Chanel spring/summer 2017 collection catwalk show for Haute Couture

Nothing short of theatrical, Karl Lagerfeld’s latest offering was a reflection of Chanel’s classic, distinct couture. Lagerfeld was not out to shock or surprise, but to simply delight the audience with a familiar elegance we have all come to know and love.

The focus was on the feminine silhouette, emphasised in most looks by wide, chunky buckle belts positioned high on the waits. The signature Chanel suit, an expected but respected feature of the house’s couture shows, married shades of cream and cotton candy pink with sharply tailored shoulders.

Then came the transition into sparkling showstoppers. A treasure chest of glittering sequins and heavy crystals embellished evening gowns and cocktail dresses in delicate, icy hues. Pleats, folds and a generous handful of ruffles emphasised the tulip silhouette echoed throughout the collection.

Bunches of soft, cloud-like feathers didn’t detract from the distinctive tulip shape of each piece – in fact, it perfectly juxtaposed the whimsical with the defiant. The dreamy textures carefully applied to each piece, along with shiny silver high-heeled pumps, accentuated the mirrored panels covering the entire surface of the show.

Aside from the macaron shades and silvery greys, Lagerfeld threw a colour curveball every now and then – a flash of black, or brilliant violet and cobalt blue in the form of gowns with deep-plunging V-shaped necklines, cut off only by a high-waisted belt.

The cherry on top of the saccharine affair was the finale: Lagerfeld’s latest mini-muse / it-girl Lily Rose Depp, a brilliantly ruffled bouquet of pink petals brought to life by the crowd’s adoration.

Isobel Bridgwood
Photos: Ambra Vernuccio