There’s no denying that Chanel’s Métiers d’Art event brought a whole lot of excitement to Manchester that we’d never quite seen before. Kristen Stewart partying at the Bay Horse Tavern? Hugh Grant strutting through the Northern Quarter like the fashionista we never knew he was? A fake Kate Moss causing chaos in Gay Aldi? It was all a bit much, I can’t lie, and I’ve personally only just recovered from what might well be the most iconic thing to ever happen in Manchester – but it turns out, the Chanel show brought a whole lot more than a quilted flap bag packed full of chic chaos, including an economic boost.
Publishing their analysis of the event’s impact just today, Marketing Manchester predicts that the show hosted by the legendary French fashion house, Chanel, brought a whopping £8 million boost to the city – as a direct result of not only staff and models staying in the city, but the prestigious guest list who visited, too, many of whom were spotted being picked up in blacked-out cars from Dakota, near Piccadilly station.
It’s estimated that the flock of fashionistas spent up to 3-4 days in the city, not only benefitting hotels, but other local hospitality businesses, too.
Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said: “The Chanel event is one of the highlights in the global fashion calendar and the choice of Manchester as the host city received international acclaim.
“But for us it was never about the glitz and glamour – events such as this help cement Manchester’s reputation on a global stage and come with both direct benefits, through the money spent within our economy while they are here but also indirect benefits by showcasing the city and helping to capture investment, jobs, visitors and attention, all of which open up opportunities for Manchester residents and communities.”
Victoria Braddock, Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, said: “The scale of the impact of the Chanel Métiers d’art show in Manchester will be felt for years to come. The global media coverage of the event has put a spotlight on Manchester and its rich heritage in textiles and home of iconic music, which will drive conversations about the city and bring new visitors.
“The £8m economic impact is a welcome boost across accommodations, restaurants, and attractions, and demonstrates the importance of global events in the city.”
In addition to the economic impact, the show also brought career opportunities to 50 Manchester Met fashion students, who were able to gain experience in professional backstage roles including dressing models, organising collections, and supporting rehearsals. The event also gained valuable press attention for the city – among other benefits – which the analysis predicts is worth upwards of £100m to Manchester.
The much-talked-about fashion show came at no cost to the public, and Manchester City Council has revealed that all associated costs, including cleaning post-event and the road closures that were put in place, were covered by Chanel. Affected businesses in the local area were also compensated.
Now, as locals, we know that our red and blue footy shirts, practical puffa jackets, and welly boots are at the height of fashion – but could the impact of Chanel’s event put Manchester on the fashion map permanently? Only time will tell. But if it does, I’ll see you front row at Manchester Fashion Week. In my finest Man City scarf (sorry, Reds).