Gene Gallagher is the perfect Chanel man

Even at one of Paris Fashion Week’s busiest shows, Gene Gallagher stands out.

It’s the final day of fashion month, and the finish line is in sight. It’s also arguably the most-anticipated day on the PFW calendar: Chanel day.

Spirits may have been dampened at the start of the week due to erratic downpours (all the sequins and feathers certainly helped), miraculously, as though the powers that be worked their magic, it’s a crisp, clear morning in the capital. The sun is beaming down on the light-drenched Grand Palais, where the storied house has just staged its SS25 show.

The excitement on Gene’s face as his eyes darted about the space, soaking it all in post-show, makes it clear why the Chanel atelier (its new creative director is still to be announced) continues to return to the majestic hall. At first, it’s hard to spot the 23-year-old as he’s swarmed by press waiting to chat to him. But, eventually after muscling through the crowd, it’s clear to see that Gene is in his element. He remains poised, with a swagger that is part and parcel of the Gallagher gene (no pun intended).

His sartorial style is all over his IG page: suave tailored shirts, bomber jackets, and mohair jumpers are his go-to’s, and his head-to-toe Chanel ensemble isn’t dissimilar to his conspicuously relaxed style. He’s a pro at this. After all, it’s not his first rodeo (he was front and centre with his brother and cousin at the much-discussed Manchester Chanel show last year). At this point, he’s a part of the bouclé furniture. Gene’s dressed in a boxy, embroidered wool and tweed blouson, pink-tinted shield sunglasses, and black trainers – meshing seamlessly with the SS25 collection.

Barry White’s I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby played moments before model Vittoria opened the show, swiftly followed by looks encompassing feather-rimmed sunglasses, platform heels, voluminous floral dresses, and striped sets. Riley Keough sitting on a makeshift swing singing Prince’s When Doves Cry signalled the finale – apt for a collection featuring capes that made you feel as though models could take flight at any given moment. New silhouettes were unlocked (don’t worry, there was still plenty of tweed) and there was a distinctly contemporary attitude on display – perhaps why Gene and Chanel are a match made in sartorial heaven.

It’s not all fashion shows and decadent outfits when Gene’s in Paris, though. He gave us a small glimpse into what he likes to do in the city, his beauty routine and what he loves most about Chanel. (Spoiler alert: lots of walking and ciggies.)

What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re in Paris?

I like to sit outside coffee shops and chain-smoke cigarettes.

What’s your favourite coffee shop in Paris?

There was this one that I really liked, but I completely forgot what it was called. But I just go in there and get a croissant.

What would you say is the most essential part of your beauty routine?

Just water on the face. That’s it.

Lucky for some. What’s your go-to styling tip?

If it makes you feel cool, then wear it. If it doesn’t make you feel cool, then don’t wear it. That’s what I always think.

How would you describe your style?

I don’t like trying too hard with anything. I just think, if it looks cool, it looks cool. I’m a big fan of wearing jeans and a jacket – just something simple. [When] you wear that sort of simple stuff, it looks cooler than anything, I think.

What do you always reach for in your wardrobe?

I have a pair of baggy blue jeans that I wear all the time. I’m going to gatekeep and not say where I got them from but they just fit so well. They just go with everything.

What stood out to you the most about your Chanel SS25 look?

I love the jacket. The team gave me a few options, but they knew I’d like this one the most. It’s just very me. I really like the detail on the collars as well and the shape of it and everything.

What’s always in your suitcase?

An adapter.

You’re a regular now at Chanel shows. What do you love the most about them?

I just love the places where they do them. They always, they always pick really cool places. My favourite thing about the Manchester show was where it was, and the specific street [Thomas Street]. It was underneath a glass roof. It was quite vibey.

What do you like to eat with you in France?

A pain au chocolat, of course.

What are you watching at the moment?

I watched The Boys the other day on Amazon Prime from the beginning. I’ve watched every season since it came out and binged the new one.

What song are you most looking forward to hearing live at the Oasis reunion?

Any song where they both sing together.

How will you be spending the rest of your time in Paris?

I like walking around. I walk around wherever I am, wherever I’m staying. I like to just loiter around, I guess, and look at things.

Gene wears Chanel embroidered wool jacquard & tweed blouson from the Métiers d’Art 2023/​24 collection, Chanel silver metal with pink lenses shield sunglasses and Chanel trainers.