One of of the most luxurious fashion brands in the world has been proving for years that fashion is not just clothing, but also a storytelling tool. Chanel in the world of film has found its place as a partner to artists and creators, combining fashion with visual culture. Indeed, the fashion house, known for its iconic style and constant support of the arts, played a significant role in Joshua Oppenheimer’s feature film debut, “The End.” It’s an endeavor that confirms Chanel as an institution actively involved in promoting art and values that can change the world.
Fashion as part of the narrative
“The End” is an unusual dystopian musical that tackles social and environmental themes. The film, which premiered in the US on December 6, 2023, is Oppenheimer’s first feature. The filmmaker, known for his documentaries “The Act of Killing” and “The Look of Silence.” nominees for international film festivals. This time, the filmmaker focuses on the story of a family living in a luxurious underground bunker while the world on the surface burns. The lead roles include. Tilda Swinton, Michael Shannon, George MacKay and Moses Ingram. As a Chanel ambassador for many years, Tilda played the role of Mother, a former dancer. And it was her Chanel-designed outfits that played a key role in building her film image.
Chanel Costumes
Thanks to Chanel’s collaboration with costume designer Frauke Firl, known for her work on such works as “Antichrist” and “Hannah Arendt,” Swinton wears as many as ten unique creations in the film. Among them were a plaid tweed suit, navy blue silk pajamas, a red silk skirt and an Eres swimsuit. The whole is complemented by accessories and jewelry Chanel.
These outfits, however, are not just an aesthetic accessory. Chanel stresses that their purpose was to convey the character of the heroine and emphasize her role in the plot. “The way Mother dresses is her way of maintaining her position, asserting her existence and suppressing her trauma in a world on the edge,” the brand explains. Another interesting case is the character played by Moses Ingram, who disrupts fragile family relationships. She wears a specially designed apricot dress and a cream suit inspired by the Chanel’s haute couture collection for spring 2020. This symbolizes her attempt to assimilate with her family and renounce her past.
Chanel in the world of film, as a carrier of values
Cooperation with cinema is for Chanel Something more than marketing. Costumes designed by the brand help build characterization of the characters, and the very presence of the fashion house in such projects reinforces the artistic message of the works. “The End” is also a story of hope, love and the need to build an inclusive society in the face of global challenges. With such projects, the brand shows that it can be not only a style icon, but also an engaged participant in cultural discourse. Chanel in the world of film is thus proof that fashion can be art and a vehicle for important ideas at the same time.
