DUBAI: French Algerian model Loli Bahia and British Moroccan catwalk star Nora Attal captured everyone’s attention when they took to the Chanel runway during Paris Fashion Week to unveil looks from the brand’s fall/winter 2024-2025 collection.
Bahia donned a two-piece ensemble comprising a tailored buttoned jacket complemented by a matching knee-length skirt in a delicate tweed fabric. Both garments were adorned with subtle black tassel details.
The 21-year-old model’s look was topped off with a refined touch of black ribbon bow accents in her hair and black strappy heels.
Loli Bahia donned a two-piece ensemble. (Getty Images)
Attal, 25, wore a dazzling black jacket embellished with intricate sequin and beadwork, creating a floral motif with a hint of shimmer. This was paired with a classic, knee-length black skirt.
Her hair was adorned with large black ribbon bows, and the look was completed with black open-toe heels.
Chanel’s haute couture show came just three weeks after the sudden departure of creative director Virginie Viard, who had been with the brand for nearly 30 years.
Nora Attal wore a black jacket embellished with intricate sequin and beadwork. (Getty Images)
Viard took over the role following the death of the legendary Karl Lagerfeld in 2019, which whom she had worked for many years. Under her leadership, Chanel achieved record sales last year of nearly $20 billion.
The collection, showcased at the Opera Garnier, was a blend of sophistication and theatricality.
There was less accessorizing, a departure from Viard’s hallmark, and more focus on the garments themselves. The intricate craftsmanship was highlighted along with the luxurious materials, which included feathers, tassels, embroidered flowers, lacquered jersey, silky velvet, tulle, taffeta and duchesse satin.
Although the necklines were a standout feature — scooped or raised mini-turtle necks —alongside banded, accented shoulders or busts, the collection as a whole had a slightly disparate feel that sometimes lacked a singular aesthetic anchor.
Chanel paid tribute to the ateliers of the “petites mains,” or the dozens of artisans who work a stone’s throw from the venue.
