Famous fashion event by Chanel attracts well-known personalities and demonstrators
Chanel's Metiers d'Art Show Makes a Splash in Manchester
Manchester, England, known for its rich history in pop culture, sports, and fashion, played host to the annual Metiers d'Art runway show by Chanel on November 7, 2022. The event, held on a rainy northern England street, brought together an international fashion crowd, including actors Tilda Swinton, Hugh Grant, and Kristen Stewart, model Alexa Chung, and British rapper Aitch.
Under a transparent canopy on Thomas Street, guests gathered to witness the fashion spectacle. The models, adorned with 1960s inspired hairdos, marched down the pavement in girly renditions of Chanel's signature tweed ensembles in bright colors such as pink, orange, and green. The models wore low-heeled Mary Jane shoes, adding a touch of elegance to the vibrant outfits.
As the models strutted the runway, music was played to drown out the protest chants from nearby Pro-Palestinian protesters. Despite the occasional disruption, the show continued, showcasing the intricate lace and embroidery work produced at Chanel's complex of speciality workshops on the northern outskirts of Paris.
Manchester's fashion industry has a long and storied history. Known as "Cottonopolis" during the Industrial Revolution, the city was the world's textile capital, powering the global cotton trade and producing a significant portion of the world's cotton yarn and fabric. While the textile industry has declined, Manchester remains an innovation hub, fostering new ventures in the fashion sector.
Today, Manchester and its surrounding areas are home to fashion brands like In The Style, a Salford-based company that has grown significantly, becoming a £30 million fashion empire focused on celebrity-led fast fashion.
The city's influence extends beyond the fashion industry. Manchester has been a driving force in British music, contributing to genres like indie rock and electronic music. Bands like The Smiths, Oasis, and Joy Division have all emerged from the city's vibrant music scene. Manchester's LGBTQ+ history also contributes significantly to its cultural landscape, with the city hosting the renowned Gay Village and being a backdrop for the groundbreaking TV series Queer as Folk.
In sports, Manchester is home to two major football clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City. These clubs have not only shaped the city's sports culture but also contributed to football's global popularity. Manchester United, in particular, is one of the most successful and recognized sports brands worldwide.
Chanel will release a film for the collection on Friday, featuring images by British photographer Jamie Hawkesworth and music by New Order. The film promises to encapsulate the energy and spirit of the Manchester show, further cementing the city's place as a significant contributor to British pop culture and the fashion industry.
[1] Manchester's Textile Heritage, British Library
[2] Manchester's LGBTQ+ History, Manchester Pride
[3] Manchester's Fashion Industry, Manchester City Council
[4] In The Style, BBC News
[1] The rich history of Manchester's textile industry, evident in its rebranded name as "Cottonopolis," has a significant impact on the city's fashion-and-beauty scene, from the roots of the industry during the Industrial Revolution to the modern innovation hub that fosters new ventures.
[2] Manchester's LGBTQ+ history is noteworthy, as it contributes significantly to the city's cultural landscape, being the backdrop for the groundbreaking TV series Queer as Folk and hosting the renowned Gay Village.
[3] The city council acknowledges and highlights the vibrant fashion industry in Manchester, extending beyond the textile manufacturing roots and including contemporary brands like In The Style, a celebrated Salford-based company.
[4] The influence of Manchester stretches beyond fashion, as it has shaped British music genres like indie rock and electronic music, and houses two major football clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City, contributing to the global popularity of football and establishing the city as a significant player in pop-culture and social-media discussions.
[5] The explosion of Chanel's Metiers d'Art Show in Manchester not only underscores the city's historical ties with pop-culture and fashion but also serves as a platform for celebrity appearances, such as Tilda Swinton, Hugh Grant, Kristen Stewart, Alexa Chung, and British rapper Aitch, adding another layer to the city's significant lifestyle and entertainment offerings.
