Chanel - 2009 Spring Summer Haute Couture

Chanel – 2009 Spring Summer Haute Couture was held in a former bank instead of the magnificent palace in the past. I think the collection may represent a fresh start for the industry in such tough financial times. Anyhow, this fashion show seemed like Karl Lagferfeld had gotten all loved up on us. He covered everything he could in paper for this Haute Couture show. Pillars, staircases, tables even the models’ head were decorated with sequins, pearls and delicately crafted flowers and leaves, which delivered a collection of icy-white looks. It is a show fraught with great impression and wonder.

Appearing far away from the past impression with ancient embroidery and feather, Chanel was kept quite simple with A-line dresses and classic cropped Chanel jackets, but the detail came in the applique. Many beading techniques were used and there was applique floral detailing. Capped shoulders and waists were exaggerated subtly with lace and frills. Speaking of the hair piece, the most awe-inspiring touch in the collection may well have been the dramatic accessories which included elaborate headdresses, flowers, and caps, all of which were made completely out of paper. Besides the hair piece, the paper flowers magnificently but elegantly bloomed on pillars, staircases, tables. It took approximate 4800 hours to make 7000 paper flowers. The setting and the dresses brought out the best in each other, which led us to a pure white Chanel world.

Karl Lagerfeld may be clearly aware of the slight change of the world. During the depressed economical market he chose small locale to hold this show. Four or five people took seat on the small round table. The simple but warm environment served as a foil to the elegance and delicateness of the dresses. This design genius presented us a show out of the ordinary. For a long time, my thought was still bathed in the loveliest white world.