Chanel’s Fall/Winter Haute Couture 2018-2019 along the Seine is a profound homage to Paris

Among the historic green book stalls, opposite the dome of the Institut de France, the walk along the Seine becomes the evocative setting of Karl Lagerfeld’s new haute couture collection. This tribute to literary Paris and to the dynamic Parigine women synthesises masterfully elegant shapes, rigor to details and classic materials, with a more aggressive and modern touch epitomised by Rockabilly ponytails.

The colours of the Parisian autumn, including black, pale grey and pink, beige, anthracite, gold and silver, blend with the classic tweed, flannel, crêpe, taffetas, adorning slender silhouettes. In this context of impeccable elegance, a zip embellished with braids becomes an original twist by framing jackets and skirts along their profiles. In the long-length skirts, it reveals mini-skirts and in the jackets it shows long fingerless gloves: an innovative construction that enhances the classic style of the brand. Thus revisited, the iconic suit alternates with trompe-l’œil dresses, long coats, chiffon blouses, high band collars and lace tops.

The collection is Paris, because “Haute is Paris”, showing with many references to the city itself, such as crystal embroideries lined up like cobblestones, tulles embroidered in gold as a reminiscence of the padlocks of the Pont des Arts and boleros in sequins glitter like the lights reflecting in the Seine. A real declaration of love to the capital’s urban and cultural landscape, where fashion preserves its heritage site.