Chanel is still without a creative director, following the abrupt departure of Virginie Viard in June. Rumors remain rife within the industry that Bottega Veneta’s Matthieu Blazy is set to be announced as Viard’s replacement. Today, on December 3, the house of Chanel ventured to Hangzhou, China to present its Métiers d’art collection for Pre-Fall 2025. More than 1000 guests lined the runway (including brand ambassador Lupita Nyong’o), as models emerged from backstage and out onto the runway at nightfall. Staged adjacent to the majestic waters of the West Lake, the Chanel design studio team blended traditional Chinese garment detailing with a 70s Western flare. The Chanel Pre-Fall 2025 collection was ultimately inspired by the treasured Coromandel screens in the iconic Rue Cambon apartment of Mademoiselle Gabrielle Chanel (one even features the city of Hangzhou and its famous lake).
Watch below the Chanel Pre-Fall 2025 show:
Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:
“CHANEL IS TRULY DEAD!” [chanelh]
“It was technically ‘better taste’ than whatever Virginia Viard was doing toward the end of her tenure. However, somehow this collection left me with the distinct feeling that the magic at Chanel has completely evaporated into thin air. Those opening looks were funerary in feeling.” [Frederic01]!”
“So boring, dull, and lifeless.” [bennyboy]
“Looking at the collection, Chanel clearly needs a creative director that will push this brand in a fresh, new direction. Most of the looks do not stand for fashion excitement.” [MModa]
“It’s a shame because I do think Chanel have a strong design team. However, they are all trying to outshine each other, rather than to conceptualize the show as one.” [tourbillions]
“Those white tiered plisse pants are the worst thing in this show. Followed by the pear-shaped jacket – it should’ve been cut. The black lace dress with the cutouts should’ve been cut too. Those two belted numbers in gold and navy could’ve gone too.” [Nimsay]
See all the looks from the Chanel Pre-Fall 2025 collection and join the conversation, here.
