Through the misty haze of Hangzhou, guests sat in black cars en route to Chanel’s 2024/25 Métiers d’art show, contemplating the connection between this poetic city and the French house. Among them was Hong Kong actress and model Amy Lo, who was experiencing this historic city for the first time. The “connection” we are talking about started with an antique Coromandel screen in Gabrielle Chanel’s Paris apartment. The scenery of Hangzhou’s West Lake was depicted on this lacquered screen, and its motif went on to become the poetic catalyst for this collection.
Since its inception in 2002, the Métiers d’art collection has been Chanel’s annual celebration of craftsmanship, journeying to cities that hold cultural significance for the house. From the Salzburg palace to the Temple of Dendur in New York, from the streets of Edinburgh to the heart of Dakar, each destination has contributed its artistic heritage to the collection while showcasing the virtuosity of Chanel’s specialised ateliers. This nomadic tradition reflects the brand’s commitment to cultural dialogue, weaving together local artistic traditions with the exceptional savoir-faire of the maison’s atelier at le19M.
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Amy Lo in Hangzhou (Photo: courtesy of Chanel)
Amy Lo getting ready for the Chanel show
Amy Lo’s accessories for the Chanel show
When this French heritage met the mysticism of Hangzhou, the result was a collection that merges Parisian elegance with Chinese artistry through precious tweeds, intricate embroidery and lacquer-inspired colours. We’re talking long coats, belted jackets and fluid eveningwear in jade green, pink, and deep black that reflect traditional lacquerwork, all interspersed with floral motifs from Coco Chanel’s Coromandel screen.
Tatler had joined Amy Lo and other guests to witness this collection in its full glory at the Chanel Métiers d’art show in Hangzhou, and we caught up with Lo to find out which aspects of the show left the deepest impact on her.
Amy Lo on the ferry ride to Chanel’s show in Hangzhou
Amy Lo on the ferry ride to Chanel’s show
How did the show’s location at West Lake compare to traditional Paris Fashion Week venues in terms of atmosphere?Both destinations hold distinct dreamlike qualities: Paris beckons you to return, with endless layers to explore, while Hangzhou’s West Lake creates an unforgettable scene that imprints itself in your memory forever.
Paris embodies architectural elegance and a sophisticated ambience, reflected in the black-and-white theme of the 2023 show. In contrast, West Lake’s natural beauty, with its serene landscapes and poetic atmosphere, reminds me of the Coromandel screens in Gabrielle Chanel’s apartment.
When the team sent me a 30-page guide of Hangzhou attractions, I was puzzled by West Lake’s absence—the very place I most wanted to visit. Learning that it would be the show venue heightened my excitement. I love nature, so experiencing the show at West Lake was not just an honour but also gave me a sense of comfort.
Amy Lo getting ready for the Chanel show
Amy Lo’s ensemble for the Chanel show
How did Chanel’s interpretation of the Chinese elements stand out to you?Gabrielle Chanel drew significant inspiration from Eastern and Chinese cultures, showing that remarkable harmony is possible when blending cultural elements with fashion.
My first encounter with West Lake was through Su Shi’s (Su Dongpo) poetry from the Song Dynasty. His verses painted vivid images of the lake’s picturesque scenery, tranquil waters and ever-changing landscape.
Experiencing West Lake with Chanel was extraordinary—seeing how the collection’s elements, particularly silk fabrics, echoed the lake’s gentle nature and flowing waters. The water element stood out most prominently, being central to Chinese philosophy and artistic expression. The way Chanel interpreted this element through fashion, in colours and fluid fabrics, created a timeless masterpiece that bridges cultures through a creative vision.
A snapshot taken during Amy Lo’s trip to Hangzhou
Amy Lo in Hangzhou during the Chanel show
Which part of the trip intrigued you the most?The entire show experience was transformative. Taking a ferry to the venue offered more than just visual beauty, it provided a rare moment to slow down, especially in contrast to Hong Kong’s rapid pace of life.
The journey itself was magical: driving to the venue at sunset, watching the shadows of the tree create a scenic path—it felt like time was slowing down. The peaceful ferry ride across West Lake gave us a chance to truly absorb our surroundings. It became an unexpected moment of meditation and mindfulness, a precious gift in our usually hectic lives.
Amy Lo getting ready for the Chanel show
Amy Lo getting ready for the Chanel show
What emotions does Chanel evoke for you?The more I discover about Chanel, from fashion to Coco’s design ethos, the deeper grows my admiration. Her legacy continues to inspire self-reflection and personal growth, which truly marks the impact of a great artist.
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