Brace yourselves for the inside scoop on the runway spectacle that just lit up Manchester – none other than the dazzling Chanel fashion show. Picture this: a vibrant street in the Northern Quarter transformed into a catwalk where celebrities, models, and global fashion enthusiasts mingled in the name of style.
Stars, models, and a bustling crowd of global fashion enthusiasts took over a lively Manchester street, transforming it into a chic catwalk for a dazzling Chanel fashion show. On Thomas Street, nestled in the Northern Quarter of the city, actors like Kristen Stewart, Hugh Grant, and Tilda Swinton, along with director Sofia Coppola, graced the scene.
The pavement turned into a runway, featuring models like Manchester’s own Karen Elson strutting their stuff amidst the trendy bars and charming traditional shops that painted the backdrop for the Metiers d’Art show. To shield the glamorous attendees from the rain, a towering Perspex canopy adorned the street exclusively for this fashion extravaganza.
Chanel’s choice of Manchester raised eyebrows, with The Guardian’s fashion editor Jess Cartner-Morley noting the unexpected selection. However, Bruno Pavlovsky, Chanel’s president of fashion, explained the allure of the city’s “creative energy” and musical legacy.
The show’s playlist echoed the city’s vibes, featuring tracks from Manchester bands like The Fall and New Order. Notable personalities, including the Gallagher brothers’ offspring—Gene and Lennon—added a touch of local flair. The vibrant mix of 600 guests included actors Jenna Coleman, Callum Scott Howells, and Lucy Boynton, along with a diverse array of attendees, from author Jeanette Winterson to Love Island’s Olivia Attwood Dack and actresses Gwei Lun-mei from Taiwan and Sakura Ando from Japan.
The stars embraced the blend of history and hipness on Thomas Street, posing for snapshots outside iconic spots like Clark Brothers and the Bay Horse Tavern, which Chanel temporarily took over for the night. While some locals protested the event’s luxury focus, Councillor Luthfur Rahman emphasized the positive impact on the city’s economy and global recognition.
As a nod to Manchester’s textile heritage, the show took place on a street with ties to the birth of the modern textiles industry. Chanel’s Metiers d’Art show, celebrating skilled craftsmen, showcased a collection embracing “the poetry of emotions with a dash of the sixties.” The British influence was evident in “wraparound skirts, miniskirts with godets, Bermuda shorts, shirts, coat-dresses all featured in tweed, knitwear in Shetland and cashmere.”
The event, held in various cities worldwide, added Manchester to its prestigious list. Wooden tables lined the street, offering guests a unique perspective on Chanel’s artistic presentation. The after-party at the historic Victoria Baths wrapped up the glamorous affair, marking a memorable chapter in Manchester’s burgeoning fashion scene.