Although the Chanel show in Manchester got plenty of people talking, not all Mancunians were thrilled with the event.
The luxury 15-minute Métiers d’Art show took place in the Northern Quarter on December 7 with a 600-strong star studded guest list.
Larry David, an employee at local shop Note, said: “I think it’s ironic they’ve put up a shelter for a load of rich people when there are people freezing on the street.
“The council needs to care about the people rather than a fashion show.”
According to Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the number of rough sleepers in Manchester has risen for the second consecutive year.
A disgruntled protester at the event held a placard stating that over 250,000 children are living in poverty in Manchester, higher than the UK average.
Standing outside the entrance on Thomas Street, she said: “I think it’s gross at a time like this, when people are making the choice between whether they turn the heating on or they feed their families.”
On social media, other residents sounded off about the choice of location for the show.
One user tweeted: “Annoyed at the amount of coverage a Chanel story gets in Manchester compared to the chronic lack of affordable housing, gentrification, state investment, cronyism, lies, homelessness and holding public figures to account. Sweep all that under the carpet because Hugh Grant is there.”
Another commented: “I know I’m boring and it’s kinda cool there’s a Chanel show in Manchester of all places but considering the amount of homeless people I see on my daily commute to the city centre, it’s a bit icky.”
These sentiments were echoed by another Twitter user who remarked that it was ‘weird’ for the show to have taken place a week after a homeless man died in Manchester.
Businesses in the area have been impacted by the month-long closure with the MEN reporting that one bar was paid £47,000 to close for a couple of weeks.
Luthfur Rahman, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “It’s impossible at this stage to even begin to quantify the economic impact hosting the event has had on the city, or to put a figure on it.”
The catwalk attracted celebrities such as Hugh Grant, Tilda Swinton and Kirsten Stewart, alongside more local talent with Bugzy Malone, Aitch and John Cooper-Clarke in attendance.
An invite-only afterparty was held at Grade II listed Victoria Baths in the Chorlton-on-Medlock area of Manchester.
Bruno Pavlovsky, Chanel’s president of fashion, told the BBC: “We decided to come to Manchester because it was the most inspiring for Virginie [Viard, creative director]. She was inspired by the music and art that she sees here in Manchester, and we’ve had a warm welcome.”
Featured image: Mancunian Matters
