The iconic brand pays homage to craftsmanship and cultural heritage in Hangzhou.

Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2025 collection was a love letter to artistry, history, and timeless elegance. Hosted at the breathtaking West Lake in Hangzhou, China, the show fused the luxury house’s Parisian heritage with the cultural richness of its picturesque setting. The golden pagoda backdrop and serene waters amplified the magic of the event, while the designs spoke volumes about Chanel’s commitment to exceptional craft.

 

A Heritage Reimagined

Though Gabrielle Chanel never stepped foot in China, the intricate Coromandel screens in her Paris apartment revealed her fascination with chinoiserie. The Métiers d’Art 2025 collection brought this inspiration to life, paying homage to both Chanel’s vision and the ancient artistry of Hangzhou.

This blend of cultures was seen in every detail. Parisian tweeds were adorned with bird and blossom motifs, while featherlight silks and lacquer-shine patent leather drew a direct line to Chinese craftsmanship. The designs encapsulated a narrative of timeless beauty, uniting the house’s signature codes with a local touch.

 

 

The Craftsmanship Legacy

The Métiers d’Art collection is Chanel’s annual celebration of the artisans behind its most exquisite pieces. The embroiderer Lesage, the milliner Maison Michel, and other ateliers showcased their extraordinary skills in a collection that married luxury with meticulous attention to detail.

Standout pieces included fan-pleated silk dresses, embroidered velvet ensembles, and knit twin sets in pastel hues reminiscent of the 1960s. Accessories played a pivotal role, featuring quilted mini bags, crescent-shaped clutches, and boots with quilted wedge heels. The black patent opera gloves, styled with matching box bags, added a touch of dramatic flair to the collection.

 

 

A Visual and Sensory Spectacle

The decision to host the show at West Lake was more than a nod to Gabrielle Chanel’s Coromandel screens. The location symbolized the house’s respect for craft and cultural storytelling. Over 1,200 guests, including Tilda Swinton and Lupita Nyong’o, arrived by traditional wooden boats to witness the collection.

As the sun set, the runway—suspended over the lake—became a stage for Chanel’s vision. The golden pagoda shimmered in the background, providing a visual harmony with the designs gracing the catwalk.

 

 

A Brand Poised for the Future

With Virginie Viard’s departure, Chanel has yet to announce its next creative director. However, the Métiers d’Art 2025 show reaffirmed the brand’s ability to evolve while staying true to its identity. Bruno Pavlovsky, Chanel’s president of fashion, emphasized that the next creative leader would honor the house’s legacy over personal fame—a principle beautifully reflected in this collection.

 

 

Bridging Tradition and Modernity

Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2025 wasn’t just a showcase of fashion—it was a bridge between past and present, Paris and Hangzhou. The collection celebrated the timelessness of craft, the richness of cross-cultural dialogue, and the elegance of couture that transcends trends.

 

 

A Fitting Finale

As the final model walked the runway, the golden glow of West Lake mirrored the enduring light of Chanel’s legacy. Métiers d’Art 2025 wasn’t just an event; it was a celebration of artistry, heritage, and the power of fashion to tell a story. This Hangzhou spectacle proved once again why Chanel remains at the forefront of luxury and innovation.