From The Invite To Kendall And Cara, Go Behind The Scenes On The Chanel Métiers d’Art Show

What we know about this week's top-secret Chanel pre-fall 2014 show in Austria...

Chanel Metiers d'Art show in Dallas
Chanel Metiers d'Art show in Dallas
(Image credit: Chanel.com)

What we know about this week's top-secret Chanel pre-fall 2014 show in Austria...

While the Victoria’s Secret Angels have landed in London, over in Austria, the models - and Karl Lagerfeld – have landed in Salzburg for the Chanel Métiers d’Art show.

Both shows take place on the evening of the 2nd December and both are vying for the most-talked about social media coverage, but while the Victoria’s Secret costumes, performers and model line-up have been revealed, very little is actually known about the Chanel show. BUT there are some clues to be found if you dig deep enough.

Here’s what we know so far – thanks to a little Instagram stalking...

The History Shown every year since 2002, the Métiers d'Art collection offers an additional, one-of-a-kind Ready-to-Wear collection outside of the official show schedule, which highlights the exceptional expertise of the fashion houses’ artisans. Think of it as the art of doing it well, very well in fact.

Each year, Karl Lagerfeld captures the history of Chanel by designating a city that’s linked to the past or present of the House by making it the theme of his collection.

The only fashion house to offer such a collection, the annual December event is always a highlight on the fashion calendar. Taking the idea of attention to detail to new levels, it brings with it A-list guests and out-of-this-world sets, locations and collections. Tokyo, New York, Monte-Carlo, Moscow, Shanghai, Bombay, Edinburgh, Dallas and soon Salzburg, have all served as backdrop to the presentations.

The Collection The fashion powerhouse released a sneak peek of the collection on its site last week, hinting at the direction of the collection. While it’ll all remain top-secret until 2nd December, the picture reveals a set of buttons and accessories with gold leaf motifs… do we sense a ‘the hills are alive’ moment?

The Invitation With just one day to go, the invitations were finally revealed. And what a divine clue they make. The pretty hand-painted card shows the 18th century venue banked on the shores of Lake Leopoldskroner Weiher in Salzburg, Austria.

The first glimpse of the invite was shown on Chanel’s website but lucky guests have been quick to share their exciting mail via Instagram. One of which, Sandra Bauknecht, styled here’s with a selection of personal Chanel accessories. Lucky for some...

The Venue While Salzburg has long been confirmed as the city and inspiration for the pre-fall collection, it was only this week that Chanel revealed the collection will be presented at the 18th century Schloss Leopoldskron, one of the most notable rococo palaces in Austria. The exterior of which was posted onto Instagram this week…

The castle itself has been inextricably linked to the rich artistic and intellectual life of Salzburg's society throughout its history – Karl certainly knows how to pick a spectacular stage. And the man himself sure knows how to travel, too.

The Movie Earlier this month Chanel released a short teaser for a video called ‘Reincarnation’ – the first of its kind in fact. Starring Cara Delevingne and Pharrell Williams, who penned the accompanying ‘CC The World’ soundtrack, the film pays homage to the Austrian inspiration. In an extended dream sequence, Pharrell is reincarnated as Franz Joseph I, the Emperor of Austria, while Delevingne plays his wife, Empress Elisabeth "Sisi" of Austria. Cue an imperial waltz, with a Pharrell-soundtracked twist.

There’s been many an Instagram snap from the shoot, from Cara getting her hair did…

To Pharrell and Karl chatting - it’s the stuff of social media dreams.

‘Reincarnation’ will be screened in full for the first time in Salzburg and on chanel.com on 1st December, the night before the Paris-Salzburg 2014/15 Métiers d'Art show.

The Models Opting for the elegance of Chanel’s Austrian extravaganza rather than the bright lights of London’s Victoria’s Secret show, Cara Delevingne and Kendall Jenner arrived in Salzburg together on Sunday following a brief stop-off at Disneyland. Donning Minnie Mouse ears and 3D glasses, the pair shared a handful of snaps from their brief rollercoaster-filled diversion.

Once in Austria, the girls treated themselves to a bit of sightseeing, with Kendall sharing the breath-taking scenery with an Instagram snap which she captioned “a picture does not do this place justice”.

Cara and Kendall aside, top models including Nadja Bender shared a shot of her evening’s entertainment - a live orchestra playing Mozart in an exquisitely lavish venue – could this be the catwalk venue?

All will be revealed on 2nd December…

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