Continuing its legacy as champion of cinema, Chanel lends its support to Singaporean director Eric Khoo’s latest film, Spirit World. Khoo’s feature film, which premiered at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival in South Korea this week, boasts a star-studded cast, including French cinema icon Catherine Deneuve, and Japanese stars Yutaka Takenouchi, Masaaki Sakai and Jun Fubuki.
Spirit World follows the journey of the musician Claire Emery (played by Deneuve) who travels to Tokyo and unexpectedly meets the end of her earthly life. She transforms into a ‘yokai’ (a spirit in Japanese folklore) and ventures into the afterlife.
Chanel offered financial backing for the production of Khoo’s film, which was shot in Japan. The French luxury brand’s support for Spirit World is also reflected on screen: Chanel’s outfits and accessories were loaned to the film’s costume designer Pascaline Chavanne for actress Maiya Goshima’s wardrobe. Chanel’s exquisite jewellery creations were also worn by the film’s lead, Catherine Deneuve.
The French actress—famous for her roles in films like Belle de Jour and The Umbrellas of Cherbourg—has close ties to the maison, having previously been the face of the Chanel N°5 fragrance. Deneuve also starred in the 2024 film Marcello Mio, for which she wore outfits created for her by the maison.
Indeed, Chanel has a history of supporting the film industry, which began when founder Coco Chanel designed costumes for MGM films in the 1930s. The French fashion house is a partner of the Busan International Film Festival, and has also dressed some of cinema’s biggest stars for events like the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival. In recent years, Chanel has especially supported the works of female directors, offering financial backing and costumes to films like Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, and Maïwenn’s Jeanne Du Barry.
Chanel’s collaboration with Eric Khoo’s Spirit World marks a major moment for Singaporean cinema. Khoo put Singaporean cinema on the map with his first films, Mee Pook Man (1995) and 12 Storeys (1997). He became the first Singaporean director to be invited to present his films at major international film festivals. Khoo’s first animated film, Tatsumi, was highlighted at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival; in 2017, he served as a jury member for the festival’s short film competition.
Chanel will continue to strengthen its ties with Asian cinema. In November, the maison is partnering with award-winning Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda for a series of talks in Tokyo, featuring special appearances from Chanel ambassador Tilda Swinton.
Below, watch a trailer for Eric Khoo’s Spirit World.
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