Presenting the pre-fall Chanel Paris-Shanghai Métiers d’Art 2010 collection, an opulent tribute to China’s history and culture. A collection that’s only possible after Chanel’s acquisition in 2002 of the seven specialist Parisian ateliers which include the metal-crafts house of Desrues; the feather-maker, Lemarié; the embroiderer, Lesage; the shoemaker, Massaro; the milliner, Michel; the goldsmith, Goossens; and the flower-maker, Guillet. Together, their traditional artistry is preserved, working closely with Chanel to execute Karl Lagerfeld’s designs, with a unique seasonal collection year after year.

This year (and aptly so), Chanel (or 香奈儿 in Chinese) presented a colossal collection that saw intense attention to detail that rivalled the rich, extravagant opulence of the old imperial courts. References to Chinese arts and culture were fully represented, from the colour of lacquer red to Chinese knots, antique chest hinges to the burnished hue of tarnished bronze, it was (and still is) truly a feast for the senses.

The bags and accessories were no different, precious museum-quality pieces sent down the runway. The Classic Flap and 2.55 were reinterpreted and came in a multitude of exquisite finishes, including a clutch with dragon scales in jade green, rich brocade quilted bags and then some embellished with glittering sequins that sparkled to a bygone era that has passed but is not forgotten.

Images: Chanel