Willow Smith revealed as Chanel’s new Brand Ambassador
Willow Smith revealed as Chanel’s new Brand Ambassador
It was on Tuesday (March 8th) that Karl Lagerfeld announced at the PFW Chanel Fall/Winter 2016/2017 show, that the 15-year-old Willow Smith was to be the notable fashion house’s new brand ambassador.
With Chanel’s first ever ambassador being French model Inés de la Fressange, who signed an exclusive contract with Chanel in the 80s, Lagerfeld’s vision for the brand seems to have taken an unexpected and interesting turn. Although the transition from a classic to a more contemporary style began in 2010 with the outspoken British singer Lily Allen who posed for the Lagerfeld-shot ads, I think that Willow pushes this creative shift into novel fashion territories.
Despite acquiring the title of Chanel’s youngest ever brand ambassador at only 15 years of age, the daughter of actors Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith has made quite an impression on the world of fashion. Her wild hairstyles and alternative dress sense have attracted public attention, attention that was fired by the debates surrounding her sexuality and gender identity. With the growing interest in gender politics over the past few years that – due to recognised figures such as transgender Caitlyn Jenner and feminist speaker Emma Watson – has of late been the centre of media discussion. It seems that Willow is both a relevant and progressive choice for the new face of the brand.
With a strong Instagram following of 1.1 million, Willow’s young fans could be the reinvigoration that the brand needs and I am certainly excited to see what approach Lagerfeld will take!
As a true 21st Century girl (born in October of 2000), Lagerfeld’s choice of Willow as brand ambassador honours the fêted Coco Chanel assertion that ‘In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.’ – and what a great way to combine the classic with the contemporary this is.
Willow Smith revealed as Chanel’s new Brand Ambassador
