Revisit Chanel’s takeover of Hangzhou’s West Lake for the 2024/25 Métiers d’art

When Chanel announced Hangzhou as the destination for its 2024/25 Métiers d’art show, it inevitably drew comparisons to Shanghai’s east-meets-west extravaganza back in 2009. Yet this is not merely a different era—it’s a different city with its own distinct character. Steeped in literary history, Hangzhou embodies the refined, contemplative side of Chinese culture. Through centuries, this city has nurtured countless artists and poets, inspiring enduring paintings and verse.

But it’s also a city of strategic significance. As the capital of Zhejiang province—a consistent top-four economic powerhouse in China for three decades—Hangzhou has emerged as a titan of prosperity. The city crossed a significant milestone in 2023, with its GDP reaching RMB 1.8 trillion, joining an elite circle of Chinese metropolises that includes Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen. This economic strength is reflected in its distinctive demographic make-up—the city has become a sanctuary for affluent entrepreneurs, creative professionals and cultural leaders seeking refuge from the intensity of neighbouring megalopolises, drawn to its unique blend of economic dynamism and leisurely pace of life.

Such audiences demand more than mere spectacle—they seek experiences of substance. For a luxury house, this means crafting moments that resonate beyond their initial impact, offering layers of meaning to be discovered and appreciated over time.

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