In an age where meaningful conversation takes on a new interpretation, and podcasts are as popular as a new SZA song, it only makes sense for the two to come together. With this in mind, Chanel has tapped into the zeitgeist to bring together some of the biggest talents of the 21st century to host intimate conversations on the future of culture.
Ready yourself for easy and interesting listening with Chanel Connects - a podcast series hosted by the iconic Maison, which will bring together talent from film, art, architecture, dance, music, and fashion to unpack a range of topics from "technology opening new avenues for creative work to advancing the role of culture as an agent for social change." The podcast will aim to connect house talent and innovators to bring forward discussions of the challenges of 2020 and the new cultural frontiers of 2021.
Among the talent confirmed to take part in episodes will be actors Tilda Swinton and Keira Knightley; musician, designer and entrepreneur Pharrell Williams; filmmakers Lulu Wang, Garrett Bradley and Eliza Hittman; artists Arthur Jafa and Jennifer Packer; designer Es Devlin; dancers / artistic directors Akram Khan and Tamara Rojo; editorial director Edward Enninful; creative consultant and writer Amanda Harlech and curator Andrew Bolton.
The conversations will be self-recorded from each of their homes and studios. “Quarantining and social distancing have changed who we are as a species forever. It’s changed how we see things and where we find value,” Pharrell Williams tells Es Devlin, as they consider the arts as a force for activism as well as escapism. We can expect to hear some come together as old friends, while others will converse for the first time in Chanel Connects. “The industry’s changed, the media landscape has changed, heroes have changed,” Edward Enninful tells Tilda Swinton, in an episode where they reimagine the future of diversity.
“While galleries, stages and studios have been dark, artists have not stopped creating and imagining new ways forward. CHANEL Connects sees cultural game-changers delve deep into their imaginations to share ideas across disciplines, projects and institutions. As well as fascinating insight into the minds of today’s most creative innovators, it’s a prescient reminder to continue supporting the arts, championing what’s next and celebrating work that has the power to transform lives and wider society.” Yana Peel, Global Head of Arts and Culture at CHANEL, said in a press release, pointing to an opportunity the podcast explores - "an existential moment for culture as artists reconsider how, why and where they tell stories and connect with audiences."
Chanel Connects is available to listen to on the Chanel podcast 3.55 through Spotify, Apple and Chanel.com.
