Five best Chanel Métiers d’Art shows

Dec 6 , 2017

Looks from the Chanel Cosmopolite Metiers d'Art collection.

Chanel’s Métiers d’Art show pays homage to the maison’s artisans, and showcases some of the world’s most exquisite haute couture

Hamburg, Karl Lagerfeld’s hometown in Germany, is about to welcome Chanel at tonight’s Métiers d’Art show. The annual show which started in 2002, salutes the craftsmanship of ateliers working for Chanel.

That includes embroiderers Maison Lesage and Atelier Montex, feather-maker Lemarié, goldsmith Goossens, flower maker Guilet, glove maker Causse, master pleater Lognon, shoemaker Massaro and hat-maker and milliner Maison Michel.

A glance at the five most epic shows to date will hint at what to look forward to this year.

Paris-Édimbourg, 2012-2013

Each year, Chanel chooses a city that inspires the collection or historically relates to the brand to host the Métiers d’Art show. In 2013, it was Édimbourg. Gabrielle Chanel was introduced to Scotland by her friend, the Duke of Westminster, which influenced her later work on knits.

A look from Chanel's 2013 Metiers d'Art show at Linlithgow Palace in Scotland. The show honoured the creativity and craftsmanship of houses Lesage, Desrues, Lemarié, Michel, Massaro, Goossens, Guillet, Causse and Montex each specialised in a particular element, from embroidery, lace and leather working to feather detailing.

Resembling a Scottish tale, the show was located at the Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, near Edinburgh.

A model on the catwalk during Chanel's Metiers d'Art Paris-Édimbourg show 2013 at Linlithgow Palace in Scotland.

Paris-Bombay, 2011-2012

A model presents a creation with a Bombay-Paris theme by designer Karl Lagerfeld during the Metiers d'Art Show for Chanel fashion house in 2011. The show pays homage to Chanel workshops. Photo: REUTERS

Although held in Paris, the 2012 Métiers d’Art show recreated an imaginary India and invoked Indian aesthetics. With silk brocade, gold glitter, pearls and nose rings, the collection brought the beauty of an Asian city into Paris.