Sofia Coppola famously trained at Chanel at the age of 15. It was the summer of 1986.
„I did the work and it was thrilling to see a costume show,” the filmmaker has said. Over the years he has directed short films and campaigns for the French house, becoming a fixture on the front lines.
She’s now in her book publishing era — looking back for her first release, “The Sofia Coppola Archive: 1999-2023.” It’s been more than two decades since he made his directorial debut with „The Virgin Suicides,” the start of his collaboration with Kirsten Dunst. In the 488-page volume, Coppola shares personal stories and unseen photographs, mapping the thread that guided her path. With Chanel’s help, she celebrates work on both coasts; First came a bingo night in New York last week, and on Tuesday, Chanel hosted a dinner party at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. The hotel is the setting for his 2010 film „Somewhere” alongside Stephen Dorff and Elle Fanning.
Fanning, along with sister Dakota, were joined by Coppola’s leading ladies and friends in support: Dunst, with husband and co-star Jesse Plemons; Chanel Ambassador Kristen Stewart; daughter-in-law Gia Coppola, artist, with husband Honor Titus; Rodarte designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy; Olivia Munn and partner John Mulaney; Alexandra Shipp; Molly Shannon; Awkwafina; Solo Zhao; Paris Hilton and Priscilla Presley. (Coppola’s next project, “Graceland,” released Nov. 3, is based on Presley’s memoir, “Elvis and Me,” and stars Kaylee Spaney and Jacob Elordi.)
Most wore tweed and black-and-white ensembles, embodying Chanel’s signature look. Some walked out of the Métiers d’Art 2023 collection wearing the 70s motifs seen in the show (staged in Africa). Coppola – joined by husband and Phoenix lead singer Thomas Mars – arrived in a black and multicolored cashmere viscose dress. Meanwhile, Stewart Cruise opted for 2024, shown in LA, wearing a stretch jersey Chanel swimsuit paired with black calveskin shorts. Hilton stood out, channeling Barbie in hot pink lamé.
Guests enjoyed a wine-paired dinner – with a menu of burrata di bufala, followed by herb-roasted chicken or veal-beef bolognese, and a choice of berries and cream for dessert. Coppola thanked Dunst for coming to the crowd with special permission before introducing Maya Rudolph and Gretchen Lieberam’s Prince cover band, Princess.