For the Chanel Spring 2020 RTW runway show, the setting was reminiscent of the roofs so typical of Paris and the rue Cambon with their zinc surfaces, walkways, chimney pots and windows opening onto the sky.

“The roofs of Paris remind me of the atmosphere of the Nouvelle Vague. I saw silhouettes walking on the roofs. I thought about Kristen Stewart playing Jean Seberg and all the actresses Gabrielle Chanel dressed at that time,” says Artistic Director Virginie Viard.

For both day and night, the collection plays with the simplicity and balance of volume. The fabrics reveal the breathtaking work of the ateliers required for the construction of the dresses and their handkerchief hems. Tiers of printed chiffon, organza, feathers and raffia fringes structure the delicate tops and long skirts. Embroidered around the collar with sequins in matte red like a lipstick, dresses in anthracite chiffon are printed with Parisian facades.

Stripes, checks, vibrant block colors – red, orange, pink, blue – illuminate the collection and the emblematic black and white of the House. The prints are in unison: on one ultra-graphic version, the letters of Chanel haphazardly stand out from the roofs.

Zip-up bags in leather or tweed are reminiscent of schoolgirls’ pencil cases: the Chanel signature appears handwritten in chain interlaced with leather. The flap bag is refreshed with a wrist bracelet or a braid in two-tone grosgrain ribbon. Others have a more precious note: beads set with chains or sequinned embroideries with floral motifs.

Go backstage as the feminine, urban silhouette is presented at the Chanel Spring 2020 runway show with a nonchalant grace of a cinematographic heroine.