Reviewing FW 21/22, Part II

This is a continuation of ‘REVIEWING FW 21/22 FASHION SHOWS!‘.

Paris Fashion Week, taking place from 1 March 2021 to 10 March 2021 for Womenswear Ready-to-Wear Fall-Winter 2021/2022 collections, opened with Institut Français de la Mode’s short fashion film and closed with Louis Vuitton’s full show. After Dior’s ‘Disturbing Beauty’ collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri (which I reviewed in a previous post), 15 other designers showcased theirs – and two of them are Virginie Viard from Chanel and Nicolas Ghesquière from Louis Vuitton.

The public has always had high expectations for the world’s leading fashion houses, and the reasons are pretty obvious. Founded in 1910, Chanel’s timeless designs keep the label successful even after a century and more, while Louis Vuitton, founded in 1854, produces high-end luxury goods that cause it to be one of the most valuable fashion brands of 2020-2021. But are their latest collections and performances in Paris Fashion Week interesting enough, or are they disappointing?

• CHANEL

Before watching the full show, I didn’t know what to expect; I was really excited, yet really nervous. Chanel’s shows were some of the few I actually cared to watch repeatedly, as I knew I would never get tired of doing so. However, I hesitated for their FW 21/22 show, probably because I had a fear they would dissatisfy me.

After watching the full show, I have so little yet so many to say.

First and foremost, I am upset by the black-and-white filter. Don’t get me wrong, such concept is so cool – makes viewers feel like they’re watching a 1950s film (and I love 1950s films!), but, be that as it may, it makes it hard for viewers to judge and appreciate Virginie Viard’s designs. I’m thankful the production team quickly redeemed themselves by removing the black-and-white filter from plenty of shots, really, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s practically confusing. You see the blazer is lilac but after four seconds it is grey, and although you know it’s because of the filter, your distracted subconscious mind will quickly forget what color is that blazer supposed to be, especially when there are a lot of outfits you have to look at. It’s good though that Chanel tried something new.

I like that the shots from behind the scenes are included. Seems simple but it’s a cute gesture.

Next, the outfits and bags. I love them, they’re effortless beauty. Classy, elegant, timeless arts, totally Chanel-ish. You come across someone wearing those pieces and at first glance you could already tell they’re by Chanel, even if you haven’t watched the show or seen the lookbook. But, however much I love them, I must admit I’ve seen the same designs before. While a number of them are, well, exclusive, half of them aren’t; I’ve seen a lot of them, either scarily similar or very scarily similar. I’m sorry, Virginie, but this particular collection of yours isn’t refreshing. Beautiful designs, and I’m sure with a little more efforts, this Fall-Winter Ready-to-Wear will be so much better.

Someone questioned the relevancy of this collection and assumed in two years, people would not wear this kind of clothes anymore. I have taken some time to think about this and finally disagreed. As I said earlier, pieces from this collection are timeless beauty, like Coco Chanel’s designs. Virginie Viard knew what she was doing. Her Fall-Winter designs may not be groundbreaking, but she would never forget to create a timeless fashion art. Fur coats, suits, little dresses – I don’t think they ever die.

Moreover, the versatility is undeniable. Personally I would wear something from this collection anywhere and everywhere in every season instead of only fall and winter – even in the rising heat of summer (indoors, of course), and I know there are many other people in the world who would do the same.

Now, to talk about the performances – I’d always applaud Chanel’s models. The fact that this show includes women-of-color and a woman who is not super skinny warms my heart. The way all the stunning models walk and their facial expressions are among my favorite things about this show. Their makeup and hairstyles are divine. And, their smiles and interactions with each other behind the scenes? Perfection. The music used in this show? Also perfection. Do You Know Where You’re Going To by Diana Ross is lovely; it’s certainly a great selection made by Chanel.

Chanel often picks the best places too to be their runways. For this show, they filmed it in the streets and in the Parisian club Castel. It may not seem so creative, but I personally find it’s suitable and aesthetically pleasing for the atmosphere and vibe Virginie Viard’s designs give off.

Kudos to Virginie Viard, kudos to everyone who is responsible for the collection, the show, the cinematography, and the production. I, however, expect to see something better in the future.

This is so difficult to give a rating, but I’m doing it anyway. 8/10 from Eternally Chanel.