After tying the knot at a star-studded wedding ceremony last summer dressed from top-to-toe in Chanel, Margaret Qualley proved the perfect match to open Chanel’s couture show in Paris this morning. Wearing an ivory boucle tweed jacket with a sheer white skirt and matching tights, the Maid star led a procession which confirmed we have officially entered the era of bridalcore.
Expect veils, confetti-esque embroidery and tonnes of tulle to lend a celebratory mood to the wardrobes of Chanel lovers everywhere next season - including maid of honour Naomi Campbell, who cheered on from the front row with Kendrick Lamar.
The revered rapper was invited by creative director Virginie Viard to collaborate with the house on the soundtrack to a promo film, directed by Dave Free and starring brand ambassador Qualley with a cameo from Campbell, which was projected on the set’s circular walls.
In the centre of the catwalk, a giant 12-meter-wide Chanel branded button was suspended from the ceiling. The humble button - as functional as it is ornamental - served as the collection’s inspiration. At the show’s entrance, a supersize pair of silver scissors, together with a needle and spool of thread, symbolized the role of the atelier’s skilled ‘Petit Mains’ seamstresses in creating such wearable works of art.
True to form, the smallest details were the most breathtaking, from the intricate floral lace embroidery to the feather fronds which trimmed tulle trains. But this was also a collection which moved the dial towards couture capable of courting a new generation of clients who desire a free, easy and youthful spirit - not stuffy old-school grandeur.
Short thigh-skimming micro skirts, sweetly embroidered bralets and sugary shades of lemon and strawberry contributed to the idea that this was haute couture designed to be lived in, just as much as it is made to be admired. The final takeaway? Prepare to wear white tights with EVERYTHING.
