Want seamless systems? Then take a leaf out of Chanel’s playbook.

In December 2023, the iconic French fashion house traded the chicness of The Grand Palais for…a random street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, bringing its Métiers d’Art show to the UK’s North West.

It was a bold move – one that blended high fashion with the city’s rich legacy of music, rebellion, style and grit. And, as expected, the show was flawless.

But here’s the thing about flawless. It never happens by accident.

While most people were mesmerised by the tweed-heavy collection and the stormy Mancunian backdrop (obviously it was raining), I being the marketing and ops nerd I am, saw something else: a masterclass in seamless systems.

You think I’m jesting, sadly I am NOT.

Because behind every breathtaking Chanel moment is a structure, a process, a meticulous workflow…and that’s exactly what makes it look so effortless.

And whether you’re running a fashion empire or a fast-scaling business, the same rules apply: Don’t rely on chaos, last-minute scrambling, or sheer willpower. Operate on seamless, structured systems that make everything work like clockwork.

Ready to read how Chanel’s Manchester show is secretly a cheat sheet for running a business that feels effortless?

1. The Creative Vision: Every Seamless System Starts With a Strategy 

Chanel does not do random.

Every show is a carefully curated statement, and Manchester was no exception. Virginie Viard knew exactly what story she wanted to tell – one that married Parisian couture with that aloof, slightly dishevelled British cool , blending music culture, heritage, and craftsmanship into a singular experience.  

The same goes for your business systems. If you’re struggling with messy processes, endless admin, and a general sense of WTF am I doing?, it’s probably because your backend operations were never designed with intention.  

➡️ What to steal from Chanel: 

• Before setting up workflows and automations, define the experience you want to create for yourself, your team, and your clients.  
• Don’t just ask, What tools should I use? Ask, How do I want my business to run? How do I want it to feel? 
• Build your systems with your long-term vision in mind, not just what helps you get through the next week. Because a system that isn’t designed with purpose will never feel effortless.  

2. The Backstage Operations: Precision Over Panic  

When Chanel models step onto the runway, they make it look ease-EY. The lighting is perfect, the music is *chefs kiss*, and every step is choreographed to perfection. But behind the scenes, it’s a military-level operation.  

Seating charts, run-of-show schedules, garment fittings, lighting cues; nothing is left to chance. Every department knows exactly what needs to happen when and how. And that’s why, when the first model steps out, it all looks effortless.  

Meanwhile, you’re out here running things on last-minute decisions, scattered Google Docs, and sheer caffeine-fuelled panic (just saying).

➡️ What to steal from Chanel:

• If you’re constantly in reaction mode, your systems are failing you. 
• Automate the repetitive tasks that drain your time. Scheduling, onboarding, follow-ups – if it can be done without you, let it be.  
• Document your processes so you don’t feel like you’re reinventing the wheel every time you do something.  
• Because real power isn’t in doing everything, it’s in knowing everything is taken care of before you even step in the room. 

3. The Runway Walk: A Seamless System Is Only As Good As Its Execution 

A Chanel show isn’t just about the clothes, it’s about the experience. Every model follows a structured flow, taking the audience through a carefully crafted story, guiding them seamlessly from one look to the next.  

Your business operations should feel just as effortless. If you’re constantly jumping between tasks, scrambling to stay on top of things, and wasting hours figuring out what’s next, your workflows are broken.

➡️ What to steal from Chanel:  

• Every part of your business should have a clear workflow, from client onboarding to marketing to product launches.  
• Systems should guide you, not slow you down. If something feels clunky, fix it.  
• If your business still runs on vibes and guesswork then it’s time for structure.  
• Because just like in fashion, good seamless systems don’t just help things run smoothly, they create a feeling. The feeling of control, ease, and knowing exactly what comes next.  

4. The Guest List: Selective, Intentional, and High-Impact

Not everyone got a seat at Chanel’s Manchester show. The guest list was curated to perfection – top-tier editors, A-listers (did you SEE the pics of Hugh Grant knocking about town?), and industry insiders who would amplify the brand’s message.  

Your business systems should be just as selective.  

➡️ What to steal from Chanel:

• YOUR TECH STACK SHOULD BE CURATED: Ditch the tools that overcomplicate things and focus on what actually works.  
• YOUR WORKFLOWS SHOULD BE STREAMLINED: Too many steps, approvals, or bottlenecks? Time to simplify.  
• PRIORITISE HIGH-IMPACT WORK: If you’re busy all the time but getting nowhere, you’re focusing on the wrong things.  
• Growing and scaling isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things efficiently. 

5. Post-Show Perfection: Seamless Systems Don’t Stop at Setup

When the last model left the runway, Chanel didn’t just pack up and call it a day, because they know that real work starts after the show – press coverage, influencer partnerships, and exclusive client follow-ups.  

➡️ What to steal from Chanel:

• Systems aren’t a one-and-done thing. Refine them as your business grows. To make it a habit, set an automation to review the SOPs you use daily every 3 months and the ones you use less often, every 6 months.
• Check in regularly. Is your automation saving time, or is it causing new inefficiencies?  
• Just because something worked six months ago doesn’t mean it’s working now. Keep auditing and evolving.
• A system isn’t “set it and forget it.” It’s “set it, test it, tweak it, perfect it.”  

Final Takeaway: Seamless Systems = Effortless Growth  

If you take nothing else from this, take this:  

🚫 Winging it is not a strategy.  

🚫 Hustling harder won’t fix broken systems.  

🚫 Overcomplicating things will only slow you down.

✅ Get clear on your operational vision.  

✅ Create workflows that support your growth. 

✅ Build systems that scale with ease.  

Because just like Chanel, the most effortless-looking businesses aren’t effortless at all. They’re just seamlessly systemised. So if you think you and your business need a bit of a process overhaul, reach out!