Perhaps inspired by his visit to the communist country of Cuba, Chanel head creative Karl Lagerfeld did a cool thing, creating a fall 2017 show that was a tribute to the haute couture ateliers responsible for actually making or should we say sculpting the garments. With the Grand Palais transformed to resemble the Chanel couture atelier, Lagerfeld greeted guest with the head of each atelier standing by his side, telling press, “They never get to see the show and deserved to be honored.”
Looks were vintage Chanel, like, really vintage, with curly updos reminiscent of late 18th century France’s wig heyday, and garments that honored Coco Chanel’s relaunch of the label in the ’60s, ignited through the birth of the tweed jacket and skirt sets Chanel is beloved for. Lagerfeld added a modern touch with gaucho silhouettes plus over-the-knee black suede boots with kitten heels, which were paired with many of the looks.
Guests at the event included Will Smith and his daugther, Willow Smith, who currently is a face of the brand, plus duo Ibeyi aka sisters Lisa-Kaindé Diaz and Naomi Diaz, who who performed at Chanel’s Havana resort 2017 show.