How These Bags From Chanel Metiers D'Art 2024/25 Collection Capture The Magic Of Hangzhou, China

The annual Metiers d’Art collection from Chanel has always been designed to make people dream. For one, every edition is inspired by a place with a romantic connection to brand founder Coco Chanel, with the collection usually unveiled there, no matter how far‑flung the destination. Secondly, it’s meant to celebrate the savoir faire of the brand’s metiers d’art, or artisanal workshops, and is thus always rich in craftsmanship and inventiveness. The 2024/25 edition, which hits boutiques June 19, dials up the fantasy with the choice of setting for its presentation: Hangzhou, China – a location Mademoiselle Chanel had never stepped foot in, but had a deep affinity for. We zero in on the bags and how they carry a whole lot of magic.

Gabrielle Chanel never visited China in her lifetime, but she was constantly surrounded by its beauty. She was a fan of antique Chinese Coromandel screens, or lacquered folding screens, and was said to have amassed a collection of as many as 32 of them. Eight were displayed in her apartment on Rue Cambon in Paris, used to cover walls or help carve out more private spaces. The largest of these remains there and was the starting point of Chanel’s latest Metiers d’Art collection: Its elaborate engraving depicts Hangzhou’s West Lake – famed for its breathtaking scenery. This explains why the Unesco World Heritage site was chosen as the backdrop of the show, which took place at sundown early last December. Playfully evoking the evening’s sense of other‑worldliness is the Pillow handbag: a cushion‑y clutch in either soft satin or shiny lambskin, and delicately stitched to create its plush, oversize quilted texture. The pastel hue of the one featured here is meant to echo the colour of Hangzhou’s landscape at dusk.

The Coromandel screens in Gabrielle Chanel’s apartment that sparked the entire Chanel 2024/25 Metiers d’Art collection are brought vividly to life by embroidery house Atelier Montex in this special edition of the Classic flap bag. A nod to the lush scenescapes of nature etched into the screens, it features 80 golden floral motifs, which were first traced and sanded onto the base material: tweed with gold, brown and black rhinestones that had been applied in zones according to colour. To give the blooms their 3D effect, artisans sewed on sequins and beads using the 19th‑century Luneville technique, which calls for great experience and dexterity to perfect. There are reportedly a total of 30,000 shiny embellishments adorning this exquisite design, calling for 110 hours – or more than four and a half days – of work.

Travel is also at the core of this Metiers d’Art collection that connects Chanel and its birthplace of Paris with mystical Hangzhou. Evening bags take the form of shrunken versions of classic travel carriers. Pictured above on the left is a boxy zipped top handle reminiscent of vintage train cases – consider it a statement‑making yet elegant alternative to the maison’s signature and highly popular vanity case. Its coat of bright shiny calfskin lends glamour, but there are also options in grained calfskin and velvet. Pictured above on the right is the cutest miniature quilted trunk that opens like a jewel box – simply click on the shiny CC clasp on its front. Both come with leather‑interlaced chains, so they can also be worn cross‑body and hands‑free. Novelty factor aside, both can be used to organise the contents of one’s bag, giving a whole new look and meaning to travel accessories.

Of course, there are large and roomy bags in a collection that’s dedicated to the dream of travel. The Chanel 2024/25 Metiers d’Art line‑up includes at least seven of such silhouettes, including three duffles. All of them sport the brand’s iconic quilting – at once distinctive and understated – and have been designed for maximum practicality and convenience. Expect numerous pockets (something Coco Chanel loved), including envelope‑style compartments – a subtle nod to the old‑school practice of letter writing when one’s away (sweet, isn’t it?). Leather‑interlaced chain straps come with a leather tab so they rest comfortably on the shoulder, and there are SLGs – small leather goods – to match. The idea is not only to put a fresh and extra‑fun spin on the brand’s signature art of layering accessories, but also to help one organise his or her belongings when travelling with style.

Another rendition of Chanel’s “travel pillow” from its latest Metiers d’Art collection: the clutch‑style Pillow handbag in black satin. Seldom has the glossy fabric looked this fashion‑forward, thanks to the irreverent design. What we love most about it: that it’s lightweight, easy to pack and versatile enough to work with different aesthetics. There are also smaller versions sans leather‑interlaced chain strap for something more evening‑friendly.

The mix of practicality, comfort and elegance that Gabrielle Chanel championed makes for timeless essentials for the woman on the go. One of the most desirable bags in Chanel’s Metiers d’Art 2024/25 collection, which celebrates the spirit of travel, is the new Shopping Bag. A reference to – get this – the brand’s iconic two‑tone shoes, it’s a streamlined yet spacious bucket‑style bag that’s crafted in ultra‑supple beige suede and hardy black calfskin – an effortlessly chic and versatile combination. A thoughtful touch: the addition of leather‑interlaced chain straps for hands‑free wear. On the runway, a charm‑sized yet functional version of the Chanel Classic handbag served as both decor and additional storage space – clever.