The new Chanel Spring/Summer 2017 collection
Ostrich feathers
After the last Chanel show for spring/summer 2017, Karl Lagerfeld declared that his aim was for all of the girls to look like living fashion illustrations. He also divulged that the thing he adores most about the collection is feathers. Although this may seem like a conflicting claim, the show verged on being surprisingly sober and was held in the spirit of classic Lagerfeld standards of haute couture by Chanel.
Haute Couture classic
No exaggerated distinctive overwhelming feature is discernible in the collection. On the contrary, it is characterised by graceful designs, subtle pastel shades and feminine silhouettes. As compared to the winter/autumn collection, accessories are soberer and lack humorous visual playfulness, although this luxurious collection does clearly indicate this. The height of ornamentation is the previously mentioned feathers which are used in particular to decorate evening gowns, although the workmanship is so tasteful that each and every woman is guaranteed to fall in love with these dresses at first sight. Apart from the famous mirrors on the traditional stairs in the Rue Cambon studio, no disruptive elements were visible in the Chanel collection.
Traditional suits à la Coco Chanel
At the start of the show, Lagerfeld emphasised the art of tailoring – a thing which is frequently forgotten in this day and age. Traditional Chanel suits appeared, literally in sweet colours of French confectionery and macarons - mint, pink, peach, lavender and vanilla. Wide shoulders are emphasised and in contrast, a delicate slimmed-down waist, what is known as “un peu 80s”, or “a little 80s”. Classic luxury suits do not thus lack a feminine form or reference to the famous designer.
Luxury evening gowns
Presentation was also made in particular of silver and sparkling features or unusual dress lengths, right down to the ankles. Towards the end of the show, dresses became longer with slimmed-down designs and wide skirts with crinoline and voluminous feather edging from ostrich feathers. Hand-sewn details by skilled seamstresses elevated the dresses to a state of absolute luxurious perfection.
Have a look at the best of the whole collection in our gallery and judge for yourself.
