CHANEL launched a new project called Chanel Connects that pairs innovators to reflect on the unique challenges of 2020 and imagine the new cultural frontiers of 2021, as galleries, museums, and stages prepare to reopen to a radically transformed world.
Inspired by the heritage of the House to play a role in ‘what happens next’, CHANEL is bringing together some of the most celebrated talent from film, art, architecture, dance, music, and fashion for intimate conversations on the future of culture.
The conversations span a range of topics from technology opening new avenues for creative work to advancing the role of culture as an agent for social change. Podcast participants include: actors Tilda Swinton and Keira Knightley; musician, designer and entrepreneur Pharrell Williams; filmmakers Lulu Wang, Garrett Bradley and Eliza Hittman; artists Arthur Jafa and Jennifer Packer; designer Es Devlin; dancers / artistic directors Akram Khan and Tamara Rojo; editorial director Edward Enninful; creative consultant and writer Amanda Harlech and curator Andrew Bolton.
Self-recording their contributions from their homes and studios, some are old friends while others ‘meet’ for the first time in this series. Together, they represent both emerging and established talent and include individuals from institutions where CHANEL’s patronage helps to catalyse innovation across the arts.
Yana Peel, Global Head of Arts and Culture at CHANEL, said the series points to an existential moment for culture as artists reconsider how, why and where they tell stories and connect with audiences.
CHANEL Connects is available on the CHANEL podcast 3.55 through Spotify, Apple and Chanel.com.
An airy scenography composed of fresh floating white curtains, reflections, and human shadows is complemented by domestic elements like a wooden bed or chairs. A digital ‘window’ projected across the wall reveals a glimpse of the outside world, where a blue cloudy sky meets Fendi’s signature headquarter in Rome, Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana.
The set reflects the palette of the collection, worn by the multifaceted cast of models, including Henry Kitcher and Chun Soot. As they fill the space, shadows and light accentuate the workmanship of each garment, disclosing a unique story across the looks.
