It goes without saying that Chanel is one of the most highly anticipated and awaited shows of the entire fashion month, and not just because it’s Chanel but because very few other designers have the ability (and financial backing for that matter) to create an atmosphere and project and idea in the same way that Karl does. The Grand Palais in Paris is synonymous with Chanel and has seen some of the most opulent and extraordinary shows over the years and tonights collection was to be no different, with the venue being transformed into a modern art museum littered with Chanel inspired life size art pieces.
The collection itself naturally took it’s cue also from the art world, with quite a distinctive pop art feel that was seemingly interpreted through the models as modern young artists, carrying their folios, eyes awake with lashings of bright colour and steely sharp hair juxtaposing with their highly feminine attire and attitude. Bringing the art inspiration to life literally came from a paint palette which was transferred into a bright and colourful print which adorned silk slips, sliced up shirts and asymmetrical skirts. Multiple levels of colour was an ongoing theme, with the show opening to a vibrant pink and white boucle skirt suit, which moved onto rich blues, soft pastels and greys. The washed out chalk print pieces in the collection were a new twist on texture and the pants-come-jeans in grey chalk = completely insane. In other leg news at Chanel, the wide leg leather pants, also executed in the soft bold colours, were a personal fav of mine and a fresh look for Chanel, as was the sure to be a sell out, quilted spray paint Chanel backpack emblazoned with the double C’s. Get used to seeing that one around, me thinks the model off duty will be loving the love out of it.
While on the topic of bags, lets mention the classic Chanel bag, which underwent a canvas makeover, but still maintained a chalk and spray paint finish to look like a traditional Chanel, while the uber popular perspex baby Chanel also received the colour wash treatment, with the pink and orange literally taking my breath away. The new shape for this season in the bag, was a wide base tote, sure to be a winner given it’s fresh colourful vibe. Check the chain bangles in the detail shots, and for accessories, take your cue from SS14 Chanel by piling it on thick and heavy wherever you can and don’t forget your pearls or in this case, 2 enormous pearls, placed nicely around the neck. As always, Karl Lagerfeld has once again blown it out of the water, leaving us to rifle through his colourful museum for summer…
All images from style.com
stylesnooperdan 