Models transform the streets of Manchester into a runway for Chanel's Metiers d'Art fashion show

French luxury brand Chanel hosted a prestigious fashion show on Thomas Street in Manchester, turning the city street into a catwalk. Celebrities, models, and hundreds of global fashionistas attended the event, including actors Kristen Stewart, Hugh Grant, and Tilda Swinton, as well as director Sofia Coppola. The show, known as Metiers d'Art, showcased models walking down the road, with its trendy bars and traditional shops serving as the backdrop. A glass canopy was erected to protect guests and models from the pouring rain. Chanel chose Manchester due to its "creative energy" and musical history, according to Bruno Pavlovsky, the director of fashion. The show featured a soundtrack with Manchester bands such as The Fall and New Order. Attendees included not only actors but also local rappers and musicians. The event brought together people from various backgrounds and industries, including authors, reality TV stars, and international actresses. Chanel compensated the businesses on Thomas Street for closing during the event, but the amount spent was not disclosed. Manchester's council member for culture, Luthfur Rahman, praised the show as an investment in the city and a testament to its global appeal. However, a protester outside the event criticized the city council's priorities, highlighting the slogan "Food or heat!! Not luxury goods." The Metiers d'Art show has previously been held in cities around the world, and this year it celebrated the skilled craftspeople and artisans that Chanel works with. The new collection showcased the "poetry of emotions with a dash of the sixties" and included elements inspired by Great Britain, such as tweed, Shetland knitwear, and references to Manchester's football clubs. The event was not limited to the fashion show alone, as guests attended pre and after-parties at significant Manchester venues like Salford Lads' Club and Victoria Baths.