The Paris Hamburg Chanel Collection, unveiled at the breathtaking Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Germany, in December 2017, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Chanel and its unwavering commitment to preserving and showcasing the unparalleled artistry of the Métiers d'art. More than just a fashion show, it was a captivating narrative woven with threads of maritime history, Parisian chic, and the exceptional skill of the artisans who bring Chanel's vision to life. This collection, often referred to as the Chanel Métiers d’Art 2018: Paris Hamburg or the Chanel Paris Hamburg collection, is a significant chapter in the story of the MÉTIERS D'ART COLLECTION PARIS, and a powerful demonstration of CRAFTSMANSHIP IN THE PARIS ateliers.
A Voyage of Inspiration: Hamburg's Maritime Soul Meets Parisian Style
Karl Lagerfeld, then the creative director of CHANEL Paris, masterfully drew inspiration from the city of Hamburg's rich maritime heritage, a world of sailors, dockworkers, and the industrial landscape of its bustling port. He juxtaposed this rugged, utilitarian aesthetic with the refined elegance and iconic codes of Chanel, creating a collection that was both unexpected and instantly recognizable. The Elbphilharmonie, a modern architectural marvel rising from the historic warehouse district, provided the perfect backdrop for this fusion of worlds. Its soaring glass facade and undulating roof mirrored the waves of the Elbe River, while its concert hall, renowned for its acoustics, resonated with the rhythm of the collection.
The collection itself was a visual dialogue between Hamburg's nautical spirit and Chanel's Parisian DNA. The strong, structured silhouettes were reminiscent of sailors' uniforms, with double-breasted jackets, pea coats, and wide-legged trousers rendered in classic Chanel fabrics like tweed, wool, and cashmere. Navy blue, charcoal gray, and black dominated the color palette, punctuated by flashes of red, gold, and white, echoing the colors of maritime flags and naval insignia.
Celebrating the Métiers d'art: The Heart and Soul of Chanel
At the heart of the Paris Hamburg Chanel Collection lies the celebration of the Métiers d'art, the specialized workshops that Chanel has meticulously acquired and nurtured over the years. These workshops are home to some of the most skilled artisans in the world, masters of embroidery, millinery, featherwork, pleating, shoemaking, and more. The collection served as a platform to showcase their exceptional talent and dedication, transforming simple materials into works of art.
Each garment was a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of the Chanel Métiers d'Art Paris. Intricate embroidery, created by Lesage, adorned jackets and dresses, depicting nautical motifs like anchors, ropes, and seagulls. Maison Michel, the renowned milliner, crafted exquisite hats and caps, ranging from classic sailor hats to berets adorned with pearls and feathers. Lemarié, the feather and flower atelier, added delicate touches of whimsy with feathered embellishments on collars, cuffs, and accessories. Massaro, the bootmaker, created sturdy yet elegant boots that grounded the collection in its maritime inspiration. And Goossens, the goldsmith, crafted stunning jewelry pieces that added a touch of glamour and sophistication.
The EXTRACT FROM THE PARIS workshops was clearly visible in every stitch, every embellishment, every detail. The collection was a living testament to the dedication and passion of these artisans, whose skills have been passed down through generations. Chanel's commitment to preserving these traditional crafts is not only essential to the brand's identity but also crucial for safeguarding a vital part of French cultural heritage.
Key Elements of the Paris Hamburg Collection:
* Nautical Inspiration: The collection drew heavily on Hamburg's maritime history, incorporating elements of sailors' uniforms, naval insignia, and the industrial landscape of the port.
* Chanel Codes: Despite the nautical influence, the collection remained unmistakably Chanel, featuring classic fabrics like tweed and wool, iconic silhouettes like the tweed jacket, and signature embellishments like pearls and chains.
* Emphasis on Craftsmanship: The collection showcased the exceptional skills of the Métiers d'art, with intricate embroidery, delicate featherwork, and exquisite millinery details.
* Structured Silhouettes: The collection featured strong, structured silhouettes, reminiscent of sailors' uniforms, with double-breasted jackets, pea coats, and wide-legged trousers.
* Color Palette: The color palette was dominated by navy blue, charcoal gray, and black, punctuated by flashes of red, gold, and white.paris hamburg chanel collection
* Accessories: Accessories played a key role in completing the looks, with sailor hats, berets, sturdy boots, and statement jewelry pieces.
Highlights of the Collection:
* Tweed Jackets: The iconic Chanel tweed jacket was reimagined with a nautical twist, featuring double-breasted closures, gold buttons, and intricate embroidery.
* Pea Coats: Classic pea coats were updated with luxurious fabrics and refined details, adding a touch of sophistication to the utilitarian silhouette.
* Sailor Hats: Sailor hats were a key accessory in the collection, adding a playful and authentic touch to the nautical theme.
* Embroidered Dresses: Dresses were adorned with intricate embroidery, depicting nautical motifs and showcasing the exceptional skills of Lesage.
* Statement Jewelry: Bold jewelry pieces, crafted by Goossens, added a touch of glamour and sophistication to the collection.