Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel once stated, “I want to be part of what is going to happen.” Above all, her forward thinking led to the establishment of some of the most elegant fashions of the 20th century. But what Coco could never have known is how her spirit has continued to energize CHANEL, even today. It was not merely an inspiring legacy that Mademoiselle left behind when she passed; her brand’s devotion to the ideals upon which it was originally founded, her belief system, is unparalleled. And yet, no CHANEL collection is ever the same. Driven to push forward with a new idea or direction, the House designs with a resolute vision for fashion’s future while looking to Mademoiselle as its compass.

Since 1983, Karl Lagerfeld has asserted CHANEL’s reign over the fashion world. He has modernized the House without marginalizing the fundamental values that have always motivated its success. Lagerfeld’s respect for and commitment to Chanel, the woman, is astounding, and no other brand achieves the innumerable subtle ironies that pervade CHANEL collections. Not to be mistaken for somber nostalgia, internal references to the House’s heritage are always celebrated by those who are aware of the brand’s vivid history. For our final day of ‘Maison CHANEL’, Lilogi presents Karl Lagerfeld’s Métiers d’Art collection. Although it applauds the life and mind of Mademoiselle, this collection is a greater testament to Lagerfeld’s creative genius.

When textile manufacturing grew exponentially beyond French borders, Karl Lagerfeld ensured that the ateliers accountable for Chanel’s victory and CHANEL’s future would survive. The specialist couture ateliers of Paris, which shaped French fashion with their imaginative creations and hand-made processes, were joined together in a union initiated by Lagerfeld in 2002. As a result, the seven artisanal houses are now fortified as well as free to maintain their crafts and pass on their traditions to future generations. Known as the Paraffection Company, which translates to ‘For the love of’, this group of atelier houses contributes to CHANEL collections, though most notably to Metiers D’art, and to Paris-based couture houses year-round. The feather expert Lemarié, the button-maker Desrues, the embroiderer Lesage, the jeweler Goossens, the fabric flower architect Guillet, the bootmaker Massaro, and the milliner Michel are well-preserved under CHANEL’s protection.

"We make neither jewelry nor fashion accessories. Our creation exists only through our freedom of tone, of expression, and because of the fact that we know how to turn our classic training into fantasy. And this rigor for quality, this excellence will remain our trademark." - Patrick Goossens

What is typically known as a Pre-Fall collection is presented by CHANEL as Métiers d’Art, which honors CHANEL’s heritage as well as Lagerfeld’s fashion foresight. The collection is also a tribute to the refined craftsmanship that is essential to the House of Chanel. For Métiers d’Art, Lagerfeld creates an alliance between Paris and a different city of lights. These cities are impressively tied to Mademoiselle’s memories but also directly associated with current global affairs.