CHANEL COLLECTION ANALYSIS
COLLECTION ANALYSIS
COLLECTION ANALYSIS
The Ask
The assignment required selecting a designer’s collection and conducting an in-depth analysis based on the full runway show. Students were expected to examine the collection’s historical references, cultural influences, and overall aesthetic while identifying the designer’s philosophy and reflection of the era’s zeitgeist. The project included a 150-word abstract summarizing the main themes, a minimum of five pages of written analysis using correct fashion terminology, and properly labeled images with figure numbers. A bibliography with at least two primary sources, including a link to the runway video or stills, was also required. The goal was to connect design elements to broader historical, social, and economic contexts within the fashion industry.
Key Skills
The Process
First, I selected a runway collection that was both historically and culturally significant, ensuring I had full access to the complete runway video and accompanying images.
Then I studied the designer’s background, brand philosophy, and the era of the collection, gathering sources like runway footage, critiques, and articles.
Next I examined silhouettes, fabrics, colors, textures, and accessories, identifying historical references, cultural influences, and innovative design techniques.
Then I related the collection’s elements to historical events, societal trends, or economic conditions, showing how it reflects or challenges contemporary cultural values.
Finally, I selected and labeled high-quality runway images with figure numbers and captions that supported my written analysis. I also drafted a five page analysis using proper fashion terminology, with an abstract and photos of the collection.
The Outcome
The outcome of the project was a detailed analysis of Chanel’s Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear collection, showing how Karl Lagerfeld reimagined the brand’s heritage through oceanic themes and modern elegance. The research revealed how marine-inspired textures, soft palettes, and fluid silhouettes reflected both Chanel’s timeless identity and the early 2010s cultural shift toward natural beauty and renewal. The project highlighted how the collection balanced innovation with tradition, demonstrating Chanel’s ability to evolve with changing values while maintaining its signature sophistication. Ultimately, the analysis emphasized fashion’s power to mirror cultural and social movements through design.
Below I’ve included some of the different looks from Chanel’s 2012 Spring Ready-To-Wear Collection that I chose to analyze, as well as a link to the full paper analysis.
