Chanel: 2014 Pre-Fall Métiers d’Art show in Dallas, Texas
updated the 7 October 2015 à 00:04
Chanel’s Paris-Dallas collection takes inspiration from the Wild West and interprets it into modern luxury. Here’s the lowdown.
Chanel’s pre-fall Métiers d’Art show in the lone star state of Texas was one of opulence and regalia, worthy of the highest approbations – as expected from the luxury French house. With 900 guests from all over the globe convening in one location, Chanel pulled all the stops to ensure that this standoff went out with a bang!
Chanel’s Paris-Dallas 2014 pre-fall collection contained an eclectic mix of geographical influences from an era in Texas’ history. Inspired by the Wild West, Chanel’s Head honcho Karl Lagerfeld wanted to emphasize the romanticism of that period, where cowboys were sophisticated and dressed in debonair ensembles.
The classic Chanel staples were reinterpreted to fit this cultural emphasis, such as having the iconic jacket embroidered with stars and fringes on the cuffs. High collared pristine ivory shirts were paired with ornaments, reminiscent of the trends back in Texas’ heyday. With the decadence of that era personified in Chanel’s creations, we saw exuberant cocktail dress, billowing gowns and strong structured outerwear – as always. Kaiser Karl even went as far as transforming the shoulders of the Chanel Jacket, to elegantly resemble a western saddle.
And with every rodeo, there will always be a few shining stars. We loved their extensive beadwork and ethnic patterns – clearly symbolic of the Cherokee culture – as well as the way they created a juxtaposition of texture with the application of ruffles, tassels and silk-embellished star motifs. The embroidery was spot on, and so were the strong and long silhouettes. Needless to say, Lagerfeld nailed Romantic Dallas meets Sophisticated Chanel right on the head. The choice of denim was also very prominent and well played, having the hues of blue provide the perfect non-aggressive background for statement pieces to take center stage.
Ever the iconoclast, Lagerfeld managed to merge the clichés of “cowboy chic” with “boho Indians” influences, producing a sublime collection with impeccable workmanship and wonderful presentation. The show ended with a pristine white ensemble that really cemented the Paris-Dallas collection as one Métiers d’Art show to remember.
At the show: Read more and watch Chanel’s ‘The Return’ short movie which debuted at the event here.
Sam Hussain
