For PFW14 Karl Lagerfeld transformed what was already destined to be a high profile catwalk show into an experience guests could only describe as sensory overload.
The mighty Paris Grand Palais was transformed into “The Chanel Shopping Centre” and stocked over 100,000 items with Chanel labels including departments housing fresh fruit and vegetables, grocery and housewares. Chanel chocolate, Chanel water, Chanel detergent…the list goes on and on.
Items were embossed with the characteristic double C logo and were labelled with exorbitantly higher prices than usual. Those familiar with the brand’s history would understand the innuendos referenced such as the cotton buds labeled as Bâtonnets Élégants and boxes of handkerchiefs named Les Chagrins de Gabrielle. Café Chanel served espressos and fresh pieces of COCOnut were served to arriving guests.
Lagerfeld showcased almost 80 different looks for AW14 all inspired by a kid in a candy store hues and while retaining the grandeur of the brand. Looks ranged from colourful sportwear to all black ensembles to evening attire in classic Chanel tailoring and style. Lagerfeld seemed to be merging casual and chic looks together, continuing the trend of making sportswear glamorous as seen at Haute Couture shows earlier this year in the French capital.
At the end of the show, a voice came over the superstore’s PA encouraging guests to avail themselves of the consumable products on display as they exited through the checkouts and were handed Chanel goodie bags full of make-up. It was a shopping trip one would never forget.
by Cynthia Gregoire
All photos courtesy of Style.com