Style Edit: Chanel’s cruise 2023-24 brought Barbiecore to China with Wang Yibo, Liu Wen, Zhou Xun and Marion Cotillard admiring Virginie Viard’s collection unveiled in Shenzhen
For the occasion, the outdoor venue was transformed into a sports arena, complete with bleachers and a working scoreboard suspended over the runway. The set-up was a playful nod to the ready-to-wear collection’s casual yet sophisticated pieces, encompassing everything from vintage Hollywood elegance to embroidered swimsuits and diamante-encrusted pantsuits – along with the brand’s signature tweed sets, of course.
Style Edit: How Chanel’s camellia motif is being reimagined 100 years on
As with any Chanel show, the excitement extended beyond the catwalk. The brand created an immersive experience, co-produced with Nowness China, an arts and culture video platform, paying homage to the resort collection’s roots in contemporary film and Hollywood. Over three days at Shenzhen Bay MixC’s cinema, the event hosted short films and onstage discussions involving filmmakers, artists and prominent Chanel figures like president of fashion Bruno Pavlovsky and ambassadors Cotillard, Zhou Xun and supermodel Liu Wen. Together they explored the influence of cinema and the house’s deep connections with China.
Inside luxury fashion’s love affair with cinema, beyond the red carpet
During the runway show, a striking black and white film by fashion photography duo Inez & Vinoodh, made in partnership with Nowness China, was shown. It creatively blended views of Shenzhen’s futuristic skyline with Los Angeles’ iconic palm trees, and featured Chanel ambassadors.
The audience was also treated to a lively pre-show performance by professional roller skaters who infused the event with typical Californian energy with their dynamic choreography against a backdrop of neon fireworks. Then renowned street artist André captivated attendees with a live graffiti demo showcasing his character Monsieur A, bringing a youthfulness and cheekiness to chime with the lighthearted collection.
All told, the event highlighted the lasting impact of thoughtful collaborations that can connect the luxury house’s creative and daring spirit with a city known for the same qualities.
- Roller skaters, graffiti artist André and a film by Inez & Vinoodh evoked Hollywood, while on the runway, retro leg warmers, wedge sneakers and skateboards complemented statement jewellery
- Celebs like Whitney Peak, Wing Shya and Natalie Hsu were there, along with Chanel figures including president of fashion, Bruno Pavlovsky