AN ODE TO VIRGINIE VIARD
and to thinking critically about what the fashion critics think
Risk avoidant. (Too) approachable. Continuous.
A caretaker-type designer.
Flat.
Those are just a few adjectives that critics have used to describe Virginie Viard’s designs for Chanel. It’s no secret that her collections did little to impress critics. But as this critical thinker…me…re-read reviews of Viard’s latest work at 3 PM on Friday, one of New York’s hottest afternoons so far this summer, following the news of her departure just two days prior, I thought of the polar opposite perhaps as a way to turn down my own heat, but also as an exercise in understanding the woman behind the designs.
As the internet swirled with rumors of her yet-to-be-announced successor and as news articles unsurprisingly reminded readers of their lackluster reviews in summary, I couldn’t help but wonder, why must these adjectives be considered negative?
By the time the early June humidity had dropped at 5 PM on Greenwich Street, I found my own spin on these adjectives.
Try:
Self-assured. Consistent. Carefully measured.
Purposefully restrained.
Refined.
Putting the racks (and opinions) of her designs over the last five years aside, my list of adjectives is, I think, telling of her, a woman who, of course, Karl referred to as both his left and right hand, as an individual with a strong sense of personal style…and that revelation and critical understanding is one I find to be much more compelling than any critical review of her creations.
A watchful eye, one looking to study the je ne sais quoi embodiment, should indeed take this moment to look beyond her designs for Chanel and rather, embrace and appreciate Virginie’s personal style. But, Ethan…where to begin? Fret not, my Friday evening readers, I’ve got it covered. Though she rarely engages with the press and isn’t photographed as much as her fashion-giant predecessor, I’ve curated an ode to Virginie Viard’s own style, which in summary, I’d consider to be a masterclass in wearing all-black. Perfect for my fellow New York, big-city dreamers.
Peruse some VV looks below and let me know what you think.
–ECF
Virginie knows how to contrast textures when wearing all-black. (Image by Marc Piasecki/Getty Images)
A chic blazer with a satin lapel paired simply with a graphic tee. (Image by CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT / AFP)
The more you look at this rather simple-in-appearance outfit, the more detailed layers are revealed. (Image by GETTY)
Denim on denim done in a modern way, without looking like she just rolled out of an ol’ western movie. And the perfect CUFF placed just above the sandals. (Image by BERTRAND RINDOFF PETROFF/GETTY IMAGES).
I’d easily wear this outfit to work on a Friday, or to a Wednesday evening wine night in SoHo. (Image by GETTY).
For those who said she wasn’t bold…perhaps this is as far as she takes it. A little rock & roll, edge balanced with the softness of tweed and her safe color - black. It still packs plenty of personality. (Image by Karl Lagerfeld).
In good company, creative, and still, true to herself and her sense of style. (Image by Anton Corbjin).