For AW20, Chanel once again transformed the Grand Palais into a runway. Presenting its latest collection, which was modelled by the likes of Gigi Hadid and Kaia Gerber, there was also a new face spotted this season, with former Dazed 100-er Jill Kortleve making her debut for the luxury house. 

Wearing a black velvet jacket and trousers detailed with pearl buttons, Kortleve’s inclusion in the show marks a big step forward for the house. With the Paris shows often lacking when it comes to body diversity, this is the first time a plus-size model has made her way onto the Chanel’s runway since Crystal Renn walked in the house’s 2011 Cruise show ten years ago.  

When it came to the show itself, this season saw things notably stripped back, with the focal point of the set a high-shine, mirrored runway which models walked in pairs, chatting as they went. 

With this season’s offering made up of signature Chanel tweeds imagined across suits, dresses, and coats, elsewhere the collection saw flowing black trousers detailed with pop buttons to the sides, 90s-esque cross motifs knitted across sweaters, and tops finished off with billowing sleeves. 

Taking place on the last day of the AW20 shows, which kicked off in New York at the beginning of February, Chanel is not the only house Kortleve has modelled for this season. Also appearing at Alexander McQueen, Valentino, and Fendi, often alongside fellow plus-size model Paloma Elsesser, this season it seems some of fashion’s biggest houses seem to have finally woken up and read the room.