Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld has taken a decidedly old-school approach to designs for the past few seasons, creating collections that are vintage Coco Chanel. The twist being that when she was head creative, her designs were viewed through a very different lens. As well, under Lagerfeld, attention to luxe detailing as executed by the label’s fabled coutouriers has been taken to new heights.
For the fall Haute Couture 2017 collection, Lagerfeld doubled down on the Coco concept, making the collection an ode to Paris as represented by a recreation of the Eiffel Tower within the city’s Grand Palais. As well, invitations for the show were printed on an reproduction of “La Tour Eiffel,” a 1926 painting by Robert Delaunay.
In speaking on the presentation, he also referenced Paris and its enduring indefatigable spirit. “You have to love a city’s identity, its personality, what it has to give you, and not look for what is lost. A personality changes, yet remains the same,” said Lagerfeld.
The final touch came through a visit to the presentation by Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, who presented Lagerfeld with the City’s highest honor, the Médaille Grand Vermeil de la Ville.
“To say that I was impressed is too weak a word,” said Hidalgo, according to Vogue. “Your imagination is boundless, and your ability to transport us into a different universe. You are a universal person, but you are also someone who makes Paris more beautiful and more creative. You are a Parisian.”
High praise indeed because as Lagerfeld pointed out, “I am a foreigner,” adding, “and strangers see things through different eyes, with a detachment. Vive la France!” And above all, Vive Paris!”
Attendees at the show included Cara Delevingne, Inès de la Fressange, Katy Perry, Kristen Stewart, Tracee Ellis Ross, Tilda Swinton, Pharrell Williams and Helen Lasichanh.
See images from the show below. More looks on chanel.com.
