“Fashion is about clothes, models and photographers,” says Virginie Viard, the creative director of CHANEL. “I used to love the sound of flashbulbs going off at the shows in the eighties, when the models were on a raised runway. I wanted to recapture that emotion.” Set to a minimalist backdrop, you can say that the CHANEL Spring/Summer 2022 show channeled glorious 80s vibes, complete with fashion photographers getting up close to the raised runway.
Apart from the classic staging at the Grand Palais Éphémère, we also witness leggy models sporting one-piece bathing suits with white trim and chained belts draped off the waist, an aesthetic that’s much like the era of supermodels, while carrying the unmistakable bag of the season — the CHANEL 22. Read on to find out more about this season’s selection of bags and footwear.
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THE BAGS
We have to talk about the CHANEL 22. This oversized, soft-looking bag, made of supple leather, references the year of its launch, and adopts codes of the House, including quilted leather, am metal chain interlaced with leather, and a signature “CHANEL” composed of gold or lacquered metal letters.
Then, there are the other accessories that have garnered much attention on social media — those heart-shaped bags, for instance. In black, white and pink, mini sizes, and even a wristlet pouch form, these resemble CHANEL’s classic flap bags with their quilts, hardware, and structured form, though now transformed into the shape of a sweet heart. The bags feature a zippered closure and a flap pocket at the front.
Another design we love are the flap bags with an oversized metal chain; more minimalist than the classics, these push the aesthetic past girly towards a more rock ‘n’ roll edge, perfect if you desire CHANEL without going for the obvious.
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THE SHOES
Plenty of the flared heels seen on the runway take on a retro vibe as well, with the buckles on the Mary-Janes and sandals that are like “pirate shoes”, according to Viard. Then again, we’ve veering away from nautical vibes and more towards contemporary silhouettes, and even prints. Pairs of heeled sandals in white and pink feature a vintage-like double “C” print, while dainty ballet flats go vibrant in hues of pink, yellow and turquoise, embellished with an ankle bracelet.
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The CHANEL Spring/Summer 2022 collection is available in CHANEL boutiques end March 2022.
