Chanel Spring 2023 Ready-to-Wear

Chanel Spring 2023 Ready-to-Wear

By: Elena Ossoski

Chanel always marks the conclusion of not only Paris Fashion Week, but also of the long stretch of international fashion weeks which many journalists and industry players have come to refer to as “Fashion Month.” The heavy weight of being one of the last houses to show during the flurry of collection presentations and runway shows is nothing that Chanel cannot handle. Virginie Viard, Chanel’s creative director, now has another fan-favorite ready-to-wear collection under her belt. 

Earlier this week, the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced that this year’s Costume Institute Gala will be honoring the work of Karl Lagerfeld throughout his entire fashion career. Lagerfeld was a close colleague of Viard and her predecessor as creative director of Chanel. Lagerfeld has infinite influence on modern fashion and it is noticeably present in Viard’s designs for Chanel. Although her style of design takes inspiration from the dynasty that Lagerfeld helped build at Chanel, Viard’s designs for this timeless French powerhouse remain inherently her own. 

Some of the looks appear to be inspired by Lagerfeld’s personal uniform. Necklaces and necklines closely resemble the signature high-neck and tie underneath a chic suit while some of the looks cut silhouettes that could fall into the same family as a three piece tuxedo.

The classic Chanel combination of black and white was revitalized with the addition of feathered fabrics and fits that channeled the Depression-era styles which many have come to know and love thanks to the Gatsby lense. 

One can also recognize nods to the later half of the 20th century in the vampy makeup looks sported by the models trekking down the runway in fishnet shoes. Dark berry lips with undertones of brown perfectly complemented the chunky gold accessories and sheer, black tulle ensembles that could have fit right into Madonna’s wardrobe in the late 1980s through the early 90s.

Viard’s spectrum of inspiration can only be inferred, but one can be absolutely certain that she has created a collection that embodies true glamour. Subtle sparkles and delicate details seem to be the secret ingredients that make each Chanel look more delicious than the last. 

Strong, elegant, and full of surprises, Viard’s Chanel woman is undoubtedly aspirational. Hats off to another swoon-worthy collection. 

For more fashion week content, keep reading Square Magazine. Follow @um.squaremagazine on Instagram for daily posts and exclusive content.

Images belong to Isidore Montag, www.gorunway.com.