Ever since she took over as Artistic Director at Chanel in 2019, Virginie Viard has been planning to present a show in Dakar, Senegal, an international hub of artistic creativity in the fields of film, fashion, literature, art and music.
Three years later Chanel has just presented the new 2022/23 Métiers d'art collection in Dakar at a three-day event with a programme of art, craft, design, and fashion, and a guest list full of celebrities who flocked to the West African nation, such as musician Pharrell Williams, supermodel Naomi Campbell, Monegasque model Charlotte Casiraghi, and Algerian-French actress Lyna Khoudri.
“Going beyond the runway show, it’s the event as a whole that I took into account,” said Viard. “We’ve been thinking about it for three years. I wanted it to happen gently, over several days of deep, respectful dialoguing.”
Warmly toned with floral motifs and House hallmarks like embroidery, sparkling sequins, pearls and jewelled buttons, the collection includes fitted coats, flared trousers, 1970s inspired oversize collars, platform shoes, sweatshirts, and asymmetric dresses and more.
Since 2002, Chanel has been presenting the Métiers d'art collection in a different location each time, and for Viard this year Dakar was a must-visit destination.
“The former Palais de Justice in Dakar, where not only the runway show but also a major part of the accompanying artistic programme are taking place, is one of the most beautiful venues we have ever presented a collection in. It was an obvious choice, and has been a source of inspiration as well,” she said. “Real dialogues, nourished over the long term, it is this human and warm dimension that motivates my work and that I try to re-transcribe. I put all my soul into it. These marvellous encounters from which artistic adventures like this one are born, that's what drives me,” added Viard.
Inspired by the free-spirited disco and funk era, the collection is full of explosive colour and jubilant energy, so check out just come of the looks from Dakar in our selection of images.
