Amanda in ParisIntroducing Amanda Sánchez, Chanel’s test model

Camellias, number 5, pearls or the black and white marriage are the most popular codes of the Chanel family, but we could add another with its own name: Amanda Sánchez (Brazil, 1979). A test model for the brand for more than two decades, her love for Chanel has evolved as she also began to play the role of In House Ambassador. And it is that she knows better than anyone the behind the scenes diary of the housethe way in which the designs come to life and the team that creates the magic in each season, with Virginie Viard, Creative Director of the house, at the helm.

We traveled to Paris, where Amanda has made her home, to photograph her with the collection Métiers d´Art 2022/23 by Chanel. «I grew up in São Paulo in a very free way, playing ball in the street and riding my bike. I had a very sunny childhood and that is why my house is full of plants and light. I arrived here at the age of 20, and went to work directly for the French label. What I have from Paris I have from Chanel, I grew up with the brand while discovering the city ». A city where he has managed to create strong bonds of friendship and in which, walking on his way to his office in the emblematic rue cambon Year after year, her dreams were taking shape… «It’s incredible, because I’m part of the entire creation process: from Virginie’s conversation with the first atelier ones –or the ones Karl had before– until the end. I am available to do all the tests, from the first one, to see how the clothes fit, to decide what to change, to choose the fabric, the buttons…, to the last one. The collection is built on me, it’s wonderful. I know all the work, passion and history behind each garment.

Crochet dress and earring with ‘strass’ logo, from Chanel’s ‘Métiers d’Art’ 2022/23 collection. In the previous photo, a ‘tweed’ jacket with embroidery, nude leather pants and necklaces, all from Chanel’s ‘Métiers d’Art’ 2022/23 collection. ‘Premiére Edition Originale’ watch in 18-carat gold-plated steel and leather, from Chanel.

Amanda treasures many of these pieces in her coveted closet and treasures them as if they were a journal, because they tell a story: “They are all important to me, because they are tied to a time in my life, and when I wear them, I I remember that moment, my age at the time, if I already had my son…». In her outfits, she always includes something from Chanel that she has seen develop from beginning to end and in which there is also a lot of her, because her opinion counts: «When I try on clothes, it is not only about seeing the aesthetics, but also it is also important to know how he is going to behave in real life. I have to convey if it is comfortable and express how I feel with it. It is a priority to feel good wearing it, because confidence is the charm ».

White lace cape, sequin detail jeans, chain belt, logo choker and choker bracelets, all from Chanel’s 2022/23 ‘Métiers d’Art’ collection.

Everything seems magical in the studio, of which the model highlights the complicity with that team that she considers her family and where, as soon as she arrived in 2001, she met Virginie Viard –at that time director of the studio, hand in hand with Karl Lagerfeld–. «Virginie has grown up with the Chanel codes, she carries them in her heart, and that is reflected in her work. I love the very feminine and delicate vision that she has of her and her relationship with her staff. She knows them all, from the artisans to the first ateliers, she knows what each one’s personality is like and she adapts to bring out the best in them. I see her every day, in the office, in the cafe … she is in everything ».

Since he succeeded Karl Lagerfeld in 2019 with the Cruise 2020 collection, everything has been praise for his work, although on few occasions he has spoken. His work does it by itself. «She is shy, but very strong and has very clear ideas. She lets her talent take center stage and she gets credit for it. In that we are a bit alike, because I can be very reserved, however, when I am in a test, I want to make the collection live to the fullest ».

Embroidered tweed tunic, silk blouse, logo print jeans, lamé mittens and metal and resin necklaces, all from Chanel’s 2022/23 ‘Métiers d’Art’ collection.

Countless are the presentations in which the Brazilian has participated, not even she herself can list them, since she has paraded in practically all of them for two decades. And 17 years are the ones that she worked with another teacher, Karl Lagerfeld. «She went to the tests almost every day, the difference is that he liked to work in the afternoons and Virginie is already present since morning. It was fascinating to see them side by side. He requested that I be in all fittings. At the end of the collections, he always sent us a note that said: “Thank you for your patience” ».

Black embroidered dress, tweed skirt, logo print jeans, logo choker, choker bracelets and platform sandals, all from the Métiers d’Art 2022/23 collection. ‘Première Édition Originale’ watch in 18-carat gold-plated steel and leather. Everything from Chanel.

When asked how he is coping with his new role, the answer is quick: «My work does not change, it only grows. I have a lot of love for Chanel and I get emotional talking about my relationship with the house. Can’t you tell?” That’s right, we attest.

Matching embroidered waistcoat and skirt, silk shirt with bow, logo print jeans, XL necklaces, metal and leather belt and platform sandals, all from Chanel’s 2022/23 ‘Métiers d’Art’ collection.

*Make-up and hairdressing: Iván Gómez for Chanel. Acknowledgments: Hotel Shangri-La Paris.