Edited by The Fashion Web
(Click to enlarge)This past Tuesday, yet another stunning Chanel show took place at the Grand Palais in Paris. The theme was set to reflect Gabrielle Chanel’s zodiac sign, the Leo. Thus, a gigantic lion statue was placed in the middle of the circular runway. The color palette of the collection also reflected this through colors often associated with lion symbols. Rich maroons, lush camels, royal sapphire blues and rich navy cascaded along the runway as the models tip-toed past each other along the runway. A stunning compilation of piano instrumentals performed by Timothy Andres gave the show a serene albeit suspenseful angle (the music had that jaws-esque dun dun dun dun edge to it.) To my surprise, it was Natasha Poly who was chosen to open the show! In all honesty, I was rooting for Sigrid Agren do to the honors. Caroline Brasch Nielsen’s walk in her first appearance was rather brutal; she was teetering around the circular runway every time she moved! Kudos to her for not falling over, it really looked like she was about to! The first seven or so pieces showcased were all heavy wool coats. I noticed that Karl was rather experimental in the choices of fabrics and embellishments he used. Velvet and wool were mixed to create classic, sturdy overcoats while camel colored silk dresses were topped with crystal embellishments. My favorite mixed media piece? The imperial-esque frock worn by Freja Beha Erichsen (click
here to see) As the show continued, the pieces grew more and more stunning. The heavy outerwear was suddently banished and out came some stunning crystal embellished evening wear (taking a note from Muicccia Prada, perhaps?) as well as some classic tulle-adorned dresses. The detailing and tailoring of the dresses became more complex as the models kept rolling out. All in all, the collection was stunning and regal in all relative terms associated with the word. Once again, all hats go off to Karl Lagerfeld!
Overall Vibe: Chronicles of Narnia meets floral couches meets Russian folklore
meets Medieval tapestry art.
Models of Note: Natasha Poly, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Anja Rubik, Freja Beha Erichsen, Kasia Struss, Jac, Jacqueline Jablonski, Sigrid Agren, Karlie Kloss.
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The outerwear and suits: This portion of the collection was fairly classic and basic, in my opinion. The only coat that really made me go wow! was this particular piece. Aside from that, In the case of the outerwear, I believe that Uncle Karl played it safe this year in terms of riskiness in design. Then again, isn’t classic-chic what Chanel does best?
Quite possibly the most skillfully designed and most visually appealing pieces in this collection were the dresses. The fabrics, the colors, the tailoring and the detailing all came together to create true works of art.
The accessories: In all honesty, the jewelery was one of my favorite parts of the entire collection! During the first few outfits where the models were only wearing heavy wool coats and those heinous booties, my eye went straight to the crystal and diamond cuffs the models were wearing! The jeweled belt that Natasha Poly was sporting
here was one of my favorite Chanel fine jewelry pieces to date!
The footwear: Blegh! What on Earth was Uncle Karl thinking??? The very second I saw the dreaded boots the models wore (unfortunately) throughout the whole show, I was immediately reminded of the Chronicles of Narnia character, Mr. Tumnus. Overall, the majority of them were a bastardization of the classic Chanel cap toe.
(All images via Style.com)
LINK LOVE:seen at: chanel autumn/winter 2011 haute couture.
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