Fantastic animals and the world of the circus were the focus of Chanel’s haute couture show, which was shown on Tuesday morning as part of Paris Fashion Week in front of stars such as Roger Federer and Baz Luhrman. For the third time, Creative Director Virginie Viard has collaborated with French artist Xavier Veilhan, who transformed the Grand Palais Ephémère into a kind of circus arena.
Simple wooden grandstands surrounded the catwalk, on which stood two huge, abstract wood-cardboard sculptures meant to represent a crocodile and a camel. At the beginning of the show, more such animal sculptures were wheeled into the arena: a buffalo, an elephant, a lion, a bird, a dog, a deer, a fish. One by one, the models emerged from the animals to do their rounds. In terms of fashion, the circus theme set the tone of the collection. Viard interpreted the typical Chanel tweed jacket as a double-breasted, flared short coat with thick, round buttons. Tops embroidered with sequins looked like suspenders or plastrons from afar. White laced ankle boots with black lace, long leather gloves, black top hat and bow ties made the circus director’s interior look perfect.
After the start of Schiaparelli on Monday, this was the second show of Fashion Week that focused on animals. The last two days of haute couture will show what other trends are emerging, with shows by Armani Privé or Fendi. (dpa)