It was 1851, and during the beautification of the extension of “Via della Libertà” in Palermo—specifically the new section beyond the square commonly known as Piazza delle Croci—the idea arose to create a public garden in the so-called English style. That is, not by leveling the terrain, but by designing a green space that followed its natural irregularities, in order to achieve a result with a natural appearance ispired by eastern culture, in line with the guidance of the renowned architect Ernesto Basile father of Liberty style in Italy.
The landscaping plan included the planting of exotic species, some from other continents, including several of Australian and Chinese origin, such as the flame tree. The selection of plants was entrusted to the then-director of the Palermo Botanical Garden, Professor Vincenzo Tineo, one of the foremost expert in the field.
The result was both highly evocative and elegantly refined—a true jewel in the crown of that felicissima Palermo that was beginning to take shape, with a clear nod to the great European capitals.
Unveiled last December in Hangzhou, China, the 2024/25 Métiers d’art Chanel collection is an invitation to an imaginary journey. Dreamlike and cinematic, it is inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s Coromandel screens and their enchanting landscapes. The one in her studio at 31 rue Cambon in Paris depicts the city of Hangzhou and its legendary lake.
We decided to set the images of some items from the Chanel Metier d’Art 2024/25 collection inside the English Garden in Palermo because of the connection with the meeting of cultures and traditions that is usually promoted by the maison Chanel through its artisans.
The Maisons d’Art of Chanel bring infact together several hundred artisans specializing in embroidery, feather work, goldsmithing, costume jewelry, pleating, millinery, shoemaking, glove making, and leatherwork. Their savoir-faire lies at the heart of every collection, and is particularly central to the Métiers d’Art collection, which has celebrated their work since 2002.
Dress Embroidered virgin wool black & gold. Choker, necklace and long necklace metal & resin gold & black. 2024/25 Métiers d’art Chanel collection.
Detail of Ernesto Basile little villa inside Giardino Inglese, detail of Montex embroiders. Montex picture courtesy of Chanel
The combination of ancestral traditions and modern techniques reveals the magic of the Montex embroidery atelier. The sophisticated, modern, and precious motifs that help enhance Chanel collections are entirely created using sewing techniques, Lunéville crochet embroidery, or the ultra-centennial manually operated Cornely machine. Montex has been a member of the Chanel Métiers d’Art since 2011.
Vest, jacket and skirt cotton & mixed fibres ecru, Thigh-High Boots Velvet-Effect Leather & Leather Black, Chain belt and necklace in Metal, glass beads, fancy pearls & rhinestones Gold, pearly white & crystal. 2024/25 Métiers d’art Chanel collection.
Detail of Vincenzo Ragusa sculpture , detail of Lemarié savoir-faire. Lemarié picture courtesy of Chanel
Founded in 1880, with unique savoir-faire in feather work, Lemarié has developed an exceptional range of techniques over the years, including the art of flower making. Since the 1960s, Lemarié has been assembling its iconic camellias by hand, petal by petal. A key partner for Chanel collections, Lemarié also excels in couture with extraordinary techniques such as smocking, inlays, flounces, and pleating, the latter crafted by the Lognon atelier, which became part of Maison Lemarié in 2013. Lemarié has been a member of Chanel’s Métiers d’Art since 1996. In the LE19M workshops, free from drafts, delicate feathers are sorted one by one, then combed, curled or straightened, glued, and even woven.
Suit Cotton Tweed Brown & Multicolor, Sweater and pants, fiber blend , black, gold & multicolor. Belt and earrings, metal, glass beads & rhinestones
ruthenium, gold & multicolor. Lemarié picture courtesy of Chanel.
The CHANEL suit is reinterpreted in the 2024/25 Métiers d’art collection in a sophisticated tweed tailored by Lesage. Its hues and patterns evoke the reliefs of the mountain ranges painted on the Coromandel screens in Gabrielle Chanel’s apartment.
Detail of Giardino Inglese GreenHouse, detail of Lesage embroiders. Lesage picture courtesy of Chanel
Lesage, a legendary creative house that has collaborated with the greatest couturiers, creates and embroiders sumptuous motifs. Since 1998, it has also reinvented the tweed so dear to Chanel, combining wool yarns with the most unexpected materials. A Chanel partner since 1983 and a member of the Métiers d’Art since 2002, Lesage brings together at LE19M its ateliers, its unique archive of samples, and its school, where embroiderers pass on the secrets of their savoir-faire to younger generations.
Make up details: Ultra le Teint fluide BD20, Stylo yeux 88 noir intense, Ombre essentielle 234 – Beige Sable, Mascara Inimitable Extrême 10 – noir pur, Rouge Coco Bloom N. 150 ease. Chanel Make up
Creative director: Gioia Gange
Model: Yaqi Li
Photo: Marcella Consuelo Giuffre
Photo editing: Ilenia Messina
Production: Albamedia
Assistant production: Chiara Figueroa
Make up: Matilde Immordino
A special thanks to :
Chanel Italia Presse Office and Giardino Inglese Palermo.
More on Chanel Metier D’art on Le19m
