Chanel shows its timeless elegance at Palais Garnier

“...The French luxury brand Chanel celebrates its strong and enduring relationship with the world of dance, a connection that has been passed down since the early 20th century, by designing costumes for the ballet performance ‘Word for Word’ at the Palais Garnier. This costume design reflects the long-standing heritage and history of the brand, seamlessly blending the world of ballet with the identity of Chanel. It features flocked fabric, a favourite of Gabrielle Chanel, as well as specially developed jacquard silk with raised patterns created exclusively for this performance...” 

Dance is an art form that represents the movement towards freedom and has been passed down through generations. It embodies the beauty that Gabrielle Chanel cherished, as she had a deep bond and passion for the art of dance. Her fascination began when she first saw the ballet performance of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. This experience inspired her to incorporate the essence of dance into her clothing designs, emphasising comfort and freedom of movement. Chanel brought her vision and appreciation for dance to life through her costumes for the performance of Le Train Bleu. Rather than designing traditional ballet costumes, she pioneered the blend of modern fashion with practical wear, presenting it on stage in the context of everyday life. In the years that followed, Chanel continued to create for the dance world, designing costumes for works such as Apollon Musagète, with music by Stravinsky and choreography by Balanchine, as well as outfits for Bacchanal, created in collaboration with the renowned surrealist artist Salvador Dalí.

Currently, the maison continues to uphold Gabrielle Chanel's ideals by serving as the patron of the Paris Opera Ballet Gala since 2018. One notable highlight is the traditional ballet parade, which brings together dancers of all levels, from students at ballet schools to principal dancers. During this parade, the leading dancers wear tutus, corsets, and tiaras created in collaboration between the brand and the opera’s atelier. These special costumes are used annually in the opening season ballet parade. In 2023, the brand became the principal sponsor of the Paris Opera, aiming to support all of the institution's artistic projects. This commitment reinforces the ideals and passion for the art of dance that Gabrielle Chanel embodied.

Chanel also took on the role of designing costumes for the ballet 'Word for Word' at the Palais Garnier. This design not only reflects the long-standing heritage and history of the brand but also blends the world of ballet with the identity of Chanel. The costumes feature flocked fabric, a personal favourite of Gabrielle Chanel, known for its unique characteristics. The meticulous production process results in a soft, smooth texture that feels luxurious against the skin. Additionally, Chanel developed a specially crafted jacquard silk with raised patterns for this performance. The costumes are distinguished by motifs of camellias, the iconic double C logo, and chain patterns, which offer a soft and airy touch. The choice of black for the male dancers and delicate pink for the female dancers creates a striking contrast that is central to the choreography. The men's outfits are adorned with gold gemstone buttons, adding an extra touch of elegance.

Also See: Paris Fashion Week SS2025: Chanel celebrate elegance and freedom in honour of Gabrielle's legacy