PARIS — The cobblestoned banking institutions of the Seine River served as the phase for Chanel’s hottest haute couture assortment. With the Eiffel Tower in the length, the properly-heeled glitterati of the fashion globe navigated the uneven terrain for an outside assortment that celebrated the soul of Paris.
Mimicking the famed bouquinistes, all those charming bookstalls lining the river’s edge, Chanel erected its own renditions. But upon nearer examination, these weren’t everyday stalls. They have been artfully curated homages to the brand’s legacy, showcasing biographies of the famous Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel and postcards of actresses involved with the household, these kinds of as Vanessa Paradis, a modern incarnation of the Parisienne, who applauded from the front row.
Below are some highlights of Tuesday’s slide couture collections, including when The Connected Press caught up with French actress Clémence Poésy.
CHANEL’S PARIS
“This selection is the portrait of a delicate yet daring Parisienne,” reported Virginie Viard, Chanel’s creative director. “It’s like standing on a line in between power and delicacy.”
Tuesday’s assembly of tweeds, silk chiffons, organza and inlaid lace, in a myriad of floral and graphic motifs, was a testament to Viard’s vision of this prosperous and female universe.
Regardless of the sparkle and gleam of golden heels and buttons, the assortment embraced a comforting simplicity.
A design wears a generation for the Chanel Haute Couture Drop/Winter season 2023-2024 style assortment presented in Paris, Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Credit history: AP/Christophe Ena
Confident nevertheless understated colors, flat-pleated golden tweed skirts, masculine-motivated overcoats, and delicately structured jackets all performed into the subtle allure of the exhibit. A standout piece was a dim blue asymmetrical coat-skirt with feathery tulle cascading from the lapel, fusing asymmetry with Chanel’s codes of rigor.
At one particular stage, a design sauntered down the runway going for walks a black pet dog, a seemingly whimsical addition that had onlookers snapping away on their cameras. But maybe the most quintessential Parisian contact was a fruit basket — a homage to the Parisienne of the 1970s.
Viard explained her tactic as, “Handing down emotions, bringing the most unlikely factors alongside one another, undertaking things your very own way, just dreaming.” And through this assortment, she masterfully transported us all to Paris, featuring an psychological tribute to the enduring allure of the Parisienne, right on the quayside of the Seine.
POESY ON CHANEL’S BOOKSTALLS: ‘NOT YOUR Typical BOUQUINISTE!

Designs don creations for the Chanel Haute Couture Drop/Wintertime 2023-2024 fashion collection offered in Paris, Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Credit rating: AP/Christophe Ena
French actress and “Harry Potter” alum Clémence Poésy was in attendance at Chanel, and it looks the attract of the Seine-aspect “bouquinistes” had her under a spell. The scene, recreated by the property, was a charming tribute to Paris’ legendary riverside bookshops, so beloved by locals and tourists alike.
“There was a Parisian essence, currently being on the quayside of the Seine and possessing the bouquinistes in the beginning,” Poésy instructed the AP, her eyes alight with the magic of the show. “It felt like traveling through lots of eras of Parisians.”
The actress was in particular enchanted by the French stalwart’s playful nod to Paris’ earlier, which invoked pictures of both the ’70s and new wave cinema. But it was the bouquinistes — a frequent fixture of her weekends — that really captivated her.
“You stroll alongside the Seine and go into all these classic and secondhand bookshops together the river and bridges,” she explained, recalling her regime. “You usually find anything you would hardly ever get any place else.”
Chanel’s distinctive on-brand installation, she chuckled, was decidedly “not your standard bouquiniste.” She added, with a fond smile, “I hope it stays there without end. It is such a valuable matter.”
Adore Tale Behind CHANEL’S Small BLACK Gown
French actress Anna Mouglalis, acknowledged for her part as Chanel in the movie “Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky,” unraveled the intimate tale at the rear of the creation of the legendary very little black gown (LBD) in an interview with the AP.
Mouglalis, a current Chanel ambassador, explained: “I fell in enjoy with Coco Chanel when I studied for the position. I examine everything.”
Mouglalis disclosed the heartbreaking tale driving Chanel’s universally adored LBD. Coco Chanel, devastated by the tragic demise of her lover, Arthur “Boy” Capel, integrated her mourning attire into her fashion line, offering birth to the LBD. Capel, apart from remaining Chanel’s wonderful adore, was also instrumental in helping her open up her 1st retailer.
“It was incredible that the very little black dress was manufactured for the reason that she was mourning for Boy Capel. She in no way married. She cherished him, it was her large enjoy,” Mouglalis shared. “She was wounded and put the mourning into her fashions. Almost everything is so joined to her personalized tale.”
AN Distinctive Evening WITH GIORGIO ARMANI PRIVÉ
A scarce commodity in the couture environment – space – was generously supplied by Giorgio Armani Privé on Tuesday night time. VIPs collected amid theatrical sidelights, hemmed in by giant beige silk curtains, emphasizing the personal, distinctive character of the celebration. The scene was set on a runway streaked with shiny squares of black and white, an ode to Armani’s couture trademark of geometry and sheen.
The assortment unfolded, a lively blossoming of structured jackets shimmering with twinkling threads and 3D floral appliqués, transforming seamlessly into billowing, gleaming flooring-size gowns. 1 standout blue jacket, encrusted with jewels, evoked visions of marine crystal formations, showcasing Armani’s element-oriented craftsmanship.
Playful whimsy punctuated the assortment with sculptural, giant black hoops encircling one particular model’s determine, as very well as one a little bit awkwardly-going prime created in poppies. The gleam remained constant, a kaleidoscope of rainbow hues reflecting off the magnificent materials.
On the other hand, amidst the extravagant display, a minimalist however beautiful black velvet dress stole the display. Couture’s chic remedy to Morticia Addams, the flooring-duration gown was backless, tastefully embellished at the rear. It was a stunning reminder that in the world of Armani, straightforward class generally outshines the grandeur.
MABILLE’S Contemporary PARISIAN Manner FETE
Envision an elite Parisian manner bash a blend of modern day sophistication, easy glamour, and a dash of playful spirit. This is the essence Alexis Mabille captured in his tumble couture.
From the get-go, Mabille set the tone with a black ground-length dress that danced the line in between fluidity and allure. Products graced the runway keeping vacant crystal champagne coupes, conjuring up visuals of a high-style soiree in the City of Gentle.
Playfulness achieved artistry as Mabille utilized his signature bows to sculpt a gown, when his enduring love for floral themes bloomed as white chest adornments.
As Parisian as a moonlit walk alongside the Seine, the selection boasted lacy bustiers atop sheer black Sahara pants, conjuring a modern day however sensual aesthetic.
In a pulse-quickening convert, the selection ignited with disco-period vigor. A radiant, earth-toned a single-shoulder tunic gown brought a trace of the dancefloor to the runway, and a ’70s-impressed magenta pleated skirt swirled with energetic motion.
STÉPHANE ROLLAND IS Daring AND POETIC
In real unapologetic Stéphane Rolland trend, a Major Black Gown (BBD) opened his tumble couture show. Complete with a provocative leg break up and an exaggerated, whooshing collar, this piece was quintessentially Rolland, marrying structural audacity with exquisite type.
The assortment progressed from this daring opener, introducing much more poetic designs that nevertheless maintained Rolland’s raciness.
One gargantuan white skirt was fashioned from paper-like sheets of silk. In a triumphant fusion of Marie Antoinette’s lavishness, punk’s rebellious spirit, and origami’s meticulous precision, this ensemble captured the whimsy and grandeur that define Rolland’s couture.