Crazy about Dallas

The most beautiful show I have ever seen was the métier d’arts Paris Bombay by Chanel.
In addition to prêt-à-porter, the cruise collection, and of course haute couture, Karl Lagerfeld also makes an appearance at the métier d’arts. In this last show, everything is pulled out to celebrate craftsmanship. Hats from Maison Michel. Embroideries from Lésage, all the handwork and craftsmanship is celebrated and showcased. And how beautiful it is. As you may know, or maybe not, Chanel bought eight (there are now nine) ateliers in the early 2000s (such as the house Lésage where the famous embroideries come from), a shoemaker, hat maker Maison Michel, and more true craftsmanship houses to ensure they remain viable. Generously, these companies may work for other fashion brands (like Dior and Saint Laurent) but once a year, Chanel showcases the amazing work of all these ateliers. I was once one of the 200 lucky ones who got to experience such a métiers d’art show.

The theme is a city each year that Coco Chanel had a special connection with. After Bombay and Edinburgh, it is now Dallas's turn, the city where Chanel was first sold at Neiman Marcus.

And Karl wouldn't be Karl if he didn't provide an extra in the form of a real film in which Geraldine Chaplin plays Coco.

In the mood for a preview? Here it comes.