With Karl Lagerfeld, the setting is key – obviously. And so, for CHANEL’s Cruise 2018-2019 collection, the Creative Director transported his guests to a Mediterranean port aboard a lavish cruise ship. The ship in particular was the result of an elaborate transformation of Paris’ Grand Palais, welcoming guests on an enchanting voyage full of Parisian vibes and nautical hints.
Show-goers sailed away in a whirlpool of Parisian berets, white tights and nautical stripes – all of which were a true testament to the House’s leap of faith in the maritime world. The trends to come were clearly set, as models sashayed their way onto the runway in Maryjane flats, boat prints and all kinds of berets.
"My earliest memory isn't of a boat, but of the sound of a boat", stated the designer.
The essence of the collection was very clear: travel in style, à la CHANEL. The models wore big round glasses, as the collection’s colors skewed from pastel hues to summery tones of pinks and blues. There were wave prints, aqua sequined embroiders – reminiscent of the sea – and fishnets and crochets. There were denims, PVC and tweed looks. But most of all, there was some sort of dreamy lightness that could have only been found in CHANEL’s expertise.
Cute tweed dresses, sailor tops and matching sets were all part of Lagerfeld’s cruise vision, as the show ended on a wishful note, urging us to pack our bags and go on holiday.
Cindy Menassa
