Olivia dean's couture chaos: chanel skirt reigns supreme on ‘the art of loving’ tour
Olivia Dean isn’t just captivating audiences with her mesmerizing dance moves; she’s redefining concert fashion, one exquisitely crafted custom piece at a time. Each night of her ‘The Art of Loving’ tour, the singer debuts a different opening look, a fiercely personal declaration of style – and a non-negotiable element of her performance.
A singular statement: the chanel skirt's dominance
But amidst the nightly transformations, one garment consistently steals the show: a bespoke, white-washed silk embroidered and feathered Chanel skirt. This isn't a fleeting trend; it’s a meticulously designed centerpiece, positioned directly at the ‘B’ stage – a floating plinth strategically placed in the heart of the crowd, ensuring a tangible connection between Dean and her devoted fans. The sheer audacity of deploying such a dramatic, statement piece, coupled with her captivating dance, leaves even Vara pumps in the dust.
From métiers d’art to stadium stage
The inspiration for this iconic skirt stems directly from Matthieu Blazy’s first Métiers d’art collection. Simone Beyene, Dean’s longtime stylist, spearheaded the project, collaborating intimately with Chanel’s atelier to scale the artistic director’s signature ‘piña colada’ skirts to stadium proportions. “I like the idea of Olivia being a flower,” Beyene explained, “and, to me, the skirt looks like a big flower with these beautiful petals floating on her waist, while the sequins remind me of water drops glimmering in the light.” The decision to opt for white, a deliberate echo of the stage design, further amplified the ethereal quality Beyene envisioned.
An atelier's dedication
The process, according to Beyene, was “unreal,” involving countless iterations and detailed communication with Chanel’s tailors. She received photographic and video updates from the team working on the ‘toile’ – the initial mock-up – alongside images of the embroidery team, the feather artisans, and the additional hands bringing the stunning garment to life. It’s a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship involved, transforming a simple sketch into a wearable masterpiece. The basic, a deceptively minimalist white jersey, is itself a feat of engineering, described by Blazy as “the softest tank known to man.”
Timeless playfulness
Beyene emphasized a desire to maintain a playful and timeless aesthetic throughout the tour’s style direction. “The idea is to keep it playful and timeless,” she asserted. “It’s not about costumes; it’s about fashion.” Dean’s wardrobe, drawing inspiration from the iconic divas of yesteryear – Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston – feels both nostalgic and undeniably modern. Beyene describes her approach as “modern vintage,” prioritizing effortless glamour and a touch of unadulterated fun. “Getting to dress her in both heritage brands and younger brands is super important to me,” she added.
A continuing celebration
With the global tour stretching into the summer months, the anticipation for further fashion surprises remains palpable. But one thing is certain: Chanel will continue to be a cornerstone of Dean’s visual narrative. “She’s always so open to trying new things and shapes, and I’m so proud of her,” shares Dean’s stylist of five years, reflecting on a partnership built on mutual respect and a shared passion for pushing creative boundaries. This season, Dean’s tour serves as a bold reminder that fashion on stage is not merely decorative – it’s an integral part of the performance itself.