Chanel Presents Last Show Ahead of the Grand Palais Renovation

Chanel took Paris Fashion Week for its last show at the Grand Palais before renovations begin, with a nod to the Hollywood starlets that have played muse to the French luxury house. Since 2006, Chanel had staged shows at the historic site, transforming its domed nave into spectacle-worthy sets, from a fully stocked supermarket to a futuristic space station. The Grand Palais is slated to undergo a major remodel this year, sponsored by Chanel. This season, Creative Director Virginie Viard opted for a minimalist set for the socially-distanced show with giant “Chanel” lettering mimicking the monumental Hollywood sign.

The models paraded before it in the house’s signature tweed and feminine silhouettes. The youthful Spring/Summer 2021 collection also included a number of neon-printed ensembles that stood out among the classic black, white, and pink color palette. Feathers, sequins, and chiffon brought glamorous touches worthy of the Hollywood stars to which the show was dedicated. The glitzy theme delivers a dose of glamour in the same arena of escapeism as Ryan Murphy's Hollywood did last spring, and that awards season is currently attempting to adapt in the digital sphere.

“I was thinking about actresses at the photo call, on the red carpet, that moment when they’re being called to by the photographers: their faces a little distracted, their attitude a little out of sync with the outfits they’re wearing,” Viard said of her inspiration.

Chanel released a short film before the runway show by Inez and Vinoodh with models Rianne Van Rompaey, Mica Argañaraz, and Louise de Chevigny playing out scenes in reference to French actresses Jeanne Moreau and Romy Schneider, who found success as stars in Hollywood and in French cinema.

In keeping with the show’s tinseltown theme, actresses and Chanel muses Lily-Rose Depp and Marion Cotillard attended the runway show.