Manchester’s Northern Quarter was transformed into a glamorous catwalk on Thursday as French fashion powerhouse Chanel hosted its prestigious Metiers d’Art show. A-list celebrities like Kristen Stewart, Hugh Grant, and Tilda Swinton joined hundreds of global fashionistas for the event.
Models, including Manchester’s own Karen Elson, strutted their stuff down the makeshift runway on Thomas Street, surrounded by trendy bars and traditional shops. A custom-built glass canopy protected the fashion elite from the Manchester drizzle.
Director of fashion Bruno Pavlovsky attributed the city’s “creative energy” and vibrant music scene as reasons for choosing Manchester. “We wanted to be in the UK out of London,” he explained.
The soundtrack for the show featured iconic Manchester bands like The Fall and New Order, with members of both groups even present in the audience. Local rappers Aitch and Bugzy Malone also added to the energetic atmosphere.
Adding to the star power were the Gallagher brothers, not Liam and Noel, but Liam’s sons Gene and Lennon, and Noel’s daughter Anais. Actors Jenna Coleman, Callum Scott Howells, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Lucy Boynton also graced the event.
The street’s blend of history and modern cool provided a unique backdrop for the show. Celebrities posed for selfies in the doorway of Clark Brothers, a long-standing retail supply shop, and took photos outside the Bay Horse Tavern pub.
Chanel temporarily closed several bars and shops on the street for two weeks in preparation for the event. They compensated the businesses for the closure but declined to disclose the amount spent.
Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Manchester’s cabinet member for culture, praised the event for its positive impact on the city’s economy and global image. He believes that Chanel’s decision to choose Manchester confirms the city’s position as a thriving and dynamic destination.
However, not everyone was enthralled by the luxury fashion show. One protester held up a sign calling for the city council to prioritize basic needs like food and heating over extravagant events like this.
Despite the protest, the Chanel Metiers d’Art show undoubtedly brought excitement and glitz to the streets of Manchester, solidifying the city’s position as a rising star in the global fashion scene.
