CHANEL FALL-WINTER 2013/2014 READY-TO-WEAR WINDOW DESIGN Chanel window displays are generally direct reiterations of the seasonal fashion show concepts. Whether simple or elaborate, realistic or abstract, they always exude the label’s reputable essence of sophistication. For the Fall-Winter 2013/2014 ReadyTo-Wear collection, I wanted to maintain this sense of refinement. With a variety of inspirational sources—in both style and tribute—I simplified the key concepts of the collection: the 100th anniversary of Chanel as a namesake boutique; Chanel’s globalization; and, the everlasting prominence of Chanel’s French fashions around the world. The background of the display is an image of Coco Chanel outside of the first namesake boutique in Deauville, a French resort town, which opened in 1913. This is a nod to the boutique’s 100th anniversary, which creates an ambiance of timelessness. The dated color scheme enables it to refrain from detracting too much focus from the mannequins and the featured merchandise. It has a slight off-white/neutral border to emphasis its presence without interrupting the color composition. There are three mannequins to present an overview of the collection without clashing with the background or overcrowding the display. They are realistic, with a light beige tone matte finish, and wigs in neutral tones. Though there were a variety of cultural references seen throughout the collection, they all reflect adoration
for French style. I chose three looks that best portrayed this and that are the most wearable for all Chanel customers. Each mannequin has a different stance or position that portrays confidence—a reflection of the high energy of the runway show. The mannequin on the left is wearing the principal silhouette, which is lean and fitted to the hip, then flares into a short skirt over leather cuissardes—chunky, thigh high boots excessively embellished with chains. She is wearing the label’s signature tweed textile, and is carrying the new “lego” handbag. The dark colors of this look reflect the gloomy aspect of the show. The mannequin in the middle features another essential shape of a high cut at the front, which reveals an under layer. This look showcases the petrol blues and sunset pinks that reflect the collection’s play on lightness. She is wearing a mink cloche hat, and is carrying a “globe” purse that mimics the show’s décor, both of which were key accessories. The mannequin on the right is sitting on an 80’s Memphis design chair, reflecting the appearance of the geometric style reference. She is wearing a classic Chanel LBD with textural sleeve and trim details. The stark black color of the look—with the touch of white—is coherent with the overall color scheme of the display, and balances the composition with her position as well. She is carrying a classic flap bag embellished with numerous chains—a Rock ‘N’ Roll aspect of the collection.
This mannequin is sitting beneath a suspended globe that mimics that of the show décor. It has one enlarged Chanel logo-ed flag marking the Deauville location. The colors of the globe balance the composition with the colors of the mannequin in the middle. The floor is a gray-toned cobblestone pattern to coordinate with the colors; yet still let the mannequins stand out. It also helps “frame” the display with the gray sidewalls and ceiling. With the overall placement of the mannequins and props, their colors and positions create a slight dynamic quality that moves the viewer’s eyes throughout the display without overwhelming. This is reflective of the subtle “airiness” of the collection that underscored its intensity.
COST ESTIMATION:
Mannequins: $675 ($225 Each) Wigs: $300 ($100 Each) Background: $336 (Enlarged Photo Print); $18 (Painted Border) Sidewalls/Ceiling: $34 (Paint) Chair: $150 Cobblestone Floor: $424 Globe: $100 Proposed Budget: $2,037
"I've got my feet on the ground, but this collection is up-to-earth, not down-to-earth." à Karl Lagerfeld
CHANEL FALL-WINTER 2013/2014 READY-TO-WEAR INSPIRATION BOARD Chanel’s Fall/Winter Ready-to-Wear 2013/2014 collection is a tribute to the label’s globalization and 300+ boutiques; the 100th anniversary of Chanel Deauville—the first namesake boutique—and Karl Lagerfeld’s three decades as the label’s creative director. On the board there is a quote by Karl, “I’ve got my feet on the ground, but this collection is up-to-earth, not down-to-earth,” which speaks to the colossal influence of Chanel. With much to celebrate, the collection itself reflects a variety of inspirational sources, which is manifested in the multitude of cultural style references. However, they all speak to the principal idea that French fashion—Chanel—is adored around the world. This is represented on the board by the image of the world, placed in the center; the image of a close-up of the globe from the show décor, which has Chanel logo-ed flags marking each Chanel boutique location; the image of Coco Chanel standing outside of the Deauville boutique (with the date above, 1913, in which it opened); and, the quote by Karl Lagerfeld, describing the essence of the collection, and to recognize him as the facilitator of the label’s growth. The aura of the collection was a play on lightness and darkness. The different textures showcased were featured in a moody palette of stormy grays and petrol blues, which were contrasted with sunset pinks and subtle dustings of glitter. Chanel’s signature juxtaposition of white and black was exhibited
through designs of spirographic webs, which added an aerodynamic—or “airy”— undercurrent to the pattern’s geometric— or “stark”— quality. Also, primary colors were presented in motifs that evoked the work of the eighties Memphis designers. This variety of colors and patterns is represented on the board through the images of direct items from the collection, alongside with relating images of their references. Though there were dashes of “lightness” throughout, the collection still remained predominantly gloomy, which radiated an essence of femininity that is more intense and “Rock N’ Roll.” This sense of energetic confidence was portrayed through an emphasis on chains, which were seen in the jewelry and accented on the handbags and boots. This is represented on the board with the image of a handbag with an excess of chains. Another popular item was the colored mink cloche hats that were facsimiles of Anna Wintour’s iconic bob hairstyle. This is represented on the board with the image of one of these hats from the collection, as well as an image of Wintour.