CHANEL is continuing to soar in the spheres of fashion and literature, with the latest edition of its famed podcast, les Rencontres.
Back in 2021, the French House set out to evoke emotion, inspire debate, and spark ideas, with its initiative, Literary Rendezvous at Rue Cambon, launched in partnership with ambassador and spokesperson, Charlotte Casiraghi. The initiative quickly lived up to this aim and, in the four years since, has taken us through the processes and minds of writers and creatives alike. The podcast is just one means to spotlight literary triumphs and, each month, takes us deep into the minds of writers embarking on the early days of their literary careers. With an eye on the future of literature, the podcast's mission is to explore the early stages of these authors' careers, diving into their writing processes, their sources of inspiration, and the emotions and challenges that accompany the creation of their first book.
Charlotte Casiraghi, a passionate advocate for and prominent figure in the world of literature, explained the heart of the podcast: "This podcast is dedicated to young literary creation. We wanted to meet authors who have only just started writing novels. By discovering their writing rituals, their daring, their doubts and their sources of inspiration, we hope to encourage other talented young people to get involved in creation."
For the latest instalment, CHANEL enlisted Mai Senaar, an NYU alumni writer, filmmaker and playwright. In 2024, she published her debut novel, They Dream In Gold, which was named a Best Debut Book of 2024 by Amazon, a Best Book of July by TIME magazine and was a summer pick in the Washington Post. Her work has also excelled, with her plays performed at the Smithsonian Affiliate Museum of the African Diaspora, the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Archive, and the Classical Theatre of Harlem, to name only a few.
In the episode, Senaar delves into the notion of identity as it exists in They Dream In Gold, and the sense of belonging that emanates from the book's two protagonists as members of the African diaspora in the United States. Later, she delves into the role of music in her creative process, and also the transformative experience of being published, read and understood through the publishing of her first novel. This elucidating conversation — and the many others that exist in the les Rencontres repertoire — is a testament to the power of storytelling and the vital role young authors play in shaping the literary landscape.
New episodes of les Rencontres are available monthly on CHANEL.com, via the CAMBON PODCASTS and below.
