When one thinks of Manchester, it’s almost instinctual to think of some of the major musical acts that have emerged from the North England city. A starting point for English rockers such as the Gallagher brothers of Oasis, Morrissey of The Smiths, Joy Division, and even modern players like the boys of The 1975, the city pushes the idea of connection through creation. It’s similar to the ethos of CHANEL— which became the first major luxury fashion house to show in the city last December. Among a strip of tattoo parlors, vintage record shops, fish and chip spots, and a bevy of pubs for some good old-fashioned pints of beer, the fashion glitterati were completely out of their comfort zone, but perhaps, that’s what made the show’s “venue” so special.

Tapping into that down-to-earth Mancunian spirit, Virginie Viard turned up the volume on the house’s codes, which contrasted with the neighborhood’s energy. Against the gritty, CHANEL brought the glamour, notably with the pop of colors and details that captured the vibrancy of Manchester’s characters. Followed by an abundance of tweeds in silhouettes that harken back to the swinging sixties, this love letter to Manchester finds itself in nearly every facet of the pieces that make up the 72-look collection. Naturally, it wouldn’t be a proper Métiers d’art collection without all the delicious details that punctuate Viard’s vision.

Through Métiers d’art pieces, one can expect an orchestra of classic Chanel motifs like bejeweled buttons and chain-adorned hems. Infused with the varying cultures that make up the DNA of the city, from music to sports to punk nightlife, this collection melds worlds like no other. Think adorably referenced details of electric guitar-shaped jewelry items, “CC” brooches fixed onto tweed paperboy hats, cashmere knits inspired by vintage nightclub flyers, and even sequin badges shaped like the Manchester City crest. Watching from the sidelines, it’s clear that only a rockstar like Viard can pull this off.

This story appears in the pages of V149: now available for purchase!

Photography Leon Mark

Fashion Ruben de Melo Moreira

Makeup Johanna Nomiey (Home Agency) using SUBMISSION BEAUTY

Hair Lauren Palmer Smith (Forward Artists)

Models Simona Kust (The Lions), Majesty Amare (Freedom Models)

Executive producer Nicole Prokes (Blond)

Producer Heather Blum (Blond)

Casting Tallulah Bernard (11th House Agency)

Stylist assistant Rachelle Duperoux

Production assistant Peter Giang

Location Primo Studios