ADVERTISEMENT
Who knew the next time we'd see a Titanic-style cruise liner — post-'90s — it'd be at Chanel's resort 2019 show? Creative director Karl Lagerfeld really outdid himself this season when he built a marina inside the Grand Palais to show his latest for the French maison. So far, we've seen a rocket ship, a sea of icebergs, an Eiffel Tower replica, a supermarket, a carousel, a waterfall, and more play centerpiece to Chanel's elaborate fashion shows. But a life-sized cruise ship (né La Pausa) docked in the middle of Paris takes the cake. Er, croissant.
Though the show's set design was less inspired by the James Cameron flick than it was Coco Chanel's villa in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, the collection itself carried just as much oomph as the vessel you're seeing not sailing the Atlantic but all over Instagram. Chanel staples were in full swing: pearl necklaces, tweed suiting in all of its changing silhouettes, statement accessories with a twist, and, of course, the Hadid sisters. But there were some new elements and faces to see, too, like the micro-midriff, the brand's more demure version of baring navel, French navy hats replete with signature red pom-poms, distressed denim, and, oh, Adut Akech, the latest South Sudan newcomer who opened the show and its finale.
As most of Lagerfeld's homages to Coco go, he doesn't mince details when it comes to reviving and revamping key elements of her personal style and legacy. He's designed nautical-themed collections before, after all — see: the pre-fall 2018 collection in his native Hamburg from not too long ago — but none quite as detailed as Thursday's show. There's a lot to take in, but be sure to zoom in on the more literal details to catch things like lunchbox-style handbags and miniature lifesaver necklaces. All aboard! Next stop: an iceberg. (Too soon?)
ADVERTISEMENT