Manchester, the vibrant and culturally rich city in the heart of England, on Thursday, played host to a prestigious fashion show by the French luxury brand Chanel. The event, known as the Metiers d’Art show, saw celebrities, models, and hundreds of fashion enthusiasts flock to the city to witness this exclusive showcase of Chanel’s exquisite creations.
The show took place on a Manchester street which was transformed into a runway for the occasion. As models, including Manchester’s own Karen Elson, strutted their stuff, the trendy bars and traditional shops that lined the road provided a unique and captivating backdrop.
What made this event even more remarkable was the enormous Perspex canopy that covered the street, protecting models and guests from the pouring rain. Chanel’s attention to detail and commitment to providing a flawless experience was clearly evident.
Photo: GoRunway/Vogue But why Manchester? According to Bruno Pavlovsky, the president of fashion at Chanel, the city’s “creative energy” and rich musical history were the main factors that attracted the brand. In a conversation with BBC News, Pavlovsky explained that Chanel wanted to step away from the bustling fashion scene in London and explore the possibilities in other parts of the UK.
Photo: GoRunway/Vogue Pavlovsky further elaborated on their choice, stating, “We decided to come to Manchester because it was the most inspiring for Virginie Viard (Chanel’s creative director). She was inspired by the music and art that she sees here in Manchester, and we’ve had a warm welcome.”
The show’s soundtrack was carefully curated to reflect Manchester’s musical heritage, featuring bands like The Fall and New Order. To add to the local flair, members of New Order were even in attendance, along with esteemed local rappers Aitch and Bugzy Malone.
Photo: GoRunway/Vogue
This isn’t the first time that the Metiers d’Art show has ventured beyond typical fashion capitals. In the past, cities such as Paris, New York, Rome, Dakar, Salzburg, and Dallas have all hosted this illustrious event. The UK last had the privilege in 2012 when the show was staged at the historic Linlithgow Palace in Scotland.
As for the new collection, Chanel aimed to evoke the “poetry of emotions with a dash of the sixties” while incorporating elements inspired by Great Britain.
The collection featured an array of iconic British styles, with wraparound skirts, miniskirts with godets, Bermuda shorts, shirts, and coat-dresses all crafted in exquisite tweed. The use of Shetland and cashmere knitwear further added to the comfort and elegance of the collection. Chanel paid homage to Manchester’s renowned football legacy by incorporating elements such as their own interpretation of the Manchester City shirt and scarves in Manchester United colors.
Photo: GoRunway/Vogue 
Photo: GoRunway/Vogue Around 160 esteemed guests were treated to a unique experience, courtesy of Chanel. They had the opportunity to witness an exhilarating match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford, followed by a pre-show celebration at Salford Lads’ Club. The evening was made even more special with a captivating performance by acclaimed Salford poet, John Cooper Clarke.
As the Metiers d’Art show commenced, the air was infused with anticipation and excitement. The historical Victoria Baths, a former swimming pool that gained a new lease on life after winning the BBC’s Restoration program in 2003, provided the perfect backdrop for the after-party. The attendees reveled in the opulent surroundings, further immersing themselves in the glamour and grandeur of the Chanel experience.
