On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the chic restaurant Locanda Verde in Manhattan hosted a mutually creative celebration: Chanel teamed up with Tribeca Enterprises for the 11th Annual Through Her Lens luncheon. The gathering, organized to back women and non-binary filmmakers, quickly became a fashion showcase as well, with a packed guest list of comedians, directors and A-list actors all opting for denim-centric looks.
Beyond the charitable mission, the event served as a live runway for effortless refinement. When co-founder Jane Rosenthal was honored for her 70th birthday, Robert De Niro led a chorus of “Happy Birthday,” setting a light-hearted tone that let the style statements breathe. The combination of a supportive film community and a relaxed party atmosphere turned the luncheon into a bellwether for this season’s denim trends.
Key moments: Hollywood’s denim roster
Halle Berry championed a modern flare silhouette. Rather than the tight-fitted Y2K version, her faded pair loosened through the thigh and widened only slightly at the hem, creating a subtle, flowing silhouette. She paired the jeans with a cropped houndstooth jacket and an orange flap bag that evoked autumnal latte tones, proving that a hint of drama can coexist with everyday comfort.
Sarah Catherine Hook re-imagined the Western aesthetic. Her medium-wash denim featured faux country pockets, while a structured black high-neck jacket and a classic Chanel quilted bag balanced rugged motifs with polished tailoring. The look demonstrated that the cowboy vibe, popularized by Beyoncé’s recent project, still thrives when refreshed with contemporary cuts.
Slouchy and tapered twists
Riley Keough illustrated the “tapered slouch” trend: the jeans gathered at the ankles but retained a relaxed fit through the leg. She teamed the piece with a white tank and an open denim jacket, delivering a fresh take on the iconic Canadian tuxedo.
H.E.R. leaned even further into the slouch, choosing ultra-loose, wide-leg denim that pooled deliberately over her shoes. A crisp striped trench coat, cinched at the waist and highlighted with colorful button accents, anchored the oversized silhouette, showing that baggy denim can still read as sharply dressed.
Classic reinterpretations
Misty Copeland offered a low-effort, high-impact nod to the cigarette-leg silhouette. Her faded jeans featured a clean roll at the hem, a subtle trick that adds visual interest without demanding elaborate styling.
Francesca Scorsese brought noir to the table with sleek black denim. Paired with a matching sweater, sunglasses and a cap-toed shoe, the ensemble exuded a cool-girl edge that proved dark denim can be as versatile as its blue counterpart.
Rosie Perez revived the “mom jean” trend, opting for a mid-rise straight leg with a skinny black belt and a bright strawberry-red sweater. The combination highlighted how classic, comfortable cuts can be refreshed with bold color accents.
Beyond style: the program’s purpose
The luncheon marked the official start of a three-day workshop that will bring emerging filmmakers together with a star-studded mentor panel, including director Celine Song, composer Laura Karpman and costume designer Miyako Bellizzi. Participants will receive hands-on guidance ranging from script development to costume design, ensuring the Through Her Lens initiative remains a concrete pathway for new voices in cinema.
At the day’s close, a jury featuring Halle Berry, Meg Ryan, Regina King and cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw will select a winning short film that receives full production funding. By marrying high fashion with a genuine commitment to storytelling, Chanel and Tribeca demonstrate how style can amplify purpose.
