Why The Chanel Spring 2018 Ready-To-Wear Show Was Everything
By Claudia Prevete, Fashion Writer
On October third, the Grand Palais in Paris became the most luxe of backdrops that it could have; the spitting image of Gorges du Verdon (a river canyon in south-eastern France), Karl Lagerfeld has truly outdone himself- creating magic in his settings as well as in his clothes. Sunlight rained down on the models who were weaving their way between the oh-so realistic cliffs and trees, along a boardwalk suspended above a river. The background, though nothing less than breathtaking, managed to serve as a complement to the ornateness of the garments themselves, rather than a distraction.
The spring 2018 ready-to-wear collection was designed, as it appears, with both the present and the future in mind. Futuristic elements such as plastic coats and capes were paired with quintessential and recognizably Chanel characteristics – plenty of tweed and glittering jewelry to go around. Though Lagerfeld has said, “I don’t make explanations of what I design. I am not a philosopher who leaves notes on seats,” it’s believed that the collection could have partially been driven by a “political shadow,” as Vogue puts it. Fashion saw the integration of plastic and new materials starting in the late 60’s – a time that also saw a new set of more liberal political values bubbling about Europe and America.
The looks provided a cohesive, yet diverse range. To give some context, Model Louise Parker was dressed in a distressed denim set, clear plastic cape and matching thigh high boots, while model Mariacarla Boscono was in a glittering blue tweed skirt-suit finished off with none other than thigh high plastic boots. Equal parts bold and classic, Karl Lagerfeld curated both a collection and show that are to be remembered as being, well, everything.