On Tuesday, Karl Lagerfeld presented his Spring 2019 Couture runway show for Chanel at Paris’s Grand Palais. Read on for everything you need to know about the spectacle.
#1. Welcome to the Villa Chanel
For Chanel’s Spring 2018 runway presentation, Lagerfeld conjured up a beach. Before that, the French house built a forest, and then a waterfall. For Tuesday’s Spring 2019 Couture collection, in keeping with the maison’s penchant for the spectacle, the designer invited press, celebrities, and industry insiders to his fairytale version of a pool party, complete with a Mediterranean villa backdrop, palm trees, manicured gardens, and a massive pool in the center, which models including Nora Attal, Kaia Gerber, and Grace Elizabeth paraded around.
#2. The Clothes!
18th century Paris saw the construction of Place Vendôme, the Champs-Élysées, the church of Les Invalides, and the Louvre. It was during this century that the French capital witnessed the end of the reign of Louis XIV, the start of the French Revolution, and birthed high fashion as we know it today. The 18th century also served as the inspiration for Chanel’s newest collection. This translated into boat-neck tweed suits, cocktail evening gowns, and full skirts.
#3. The Beauty Look Paid Homage to David Bowie
As for the hair and makeup, hairstylist Sam McKnight teased models’ hair into stiff, gravity-defying updos that were influenced by “19th century romance with an nod to ’80s style icons.” One such icon of the era cited by McKnight on Instagram was David Bowie, who often wore his hair in a voluminous pompadour. For the makeup, Lucia Pica framed the model’s eyes with a navy blue eyeshadow. Red lipstick completed the dramatic look.
#4. And the Bride Wore… A Bedazzled Swimsuit
Presented in lieu of a bridal gown was a bedazzled swimsuit modeled by Vitoria Ceretti. The Italian model closed out the show wearing a glittering, cut-out bodysuit equipped with an equally dazzling, sequined swim cap that culminated into a cascading veil.
Photo: Getty
#5. Where is Karl Lagerfeld?
Karl Lagerfeld traditionally takes a turn around the Grand Palais alongside his bride, however the head of the house was notably absent from today’s showcase. In his place was his right hand Virginie Viard, who appeared alongside Ceretti to take the final bow. A statement released following the shows on Tuesday revealed that Lagerfeld “was feeling tired” and ” asked Virginie Viard, director of the creative studio of the house, to represent him and greet the guests alongside the bride”.
Now Read: What You Need to Know from the Spring 2019 Couture Shows: Day One
