Chanel’s SS 2015 Haute Couture Decoded

Text by Wyanet Vaz. Chanel lookbook images by Karl Lagerfeld, set and backstage images by Olivier Saillant, backstage beauty images by Romina Shama; courtesy: Chanel

Composing an ode to springtime, Karl Lagerfeld showcased a collection that confronted the impossible—and mastered it

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(Images by Karl Lagerfeld)

What is currently trending on YouTube, is the hair-raising start to Chanel’s Spring Summer showcase. The centre stage resembled a robotic garden, and Baptiste Giabiconi kick-started the show by theatrically watering it using a CC-branded can. You can watch the mechanical flowers bloom (each of them had their own engine) and wonder how Karl Lagerfeld managed to transcend even the boundaries of SFX.

Beneath the dome of the Grand Palais, Lagerfeld resurrected a luxe greenhouse, resembling something out of a sci-fi film. Just as the brand’s Ready-To-Wear summer collection symbolised free spirit and empowerment, this one touched the realms of a distant future.

Forecasting what summertime would look like, the palette still tilted towards bright hues of pink, orange, electric blue and pollen yellow. Cropped jackets, and full skirts skimming the ankles made a regular, casual appearance. Chanel retained the iconic tweed suit, and added a burst of spring with embroidery, flower and feather-work. Dont miss the cloud-like wide-brimmed hats with little veils, and the flat-sock boots.

The finale showed a bride take to the runway in warm shades of ivory and pink. A troop of boy scouts accompanied her in cool cotton bermudas, loose-fit jackets and a distinct air of summer.

Go behind the scenes with Chanel:
Click on the images to view in gallery.