Cliff Hangers
Leave it to Karl Lagerfeld to dream up the most flamboyant set of the season. By now we’re all accustomed to expecting extravagance when it comes to the Chanel show, but accurately anticipating what spectacle the brand has planned for the watchful eyes of the fashion crowd is never an easy task. This season, guests eagerly waiting outside Paris’ Grand Palais could hear the set before they saw it. The running water sort of gave it away. Faux rugged cliffs complete with cascading waterfalls brought the rainforest to Paris, in a jaw-dropping set fit for an Oscar-winning blockbuster. Decked out in gear we wouldn’t quite deem jungle hike appropriate, models emerged from a cave into a botanical paradise as they cruised down the runway.
Plastic Fantastic
It’s official. We’re all going to be wearing fogged up, translucent vinyl next season; the fashion gods have said it’s so. Raf Simons teased us with the notion of see-through, synthetic styling with his AW17 collection for Calvin Klein, but the trend has truly taken hold of SS18, with plastic styling options appearing on runways throughout all of fashion month. Not one to be left out, Karl introduced us to transparent thigh-highs, the perfect solution for those eager to get their legs out before weather truly permits next spring. Curiously, despite their undoubtedly sweaty nature, no socks were seen paired with these souped-up rainboots, something you might want to consider if you’re looking to invest in a pair next season. Providing trés chic puddle protection, they’re the just the thing to wade through waterfalls in.
Heritage Matters
It wouldn’t be a Chanel collection without a bit of tweed now, would it? While frayed crop tops and culottes gave the brand’s heritage fabric a contemporary edge, much of the designs sported under PVC anoraks and fisherman hats were decidedly classic in their conception. Iconic and instantly recognisable, the brand’s classic jacket was reimagined in fresh hues of pale blue that resembled the rushing water surrounding the set. Presenting heritage staples remastered for the 21st century Chanel fan, Lagerfeld gave the people what they wanted.
