Chanel to Stage Métiers d’Art Show in Rome on December 2nd, Continuing Italian Legacy
Rome, May 9 – The iconic French fashion house Chanel has officially announced that its prestigious Métiers d’Art show will take place in Rome on December 2nd. While the exact location remains a closely guarded secret, the decision underscores the brand’s deep historical and creative ties to the Eternal City and Italy.
The announcement was made by Chanel’s artistic director, Matthieu Blazy, who reportedly made the decision after a moment of inspiration in a New York subway station last year. The choice of Rome, perhaps in ‘contrast’ to the contemporary metropolis, was accompanied by a photograph of founder Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel alongside acclaimed Italian director Luchino Visconti. This image serves as a powerful reminder of their collaboration on Visconti’s 1962 anthology film ‘Boccaccio ’70’, for which Chanel designed costumes for Romy Schneider.
A Timeless Connection with Italy
Chanel’s relationship with Italy is a cornerstone of its heritage. ‘With this show, the maison writes a new chapter in its timeless history with Italy,’ stated a brand representative. Gabrielle Chanel first discovered Italy in the summer of 1920 and continued to visit throughout her life. Her stays in Rome fostered a profound love for Renaissance painting, ancient art, and Italian cinema. These friendships and experiences left an indelible mark on her imagination and subsequent work.
This upcoming show follows Chanel’s recent Cruise 2026 collection presentation on Lake Como, further cementing its presence in Italy. Notably, in 2015, the late creative director Karl Lagerfeld (who passed away in 2019) presented his Métiers d’Art collection at Cinecittà studios in Rome, specifically in the sets dedicated to Ancient Rome.
Rome: A Mythical and Inspiring Destination
Bruno Pavlovsky, president of Chanel’s fashion division, lauded Rome’s ‘exceptional heritage.’ He emphasized Blazy’s strong personal connections to Italy, stating, ‘It is well known that Matthieu loves Italy very much and knows the country well, so we all wanted to return here. Facing Rome,’ he added, ‘is always a challenge, but beyond fashion, it is a mythical destination and an inexhaustible source of inspiration.’
The Métiers d’Art collections are dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary craftsmanship of the specialized ateliers acquired by Chanel. Many of these ateliers are now housed at Le19M, a striking building designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti on the outskirts of Paris.
Economic and Cultural Impact for Rome
Alessandro Onorato, Rome’s Councillor for Major Events, Tourism, and Fashion, expressed immense pride in Chanel’s decision. ‘We are proud that Chanel will parade in Rome,’ Onorato stated during ‘Forma,’ the Festival of Fashion Academies at La Nuvola. He highlighted the event’s anticipated international resonance and its significant positive impact on tourism, employment, and the local economy.
The event is expected to draw global attention to Rome, further solidifying its position as a major cultural and fashion capital. The influx of visitors and media will undoubtedly boost local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to various service providers, providing a substantial economic uplift for the city.
Chanel’s choice of Rome for its Métiers d’Art show is not merely a fashion event; it is a testament to the city’s enduring allure and its profound influence on art, culture, and design. It reinforces the timeless connection between high fashion and historical grandeur, promising a spectacle that will captivate audiences worldwide and further enrich Rome’s illustrious legacy.
