As the Maison marks 110 years of Haute Couture, there is seemingly a renewed commitment to savoir-faire, celebrating and bolstering the ateliers that make these incredible collections a reality, and showcasing what a true, uncompromising Haute Couture powerhouse is made of. For house ambassador and quintessential Parisian Vanessa Paradis, the not-so-secret key to CHANEL’s enduring impact in Haute Couture (and beyond), is its meaningful, considered approach.
Here she shares her first impressions of CHANEL’s latest Haute Couture collection and how fashion influences her as an actor and musician.
SN: What was your first impression of the collection today?
“What a beautiful piece of art. Everything is done by hand, so there’s really this notion of this piece of art in movement, in front of our eyes. All the colours—it was magnificent.”

As someone with a longstanding history with CHANEL, how does the Maison continue to surprise and inspire you?
“[CHANEL] still makes so many people dream. What will always surprise me, and that I always like, is that there’s meaning and memory linked to the Maison. Whether it’s the chateau where they make wine or the flowers from Grasse, there’s depth and meaning. It’s not just clothes—it’s a whole story around it and that’s why it brings more emotion.”
Do you find that fashion influences your expression as an artist, both in music and film?
“I wouldn’t say so when I’m acting, I’m not the one deciding what I’m wearing, even though I give my opinion. You’re there to fulfill a director’s vision. When I sing, I do what I want. And especially for the concerts, I like outfits that shine and are going to take in the light really well. So, when I’m on stage, big bright colours, and lots of sequins.”
If there’s a soundtrack or album (other than yours) that would best describe your personal style, what would it be?
“Well, I would say Prince, because he’s my first music love. He was so eclectic and confident. And also, in terms of stage clothes, he and David Bowie were the best.”
Is there a CHANEL piece that is particularly special for you?
“Well, I mean, there are quite a few that I could think of. But, obviously, anything Karl Lagerfeld designed for me. There was one day we were in China, and we were going to do a little show. There were a few of us singing, and Karl designed this whole Burgundy sequin dress that was really, really long. It was very mesmerizing, and I wore huge platform shoes with it. He designed it for me with the venue in mind, and it had all the colours of the runway show—it was special.”