AMONG THE STARS

THERE'S PLENTY TO IN COUTURE TO CELEBRATE THIS SEASON, WHETHER IT'S HONOURING THE SALON, PAYING TRIBUTE TO PLAY OR HAVING THE BUTTON TAKE THE LEAD.

-  JACQUIE ANG

CHANEL

At the Chanel show at Grand Palais Éphémère, models walk onto a stage above which is suspended a ginormous representation of a button, as Virginie Viard honours the humble fastener that plays a big utilitarian role in our lives. Starting from its founder Gabrielle Chanel, the house has always celebrated the button like a precious jewel, especially in couture where ornate buttons are carefully chosen to adorn clothing. Viard sees this simple item as a symbol of emancipation, the button allowing women to free themselves of restrictive garments. Her collection is consequently influenced by the idea of freedom, typified in the worlds of dance, music and theatre. House ambassador Margaret Qualley, who's also an actress and accomplished dancer, stars in a cinematic prelude to the show. The film shows her searching for a button that is missing from the cuff of her new jacket. She arrives at 31 rue Cambon, otherwise known as Mademoiselle's apartment and boutique, where she learns the emotional value of the button as a symbol of memories, embodying the essence of Chanel Haute Couture. In a clever twist, Qualley opens the show in the same tweed jacket - now part of an ensemble with a multi-tiered tulle collar and a short skirt accentuated by pristine white ballet tights - with the right cuff still missing a single button.

VALENTINO