’s artistry truly shone. Colourful wide-brimmed beach hats adorned with brooches, tweed newsboy caps, and scrunched-up gloves in confectionery coatings added a playful yet sophisticated dimension to each ensemble, further enriching the narrative of seaside romance and vintage reverie.
In conclusion, CHANEL’s FW24 collection stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Coco Chanel and the timeless allure of Deauville. Through a masterful fusion of nostalgia and innovation, Viard has crafted a sartorial masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of time and space, inviting spectators to embark on a journey of timeless elegance and seaside enchantment.