Bruno Pavlovsky Expects a Promising 2023: Expanding Chanel to Manchester and Preserving Métiers d’Art

Bruno Pavlovsky, the Fashion President of Chanel, is looking forward to a prosperous 2023, particularly highlighted by the recent Chanel event that took place in Manchester and the ongoing promotion of Métiers d’Art.

 In a surprising move, Chanel showcased its latest collection of Métiers d’Art in Manchester. The city's raw energy was harnessed for an impressive show. During the course of the week, Chanel held multiple events across the city.

 There was a dinner catered by the fashionable chef Daniel de la Falaise at the Salford Lads Club, followed by a star-studded show featuring the likes of Kristen Stewart and Tilda Swinton. The week culminated with the unveiling of a unique exhibition called Manchester, Past, Present, Future, which was curated by renowned editors Charlotte Stockdale and Katie Lyall.

 This exhibition gathered interesting aspects of Manchester, drawn from a special issue of their fashion magazine, Chaos 69, which was sponsored by Chanel. The main event was the latest show of Métiers d’Art. This unique collection was created twenty years ago to highlight the exceptional craftsmen that the Chanel group has gathered over the years under the entity known as Paraffection. 

The collection this year included a blend of British and French references, including tweed suits, wraparound skirts, shirt dress, baby doll dresses, and baker boy caps, adorned with jeweled buttons, embroidery, and appliqués. Virginie Viard, Chanel's designer, approached the collection differently, presenting it to an audience of 600 people. The collection is said to be one of Viard's most innovative since taking over from Karl Lagerfeld. 

While Chanel is a privately-owned company and does not release sales figures, it is speculated that its annual revenues are nearing €20 billion. During the show, Pavlovsky spoke about why they chose Manchester as the venue. Virginie, he explained, had wanted to come to England for inspiration – citing its cultural scene, music, and innovative energy. However, instead of going to London, they chose Manchester a city that symbolically represents the essence of England. 

On the topic of Métiers d’Arts shows traveling so much, Pavlovsky noted that it’s essential to travel to breathe in another culture. He cited this as the reason for the decision to hold the show in Manchester. When asked about changes in the brand's approach since Viard took over from Lagerfeld, Pavlovsky noted that Viard brings her unique touch to each collection. 

This is despite the brand's clientele becoming younger. However, he does not believe that the age demographic is a major concern, as Chanel appeals to a broad range of clients. He further discussed the first two companies bought by Paraffection as Desrues for buttons and Lesage for embroidery. Paraffection's goal, he said, is to allow these houses to focus purely on their creative processes. Looking ahead, Pavilion he expects 2023 to be a successful year for Chanel despite potential economic slowdown. 

The plans for store openings are modest, with focus on increasing the quality and relevance of their existing network across more than 50 countries. On the web, via Chanel et Moi, the brand offers a service program, designed to address client's concerns via a dedicated in-store space. Regarding Chanel's approach to e-commerce, Pavilion stands firm in the belief that their clients are mainly connected through their physical boutiques. 

Lastly, he stressed the need to continue investment in creativity, inspiration and raw materials to ensure Chanel's continued success in the luxury fashion market.