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 Ready-

To-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.