Luxury house CHANEL presented its Pre-Fall 2023 Métiers d’Art campaign starring supermodels Amar Akway and Rianne van Rompaey lensed by fashion photographer Mikael Jansson. In charge of styling was Ib Kamara, with casting direction from Aurelie Duclos. The collection, that was presented with a fashion show at Dakar’s former Palais de Justice, in Senegal, was inspired by the pop-soul-funk-disco-punk of the 1970s, and it pays tribute to fashion savoir-faire.
The collection features flared tweed trouser suits, geometrically patterned beaded vests, and layered wrap skirts over trousers, all inspired by the lively spirit of the 1970s, a decade characterized by “fascinating freedom” according to the designer Virginie Viard. Vibrant knitwear embellished with enticing leopard and camellia designs add to the visual appeal. The collection also includes components with African influences, such as gold pendants shaped like the African continent, purses embellished with wooden chains, and a section dedicated to denim and workwear-inspired designs. The influence from Congo’s Sapeur subculture is reflected with tailoring and menswear shapes. The recurring lion motif, appearing on jewelry and bags, symbolizes both the emblem of Senegal and a nod to Coco Chanel’s iconic sign. Each piece is precisely made, exemplifying Chanel’s Métiers d’art collection’s artistic quality.
