Fashionable ladies of the lake

The preservation of these age-old techniques handed down through generations contrasts with the seamless experience one encounters during meetings at a hotel, much like in any other Western city, he adds.

He says the collection inspired by Hangzhou is a shining collection everywhere, for every customer, and it brings a part of China to the rest of the world.

Pavlovsky describes Chinese clients as "entrepreneurs, not housewives" who spend money in boutiques and wear designer, well-crafted dresses like models, and make choices for themselves.

He says Chinese clients are no different from anywhere else. "Women are more independent, from housewives to modern women, working for themselves and spending their money."

As for the slowing economy, he says: "It's not only Chanel that is affected. We have to be realistic and deal with it."

But he is still positive about Chanel's performance, saying the brand has experienced double-digit growth worldwide in the past three years, which means new customers.

While referencing Alibaba and Tmall, Pavlovsky says Chanel connects people on social media but does not sell online, "because Chanel's value is more than just a click".

"We don't do e-commerce, except for fragrance and beauty. We could, but we don't want to. We are not trying to sell more. We are trying to sell better, which means that we want to have a strong relationship with our clients, and that means the boutique. It's by choice. It's not about (online platform) challenges," he says.