Even in the midst of uncertainty, Chanel still plans to showcase its next Métiers d'Art collection on December 3 in Hangzhou, China. The announcement comes less than a month after industry powerhouse Virginie Viard left the brand as creative director, who largely contributed to its success as the second largest luxury house in the world by sales.
Created in 2002, the Métiers d'Art collections are timed around pre-fall and celebrate the work of highly-skilled ateliers, including embroiderers, feather workers, goldsmiths and shoemakers. They've been presented all over the globe, from New York City and Dallas to Senegal and Scotland.
"It's an exceptional destination in China and it's very inspiring for the Métiers d'Art collection," Bruno Pavlovsky, the brand's president of fashion, told WWD. "It's the real landscape that inspired the screens that are in the apartment. There's a whole story behind them, even if it is imaginary. It has all the ingredients to make for something exceptional, unique, that has never been done before."
Chanel's last trek to China was in 2009 and 15 years later, the brand is continuing its commitment to the country with the upcoming show that coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and China. Hangzhou is known as "Paradise on Earth" due to its picture-perfect West Lake and even serves as a vital center for silk production. Chanel will also produce a repeat showing of its Cruise 2025 collection in Hong Kong on November 5.
