For the coming Fall/Winter 2021-2022 season, Virginie Viard chose to express her love for contrasts. It was through voluminous, warm and lively pieces inspired by the times we live in that she did so. And while she imagined what Karl would have told her how the shows were back in the day, she created an ambiance that takes us on a journey back in time, to when models used to dress themselves and do their own makeup and hair.

Castel, with its many salons, spiral staircase, venue and little house style, welcomed the sensuality that CHANEL brought through this show. Like at a girls’ night in, the models dressed, undressed and did their makeup together. Their spontaneous actions while showcasing the contrast between the pieces’ volumes, materials and spirit were captured by duo Inez & Vinoodh. Think a long tweed coat paired with voluminous boots in black curly faux fur, a black tweed trouser suit with small, blue Lurex checks adorned with thin braces of pearl and layers of sautoir necklaces, salopettes-ski suits in white quilting embroidered with red and blue motifs or in fuchsia tweed worn with strappy sandals embellished with chains and little black bows or pumps adorned with a camellia, and delicate blouses combined with pieces inspired by winter sportswear.

Well, we can’t deny that this mix between the ambiance of ski holidays and the idea of cool Parisian chic isn’t so CHANEL!