Africa to the world! French high-end luxury fashion house Chanel recently made history on December 6th by showcasing their 2022/23 Métiers d’Art collection in the heart of the former Palais de Justice in Dakar, Senegal.

“By choosing Dakar, the house wishes to make the savoir-faire of its métiers d’art resonate with the artistic and cultural energy of the city,” the French luxury brand said in a brief statement.

The collection and the accompanying collaborations with Senegalese artisans, musicians, writers, dancers, models, and others, were developed over three years. The last Métiers d’Art show took place at Le19M, a striking centre for speciality workshops designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti and located near Porte d’Aubervilliers, a working-class area north of Paris. Through 19M, CHANEL’s centre for its Métiers d’Art ateliers, several collaborations will see the continuing development and cultivation of artisanal ties between Paris and Dakar.

Ahead of the three-day event, Chanel unveiled their new collection with images captured by Senegalese model and photographer Malick Bodian and Sierra Leone-born designer Ibrahim Kamara, featuring models Alaato Jazyper and Loli Bahia. The 2023 Métiers d’art collection comes in a warm colour palette and precise craftsmanship with floral motifs, multicoloured tweeds and geometric forms, alongside sequins and sparkling pendants.

Inside the Métiers d’Art 2022/23 show, guests included Adebayo Oke-Lawal, Pharrell Williams, Naomi Campbell, Edward Enninful, Sacha Okoh, Ibrahim Kamara and other notable figures.

The show featured performances from CKay, Obree Daman, Ecole des Sables and the South African DJ DBN Gogo’s crew.

Thanks to Adebayo Oke-Lawal, you can watch a recap of the beautiful fashion moment in Dakar.

Video Credit: @theorangenerd