The ambitious restoration of the Grand Palais in Paris has seen Chanel play a pivotal role. Ahead of the maison’s SS25 show at the historic venue, Vogue Arabia lifts the curtain to reveal what this creative partnership has forged
The World Fair was held at the venue in 1900. Photo: Getty
The story of one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic historic monuments, the Grand Palais, is a tale of innovative creation, ambitious restoration, and commitment. Marked by the dedication of innumerable teams who worked against the clock to partially reopen the site in time for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, its latest chapter is momentous. Add to that the imminent return of Chanel’s ready-to-wear show to the space on October 1, and it’s clear that the glory of this landmark lives on. But to understand the future of this place, one must consider its rich past.
In 1894 there was a project to create an avenue to link the Champs- Elysées and the Esplanade des Invalides, building a connection between the two over the Seine. The result was a bridge now known as the famed Pont Alexandre III. This undertaking was elevated by plans to erect two palaces facing each other, the Grand and Petit Palais. In the end, this multipronged endeavor required the participation of four architects. Construction began in 1897 with just three short years to complete everything for the opening of the Universal Exhibition of 1900. Approximately 1 500 workers were employed to build the edifice, alongside 40 artists producing facade statues, decorative mosaics, and polychrome decoration.
The Chanel Haute Couture FW17/18 show was held at the Grand Palais. Photo: Getty
The Grand Palais was a triumphant success of Baroque, classic, and art nouveau styles and a completely modern take on an event space in the center of Paris. The nave – the central part of the structure – was classified a historic monument in 1975 followed by the listing of the entire building in…
