Chanel’s Golden Moment
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
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As part of his December tradition, Karl Lagerfeld transported us back into a primeval world of decadence designed from his imagination and brought to the runway by Chanel. Luxury joined lavish as the Metiers d’art Paris-New York 2018/19 Collection was presented on December 5, 2018. This fashion presentation has become a Chanel tradition, beginning in 2002, and always held outside of all normal fashion week time frames.
Ancient history encapsulated us as Chanel chose New York’s finest Metropolitan Museum of Art Egyptian wing to be the setting for a shining tribute to the workshops that provide the House of Chanel with such craftsmanship as lace and silver buttons and the world’s finest embroidery work. Coordination and collaboration are key to the preparation that goes into the final presentation of these luxurious fashions, surprisingly less than a month.
In the background, the foreboding archaic Egyptian Temple of Dendur was overpowering as models appeared from behind the huge structure to take their walk only to retreat and have the Temple swallow them back up. The Egyptian influence could clearly be seen in the graphic prints and lotus flower patterns on most of the pieces. Heels were encrusted with pearls, golden knee high boots glistened from afar and gold leather hats were the likes of a modern-day turban. Seeing such intricate embroidery on the jackets was simply worship-worthy. Fitted sweater dresses over neutral white pants and lush croc leather long jackets and bomber jackets were divine. From distressed denim seen on favorite fashion model, Kaia Gerber, to feminine chiffon gowns and splashes of color on go-to clothing, this show had something for every occasion. Brilliantly colored pyramid purses and gold opaque tights accessorized well, keeping in line with the theme.
Of course, no Chanel show would be complete without the iconic tweed suit representative of the luxury brand, seen in various versions, many adorned with gold trim. Long skirts, side slit skirts and even pants were a match for any stylish woman. One of the head turners of the collection proved to be a pair of shiny red pants paired with an oversized sweater, perfect for the winter chill.
One of Chanel’s brand ambassadors, talented musical artist Pharrell Williams, walked the runway covered from head to toe in gold. Not only were there famous faces on the runway, but, the front row had its share of famous faces as well. Front and center were Julianne Moore, Penélope Cruz, Blake Lively, Margot Robbie, Janelle Monae and Christy Turlington Burns. Never missing a single Chanel show and looking stunning in long black velvet and gold was Anna Wintour.
Bravo to Karl Lagerfeld for taking us back in time to a more stoic era, giving us a lush and sophisticated spin on clothing. The audience relished in the beauty of the looks, 85 in total. At the completion of the show, Lagerfeld emerged to take a bow, a Pharaoh graciously thanking his subjects for their loyalty.
Photo Credit:Getty Images
