Chanel’s Move to London HQ Inspires Officewear for Autumn/Winter 18
Following the recent news that Chanel is moving their global headquarters to London we at Londonoffices thought it was about time that we posted another office attire article to celebrate the phenomenal fashion industry that calls London home.
Making a New Home in London
Chanel has been in operation for 110 years and have run their brand from a variety of locations throughout the world. The decision to base their global headquarters within London comes at a time of uncertainty for the city. For some, this has created a renewed sense of hope over the future of trade and jobs within the UK.
Currently based in Paris, head designer Karl Lagerfeld and his team have created a significant history in the city. Hoping to maintain the iconic legacy long been established in the French capital, this is the only part of Chanel’s operation that will remain outside of the UK.
Signature Chanel
Best known for their tweed suits, handbags and perfume, Chanel’s products are no stranger to the office environment. According to Justine Picardie, editor-in-chief of Harpers’ Bazaar and Coco Chanel’s biographer, “Spending on luxury goods by affluent London households [is] only second to Hong Kong in terms of growth.”
What’s more, as recently reported by the British Fashion Council, “The fashion industry contributed over £32bn to the UK industry in 2017,” this is an increase of 5.4% on the previous year and makes it one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy.
Coincidentally, this is a big season for Chanel’s staple tweed look. As the Queen attended this year’s London Fashion week, iconic British heritage looks and Balmoral inspired pieces were all over the runway. Karl Lagerfeld’s autumnal, leaf covered show was certainly memorable and the classic material is in high demand right now.
Animal Print Everything
From fabrics to patterns, and animal print is everywhere. The classic leopard print is a timeless look and a spotted pair of boots beautifully brighten up any simple office outfit. However, this year things are stepping up a notch and everything from python to crocodile print is making an appearance. Of course, subtlety is always smart in an office situation but watch a little animal print totally transform a smart pair of trousers.
The New Neon
If you are someone who struggles to reign in your look for business situations, you will be happy to hear that neon is no longer banished to 90s nightclubs. Toned down and fruity, watermelon, lime and lemon hues are all welcome in the office this season. Best used in accessory pieces to brighten up a black, beige, navy or grey based outfit, neon is making its mark.
Brown is the New Black
On the other hand, if neutral is your preferred style staple, we have you covered too. Brown is most definitely the new black for workwear pieces right now and you can contrast shades till your hearts content.
Ankle Grazing Through Autumn
Finally, as we transition our way out of bare legs and long summer nights we leave you with the perfect, ‘slowly does it’ skirt. Longer than your average midi, the ‘it’ skirt of the season is an ankle grazing dream. Impress at your next business lunch out in the city with a hem that sits just above the ankle.
Thrilled that Chanel selected London over the likes of New York and Paris as the base for their 200,000+ employees, we are styling this year’s Autumn/Winter office-wear with a new found confidence.