A new era of Chanel is underway, thanks to Karl Lagerfeld’s successor and right-hand woman Virginie Viard. She unveiled her first collection as the brand’s new creative director during the star-studded show in Paris.
Viard followed in her mentor’s footsteps by transforming the runway into an elaborate set, staying true to Chanel’s long-standing tradition. She opted for a train station because this setting symbolizes the promise of an adventure – and that’s exactly what her first show was.
Virginie Viard presented a total of 79 runway looks and offered a fresh and feminine take on some of Chanel’s signature pieces. Her first collection included a wide range of bow-adorned dresses, wide-legged trousers, tweed blazers and other ‘80s inspired looks.
Many fashion experts felt that Viard’s appointment is just a short-term deal, but Chanel’s president of fashion Bruno Pavlovsky assured everyone she’s here to stay, in an interview before the show.
“Virginie is doing an amazing job, and she will be here for a long time. When you are number two to Karl, you are invisible, but like Karl, she has the capacity to intuit new trends, to understand the times, as well as she understands Chanel.”
