Chanel made a splash in the city of Los Angeles last week, captivating fashion enthusiasts with the unveiling of its latest cruise collection and the grand opening of a new boutique on the upscale Rodeo Drive. The brand left its mark on the city, with Chanel billboards adorning the streets. Adding to the glamour, Chanel organized the “Agnès Varda in California, Chanel in Cinema” event at the esteemed Academy Museum. These recent triumphs on the West Coast exemplify Chanel’s innovative approach to luxury management, thanks to the guidance of Bruno Pavlovsky, the president of fashion at the renowned fashion house. Notably, Chanel experienced tremendous success on the opposite coast at The Met Gala 2023, where it hosted A-list actresses and ambassadors, and unveiled the Costume Institute’s exhibition dedicated to the late Karl Lagerfeld.
The history between Chanel and Hollywood dates back to 1931, when Coco Chanel was hired at the hefty price of $1 million to design clothes for the glamorous stars of the Golden Age of cinema twice a year. Since then, Chanel has dressed and left an indelible mark on numerous iconic figures in Hollywood. Thus, presenting the cruise 2023 collection at Paramount Movie Studios felt like coming home for the brand. This longstanding connection to Hollywood has certainly contributed to Chanel’s financial success, with the brand experiencing a remarkable 23% increase in revenues, amounting to $15.6 billion in 2021.
FashionNetwork.com seized the opportunity to sit down with Bruno Pavlovsky to discuss Chanel’s recent endeavors in California, the brand’s focus on customer experience, the significance of The Met Gala, and the ongoing impact of the legendary Karl Lagerfeld. Pavlovsky shared that Paramount Picture Studios was chosen as the venue for the show due to its legendary status and the practical advantages it provided in case of unfavorable weather conditions. The exhibition “Chanel in Cinema,” which explores the brand’s relationship with the influential New Wave movement in film and its influence on the collection, was also highlighted by Pavlovsky.
Pavlovsky expressed his enthusiasm for Chanel’s newly opened boutique on Rodeo Drive, designed by the esteemed architect Peter Marino. This store flawlessly embodies the essence of the brand, seamlessly blending luxury, elegance, and beauty. Pavlovsky emphasized the importance of harmonizing with the neighborhood’s aesthetic and capturing the soul of Los Angeles.
When discussing the concept of specialized stores catering to loyal clients, Pavlovsky emphasized the significance of creating personalized and intimate experiences. Chanel has already implemented this concept at Rue Cambon in Paris, where clients can enjoy private appointments and peruse curated selections prepared in advance. In Los Angeles, the new boutique features two dedicated spaces on the third floor, accessible exclusively through elevators.
Speaking about the impact of the exhibition “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” on Chanel’s business, Pavlovsky expressed his admiration for the curation by Andrew Bolton and praised the way it honors Lagerfeld’s extraordinary work. While acknowledging that controversy had surrounded the exhibition, Pavlovsky viewed it as a tribute to Lagerfeld’s exceptional talent. Pavlovsky also acknowledged the evolving demographic of Chanel’s clientele, crediting creative director Virginie Viard’s influence in creating collections that are more accessible and liberating.
Pavlovsky also fondly recalled Lagerfeld’s penchant for provocation and emphasized that his absence has not diminished the impact he had on the fashion industry. He believed that Lagerfeld would have relished the retrospective and the attention it garnered. Lagerfeld was renowned for creating intriguing personas, from his beloved cat Choupette to his own enigmatic persona. Even after his passing, Lagerfeld’s legacy continues to provoke and inspire.
In conclusion, Chanel’s recent accomplishments in Los Angeles and The Met Gala serve as evidence of the brand’s ability to constantly reinvent itself and push the boundaries of luxury fashion. Under the leadership of Bruno Pavlovsky, Chanel remains captivating to audiences while honoring the legacy of its iconic founder and creative visionaries like Karl Lagerfeld.
Useful links:
1. [Chanel’s official website](https://www.chanel.com/)
2. [The Met Gala official website](https://www.metmuseum.org/blogs/now-at-the-met/2023/the-met-sexo?utm_source=website&utm_medium=institution&utm_campaign=sexo)
