It was pouring in Paris and a transport workers strike caused mayhem on the roads, but that didn’t stop the Chanel show from drawing its usual crowd.
Taking place in the Grand Palais Éphémère, a fifteen minute walk from the usual venue the Grand Palais (currently being revamped), this season’s show had a reduced guestlist and a more intimate feel.
Smiling models, among them Edie Campbell and Mona Touugard, sashayed flirtily on the runway, twirling and winking at the audience in monochrome swimwear, mini dresses in pink and purple tweed, sparkly fishnet skirts and deckchair stripe sequinned skirt suits and jumpsuits.
“I used to love the sound of flashbulbs going off at shows in the Eighties, when the models were on a raised runway,” said creative director Virginie Viard. “I wanted to recapture some of that emotion.”
A butterfly theme reigned over the second half, with mini dresses with floaty butterfly print chiffon capes and big butterfly wing print maxis a focus. “I always like to have something romantic, a touch of mystery,” said Viard, who did Mary Jane sandals with pirate-like buckles and quilted bags embellished with chunky chains.
