Chanel street catwalk roof could return to Manchester, council says

The much-admired roof is now being dismantled

The roof put up over a Manchester street for Chanel's catwalk show will be taken down but could return in the future, the city's council has said.

The structure was set up to protect the Metiers D'art show and its celebrity guests from the rain on Thomas Street and was much admired.

The council said the fashion house offered to leave it in place but work to take it down had already begun.

However, it said it was "open-minded" about putting up a similar roof.

The event, one of the highlights of the fashion calendar, was back in the UK for the first time in 15 years.

The catwalk commenced along a covered street

Actors Kristen Stewart, Hugh Grant and Tilda Swinton were among the stars who turned out.

The show's soundtrack included Manchester bands like The Fall and New Order - two of whose members were in attendance - along with local rappers Aitch and Bugzy Malone.

A council spokesman said the structure did not need formal planning permission but had to meet rigorous safety standards.

He added: "Chanel made the offer to leave the structure in place through to the New Year.

"Unfortunately, the time frame available to address a number of practical issues to ensure that the structure could be retained safely and securely and with the relevant permissions and liabilities covered, means we have not been able to accept the offer.

"Retaining the structure would also require a significant financial commitment, which would not be possible through the council or other local stakeholders."

Hugh Grant was among the celebrities spotted at the event

But he added: "We remain open-minded about looking at opportunities to using such a bespoke structure for events in this space in the future."

Dismantling the structure will be completed next week.

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