July 1, 2023

From Japan with Love: Kristen Stewart Photo Diary of Chanel Métier d’Art 2022/23 Highlights

Actress and long-time Chanel ambassador Kristen Stewart joined Chanel at the front row of their Métier d’Art 2022/23 Tokyo show. Stewart, who started working with the late Karl Lagerfeld back in 2013, has been known for bringing the spirit of Chanel to life by mixing masculine and feminine styles and putting her own je ne sais quoi twist on the quintessential and classic House designs. ‘Being back to Tokyo with Chanel after being away for so long was enriching, enlivening… and also a tease. I think to scratch the surface of this city is a novel gift but to really get it in your bones would take a lifetime,’ opened up the actress in her exclusive photo diary from Japan for The Laterals Magazine.

For the fashion show, Kristen opted for a contemporary look of the iconic Chanel tweed skirt suit in white, pairing it with a white sleeveless Mother Denim tank top. The actress also creatively peppered her ensemble by layering silver jewellery and styling black suede Mary Jane platform pumps with white high socks, which became one of her go-to accessories for creating laidback yet playful looks, both on and off the red carpet.

Over the years, the Métier d’Art (translated from the French language the term means ‘artistic handwork’) has become a paramount part of Chanel’s identity, celebrating the heritage and virtuosity of the artisans and their specialised savoir-faire as well as creating dialogues with the cities all over the world and their blooming culture – each unique in its own way, each representing a thread of life and craftsmanship behind it. This year’s collection, designed by the House’s Artistic Director Virginie Viard, celebrated art, mastery, tradition and 70s-era fashion at its finest.

Unveiled the first time in Dakar back in December of 2022 and now brought to life in Big Sight, located in the bustling Ginza district of Tokyo, the collection was accompanied by a set of unique performances, which used universal language – art itself – to create cross-cultural dialogue. Choreographed by Dimitri Chamblas, the dance project ‘Slow Show’ united dancers from Tokyo’s Tama University of Fine Arts, Senzoku Gakuen College of Music, Japan Women’s College of Physical Education and other universities for a breath-taking performance. Japanese guitarist Ichika Nito performed his track ‘The World is still Beautiful’, alongside Senegalese rapper Nix, followed by singer and brand ambassador Jennie’s stage-stealing performance of ‘You & Me’, ‘Fly me to the Moon’ and ‘Killing me Softly’.

The collection, which was a true and honest embodiment of 70s energy with a modern twist, painted Tokyo in rich and calming shades of forest green, copper, raspberry pink, and burgundy to name a few – all reimagined in elegant silhouettes, complimenting different body shapes and sizes. Each piece was adorned with Chanel’s emblematic fashion code – the richness of florals (hello camellias), intricate embroidery and lace, sequins, and fine jewellery. One particular element of the show that firmly remained in one’s memory long after the show ended is a tingling feeling that a woman trooping the catwalk by storm was a Chanel woman, confident in her own right, honouring the past, taking over the present and celebrating the future.

From the iconic tweed suits, flared trousers, Boho lace dresses and tiered skirts to oversized sweatshirts and fitted silk shirts, accessorised with platform block heels (one word: show-stealing) and never-ending layers of jewellery, the collection was a true celebration of artistry. Moreover, Virginie Viard reimagined the bohemian look and feel without creating a false, costume-like dress code but sharing a vision of an empowering uniform, a bohemian armour, suited for a modern woman. Armour that oozes with creative effervescence, reverie and courage.

chanel.com

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