For the third consecutive year, CHANEL is proudly supporting the Villa Medici Film Festival, an event that not only explores but celebrates the fusion of contemporary art and cinema. This partnership is deeply rooted in CHANEL’s historic connection with the film world, a relationship that Gabrielle Chanel initiated with remarkable foresight at the dawn of the 20th century
Words DOMENICO COSTANTINI
For the third consecutive year, CHANEL is proudly supporting the Villa Medici Film Festival, an event that not only explores but celebrates the fusion of contemporary art and cinema. This partnership is deeply rooted in CHANEL’s historic connection with the film world, a relationship that Gabrielle Chanel initiated with remarkable foresight at the dawn of the 20th century.
With her visionary talent, embraced cinema as an art form closely aligned with fashion. By collaborating with prominent directors like Luchino Visconti and Michelangelo Antonioni and dressing icons such as Romy Schneider and Jeanne Moreau, she demonstrated how costumes can enhance cinematic storytelling and breathe life into characters. This pioneering spirit continues to inspire the House today.
At the festival, CHANEL stands out not just as a sponsor but as an active partner in fostering cultural dialogue. The screening of the short film “ALLÉGORIE CITADINE”, directed by Alice Rohrwacher and JR, exemplifies this commitment. This film, reflecting on Plato’s allegory of the cave, aligns perfectly with CHANEL’s tradition of supporting innovative and interdisciplinary projects, showcasing a tangible dedication to contemporary cultural promotion.
However, CHANEL’s relationship with cinema extends far beyond costume creation. It is an engagement manifested in various forms: from supporting international festivals and restoring cinematic masterpieces to backing established and emerging directors. Under the guidance of Karl Lagerfeld and, more recently, Virginie Viard, the House has continued to interact with cinema not only as an inspirational muse but as a creative partner, respecting and elevating each director’s unique vision. This approach embodies a modern patronage philosophy that CHANEL upholds with great respect for artistic expression. The creation of costumes for films by directors such as Leos Carax, Maïwenn, and Sofia Coppola, alongside advertising campaigns directed by Baz Luhrmann and Martin Scorsese, are tangible manifestations of this commitment.
CHANEL’s support for the Villa Medici Film Festival and cinema represents more than mere sponsorship. It is a profound intersection between two arts, a continuous dialogue where fashion and film reflect, inspire, and enrich each other. In this context, CHANEL stands as an active protagonist, dedicated to preserving and celebrating a cultural heritage that transcends time.
