Close your eyes and picture yourself in a place where creative desires meet the imaginary. Now open them, and find yourself right in the heart of the Cinecittà Studios in Rome. This is where Karl Lagerfeld chose to present the new Chanel Métiers d’Art Collection” Paris in Rome 2015/16”, a place reflecting the theme-inspired collection of French actresses and Italian cinema.
The show debuted with a cocktail party on the film sets of Roma Antica where guests gathered around before witnessing Karl Lagerfield’s latest film “Once and Forever”. The latter featuring leading stars Kristen Stewart and Geraldine Chaplin was projected onto a giant screen in one of the most important film studios, “Piscina”.
In an old Parisian set taking place in the Teatro N°5, the models marched one after another from Rome station of Paris’ metro line 5DOWNLOAD ALL ( items), exhibiting two-tone mules or pearled sandals, while the piano tunes filled the air. It was all a graceful illusion of Parisian dynamic quarters, embellished with a black and white décor presented by famed production designer Alexandre Trauner. Iconic colors of Chanel combined with Roman autumn tones gave the collection a certain edge, mixing and matching beige, cream, grey, black and navy blue with brown, ochre, orange and cappucino.
Something about the materials shaped a concept like no other, showcasing a Parisian elegance and an Italian glamour, with just a mere display of tweed, mohair and curly wool, cashmere, leather, jersey, velvet, lace, silk crepe, chiffon and georgette.
The collections’ wardrobe took on different forms, putting together dresses in tweed, cut on the knee and midi skirts with small capes. As for the iconic suit, it was especially trimmed with a film braid, also known as “galon pellicule”, and gave the illusion of a dress, when it was really a three-piece version with a jacket, straight skirt and cigarette trousers.
Evening looks were a symbol of femininity and sheer elegance, showcasing extremely delicate dresses, from lace negligees embroidered with tulle, to sheath dresses in pleated velvet and "camicie da notte" -or nightgowns- in crêpe georgette and guipure lace.
All in all, the ambience was a delightful fusion of Parisian class and Italian charm; a combination to die for!
Scroll through the Photo Gallery to enjoy the one of a kind collection.
Cindy Menassa
