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Just as anticipation surrounded the unveiling of a new Chanel collection when the late Karl Lagerfeld was at the helm, the big reveal of the show set was always a guaranteed moment at Paris Fashion Week—a tradition his successor Virginie Viard is continuing. Over the years, Chanel models have walked runways that riffed on cafés and casinos, icebergs, supermarkets, space rockets—and even enormous bottles of Chanel No. 5.
Below, revisit some of the most memorable Chanel show sets from seasons past.
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Chanel spring 2023 couture
On Virginie Viard’s spring 2023 couture runway, models emerged from giant cardboard versions of the bestiary Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel kept in her apartment (objects portraying horses, lions, camels, birds, and so on), the work of her collaborator Xavier Veilhan.
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Chanel fall 2022
In honor of Coco Chanel’s favorite fabric, Virginie Viard created a collection dedicated to tweed for fall 2022. So, of course, the walls and benches were adorned with the brand’s signature fabric, as well.
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Chanel spring 2022
To evoke the Chanel shows of the ’80s, Virginie Viard opted for a raised runway for the spring 2022 collection, with flashbulbs popping as photographers clustered around the edge.
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Chanel spring 2021
A Chanel version of the famous Hollywood sign towered over the models at the cinematic spring 2021 show.
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Chanel fall 2020
Models make their way along the River Seine-themed set at the fall 2020 show.
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Chanel spring 2020
Models including Kaia Gerber strode along a runway that conjured the famous rooftops of Paris.
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Chanel Métiers d’Art 2019
This show set was inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s 31 Rue Cambon apartment.
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Chanel fall 2019 couture
For Chanel’s 2019 haute couture collection, the Grand Palais was transformed into a library, with books adorning the walls from floor to ceiling.
