For CHANEL’s Paris – 31 rue Cambon Métiers d’Art 2020 show, models wore iconic shoes with a black toe, an 8cm heel and revisited proportions.
Mademoiselle called them pumps. «They are the final touch of elegance», she used to say. To perfect the silhouette that Gabrielle Chanel introduced to the world, it was necessary to create a shoe that went with any outfit, one that was elegant, could be worn morning to night, and was suited to the new lifestyle of women.
The Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida surrounded by CHANEL House models wearing suits and two-tone shoes (1964, F/W Haute Couture).
In 1957, Mademoiselle Chanel created the two-tone slingback shoe in beige and black. It created a highly graphic effect: the beige lengthened the leg while the black shortened the foot. Whereas shoes had previously been made in a single color that matched the color of one’s clothing, Mademoiselle Chanel once again overturned the codes of fashion by pairing beige and black with all outfits. In her words, «You leave in the morning wearing beige and black, you have lunch in beige and black, and you attend a cocktail party wearing beige and black. You’re dressed for the entire day!» Chanel’s slingback shoe experienced instant success. It varied in style, offering versions with a straighter or thinner heel and a rounded, square or pointed toe.
The beautiful heels for CHANEL’s Paris – 31 rue Cambon Métiers d’Art 2020 show were produced at Massaro.
Mademoiselle Chanel improved its comfort with the help of Massaro (which has remained Chanel’s custom shoe brand to this day) by adding an elastic strap. Located «just steps away from Rue Cambon,» the Massaro workshop continues to create all of the footwear creations for Chanel’s Haute Couture and Métiers d’Art collections. Starting with his very first collection, Karl Lagerfeld had channeled his talent to modernize this model. The two-tone shoe thus lends itself to a myriad of metamorphoses. In just one season, it may be transformed into a ballerina slipper, boot or sandal without losing any of its original spirit. «It’s become the most modern of shoes and makes beautiful legs,» Karl Lagerfeld explained many years ago.
Virginie Viard at CHANEL’s Paris – 31 rue Cambon Métiers d’Art 2020 show finale.
This season, Virginie Viard continued the legacy and created in my eyes one of the It-shoes of the season, comfortable and stylish in one. I love mine and will show you how I wore them on all my recent travels around Europe. They are available now for CHF 900.
LoL, Sandra
CHANEL’s Paris – 31 rue Cambon Métiers d’Art 2020 ad campaign
Photos: © CHANEL, © Photo Philippe Garnier / Elle-Scoop
DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored. I just love those shoes.
