In a land far away during a cold desolate Winter, we draw upon a forest. Emerging through the gritty atmosphere one can see trees, boulders and a flicker of light, illuminating fashion's powerhouse... Chanel! "I like the idea of something destroyed, and then life comes back through the girl coming out of the light!" --Karl's vision for the set, as it came to him in a dream.
If designer/mastermind, Karl Lagerfeld ,wanted to evoke the feeling and image of darkness, the Wintery forest scenery at the Grand Palais delivered. His 2011 Fall Ready-to-Wear season suggests either everyone has an abundance of garments to choose from or at least hints to the chaos in women's lives. Therefore, instead of picking one single coat, they decided to pile them on! A style seen throughout the presentation. My favorites were the brand's iconic tweed jackets placed over a male inspired jacket, designed as a single piece. Clever!
Layers, patterns, baggy, and tailored looks were all smattered into the styles of several types of everyday women. This grungy line of of gray, black and white drew on the theme of a tomboy. A woman who's addicted to dressing a bit masculine, with feminine quality. One who works hard in the tailored trousers, plays hard in combat shoes and loves hard in capelet jackets.
The key attention seeking elements were the oversized ankle warmers, not quite a leg warmer, not a sock but a dramatic ankle accessory! It played off the infinity of the pant and danced off the shoe! Where one began and the other end is a secret only known to it's wearer.
The unison of the jumpsuit provides an ease, removing the thought process of using numerous pieces to create a chic look. Lagerfeld brought out all the elements Chanel's known for in these utilitarian jumpsuits: heavy quilted leather, tweed, and lace. Making this ideal onesie a transitional piece going from day to night!
Fixating a permanent cuff in trousers gave way to the notion of adjusting to this grimy atmosphere. No need to have our trousers drag the ground, being soiled this Fall/Winter from precipitation.
Simple staple accessories adorned the runway models, a favorite was the circle quilted leather hand pouches, a great go to purse for nights out! Fingerless gloves, tweed flowers, big gaudy jewels, oversized pockets, flight glasses, and big gold link chain purses... all noteworthy additions sure to create a happy ending for any of this Fall/Winter season ensembles!
In all, this show keeps in tune with the boy/girl trend everyone is playing on, kudos to Chanel for tackling this concept and being victorious! Every fashionista wanting to infuse a little masculinity into their style should be ripping a page out of Karl's book!
Photo's via Style.com
❤... NYCutie