Gracie Abrams Embraced Effortless French Style at the Chanel Show

Most Paris Fashion Week attendees would argue that just being in the City of Light is almost as good as seeing all of the spellbinding clothes on the runways. That was certainly true for singer Gracie Abrams. “I’m so grateful to be here. The romance in the air is undeniable,” says Abrams, who attended the Chanel spring 2023 show. But given it was the star’s very first Paris Fashion Week experience, seeing all the fashions in the French city definitely sweetened the pot. “Being in spaces with such creative and passionate people is inherently inspiring,” she says of the fashion crowd. “The energy I’ve felt from everyone who’s worked so hard to put on the shows this week is infectious and admirable.”

Shortly before taking in designer Virginie Viard’s new collectsion, Abrams allowed Vogue in on her getting-ready process for the big event. She wanted a look that embraced effortless French style, so she chose the label’s monogrammed cardigan-jacket, which she paired with high-waisted, wide-leg jeans and a classic chain-strap Chanel bag. “I wanted something that felt very timeless and daytime, since the show was early this morning,” Abrams says. “I felt like myself in what I was wearing.” The pieces, which also included low patent heels, were from the resort 2022 collectsion. Natural glam by makeup artist Hung Vanngo and hairstylist Bobby Eliot, meanwhile, continued the outfit’s easy, unfussy vibe. “Today’s glam felt very Chanel, and therefore I was obviously obsessed with it,” Abrams says.

At the spring 2023 Chanel show.

Video: Samantha Sussman

Once she arrived at the presentation, Abrams then took in Viard’s spring assortment in the front row. She was a big fan of the glitzier evening pieces. “One of the looks I can’t get out of my head is the long silver dress with pink feathers at the bottom,” says Abrams, who also loved the theatrical setting. “All I could think about the entire time—besides how badly I wanted every single piece that came down the runway—was how I feel like someone has to make a movie where the wardrobe consists only of this collectsion. It was strong, delicate, feminine, and a bit mysterious, even.”

Attending Paris Fashion Week certainly had an impact on the fashionable star, who says she’s now inspired to dress up for fall. This season, she’ll be embracing all things cozy. “I’m ready for summer to be over. I want to bundle and hibernate,” Abrams says. “I’ll be wearing coats that hit the floor as soon as it’s below 70 degrees.” She found plenty of outerwear inspiration in Paris. “Paris street style seems unmatched—people watching in this city is one of the coolest things I’ve ever gotten to do.”

As for what lies ahead for Abrams? Her new single, “Difficult,” releases tomorrow. “I will be working on new music,” Abrams hints, “and then wrapping up the album as we speak.”

Below, a closer look at Abrams’s Paris Fashion Week—including a special visit to the late designer Coco Chanel's famous Paris apartment.