With the Métiers D'Art line, Karl Lagarfeld proves again his exquisite talent and imagination

Dec 11, 2008 10:27 GMT  ·  By

Another first-class event that will certainly be the talk of the town this month is the latest Chanel line, recently introduced to the public. The impressive collection, inspired from the imperial court and the lifestyle of the Russian Tzar, was hosted by the sumptuous Théâtre le Ranelagh in Paris, just the location to match. The fashion show started with another instance of Karl Lagerfeld's multifaceted artistic personality - a 10-minute movie on Gabrielle Chanel and her brush with the Russian emigrant aristocracy in the early 1910s-‘20s, meant to get the audience in the right mood.

 

For starters, the person who can best explain the line's influences is none other than the designer himself. Speaking with WWD, Lagerfeld said that, “There are three things I like about Russia... I love Imperial Russia, from Catherine the Great to Fabergé. I love constructivism, of course. And I love Russian folklore, which is very special. What was fun was to mix it all.”

 

Of course, the promises of such imaginative combinations are completely fulfilled, as all the extravagant items from the collection have that touch of slightly decadent opulence one may expect from an Imperial theme. The rich, glittering colors, as well as the fluffy, princess-like knitted gowns are meant to catch the eye and take you back in time.

 

Lagerfeld generously plays with warm, audacious shades of intense red and orange, classy dark tones and the softer, delicate pearl-like nuances. Each “princess” dressed by him and walking the catwalk wears a golden tiara, or a headdress much resembling those festive caps the tzarines used to protect their lovely curls from the cold Russian winter. Golden, imperial hints could not lack, of course, and they’re present in the extravagant dome-shaped high heels, in the leggings, or the chunky accessories – a true fashionista must be prepared to be covered in sparkles from head to toes come next fall.

 

Russian folklore is present in the stylized traditional embroideries and patterns, in the refreshing combinations of military-tailored tunics, paired with large, glittering Cossack pants and high furry boots. All these go with trimmed furry accents, just to remind the viewer that's Russia the designer is talking about.

 

 

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