One year since she replaced the late Karl Lagerfeld, Viard has certainly had some large shoes to fill, in addition to being the first female designer of the brand since Coco Chanel herself. Shrubs, a stone fountain and sheets hung on washing lines set the scene for the collection – chosen by designer Virginie Viard to show how Coco Chanel’s experiences contributed to her mix of high and low fashion. Chanel was 11 years old when her mother died and her father was a traveling salesman so he decided that Coco would be sent to the convent of Aubazine in the remote French region of Corrèze.
As mentioned in her biography Chanel was taught by the nuns how to sew and gave her the tools to forge a life as an independent woman for herself in later years. The aesthetic of the convent stayed with Chanel forever. Therefore, the collection was all white, simple, and clean.
The collection was inspired by schoolgirls uniforms alongside shoes with built-in white ankle socks. Viard developed a soft, pastel woven-and-sequined fabric that was the only deviation from the palette of black, gray, mauve, cream, and white. The whole collection embraced the sobriety, lightness, and comfort that reflect Viard’s signaature and understanding of the needs of Chanel customers around the world.
The runway was inspired by the closter of abbey d’Aubazine, the garden, the flowers and the fountain.
Viard embrassed her vision with romantic pieces, long skirt and holiday dresses even the wedding dress was simple, light and comfortable.
Below is the collection, enjoy it.
Did you like the shift that the brand has made?
xoxo grace …