Chanel is adding another title to its cultural bookshelf.
The French house has unveiled the second volume of its Arts & Culture magazine, putting the legendary American artist Cindy Sherman at the centre of a project that goes beyond fashion. Known for using costumes, makeup and carefully constructed personas to challenge the way women are seen, Sherman has created a new series called Fabric Matrons, featuring portraits of older women dressed in extravagant looks.
The idea began after an encounter with a glossy magazine at a jewellery store in the Hamptons, but really took shape when Chanel opened its archives to the artist, giving her access to historic fabrics and jewellery to build out her imagined characters. The series will be shown at Hauser & Wirth during Frieze London, while the new 300-page issue of Arts & Culture brings together contemporary art, writing and contributions from figures including Patti Smith.
Free to pick up at selected locations worldwide, the publication might be one of its coolest cultural projects so far.
