Rare industry insight for students employed at Chanel’s famous Métiers d’Art show

Luxury French fashion house Chanel has hand-picked a group of 50 talented Manchester Met students for professional backstage roles at their prestigious and highly anticipated Métiers d’Art catwalk show on 7 December.

The Chanel Métiers d'art collection pays tribute every year to the virtuoso savoir faire of the artisans of the Maisons d'art at le 19M, and is distinct from regular fashion weeks, such as Paris Fashion Week.

From dressing the models to organising the collections and supporting rehearsals, the University’s Manchester Fashion Institute students were employed behind the scenes to service the show’s needs and ensure the event went like clockwork.

Playing a vital backstage role, they supported Chanel’s production teams to rehearse timings, dress models and organise the all-important garments and accessories.

Interviews for the coveted – and then confidential – paid roles took place at Manchester Fashion Institute earlier this month, with over 90 students shortlisted from a total of 300 applications, of which 50 were successful.

The selected students span all of Manchester Fashion Institute’s undergraduate and postgraduate courses, across Fashion Business, Fashion Design and Fashion Communication, from first years to master students.

Dr Jo Jenkinson, Deputy Head of Manchester Fashion Institute, said: “This was an incredible opportunity for our students to work with such an iconic and prestigious brand and gain experience working at a fashion event on a scale never seen before in the city. Chanel’s Métiers d’Art shows are the ultimate expression of luxury craftmanship and we are thrilled that the students were part of this much anticipated event.

“The choice of Manchester as a location, and our students as behind-the-scenes talent, reflects the influence Manchester, the University and its students, continue to have on the global fashion industry. It is fantastic to see such a high-profile event, and its audience, outside of London or Paris. This is a real boost for the students, and was a precious opportunity to gain insight into the inner workings of a spectacular event.”

Third year Fashion Art Direction student Eleanor Maynard, one of the selected students, added: “Working at the show was an amazing experience. When I found out I’d got the job, and then when I was told the brand, I could hardly believe it. I feel lucky to be given such an incredible opportunity and an insight into the industry at the very highest level.  

“My goal is to one day work at a fashion publication so being employed at a show like this will only improve my prospects. Being so close to the action and playing a part in such an impressive event was like a dream come true.”