Chanel Fall 2011 Couture, Paris Haute Couture

Freja Beha-Chanel Fall 2011 Couture,Paris Haute Couture

The fall 2011 collection from Chanel featured an homage to the fashion house’s classic staples such as the tweed jacket and impressive tailoring. In true autumn spirit, the color palette stuck mostly to muted gray, black and white paired with knee length boots to top off the Parisian look. Ending the show with crystal adorned skirts and gowns, the showing was darkly romantic with sleek silhouettes and a starry nighttime setting.

Chanel and Pre-revolutionary Fashion

If my Fantasy calendar for 2011 had come true. I would be in Paris this week for the Spring 2011 couture collections. Alas I think my invitations must have been lost in the mail. But I didn't have to be there to drink in the elegance and simplicity of  Chanel's  spring  couture  collection.

''Chanel Couture'' Spring 2011''

The Chanel spring 2011 collection by Karl Lagerfeld is mostly devoid of colour, with only a few outfits in subdued pastel colours of liliac, soft pink and light blue. The monochromatic silhouette is clean and sculptural with the typical Chanel flourishes and breath-taking beadwork. There are a multitude of daywear looks many including narrow legging-like trousers worn with skirted suits or tunics, a definite nod to the younger couture client. The shoes are refreshingly flat, many with a black cap.

''Chanel Couture'' Spring 2011''

What I found to be most surprising about this fashion_forward collection is the allusion to pre-revolutionary fashion with the black ribbons worn around the neck by all the models. Every model on the runway wore this black ribbon although it was more prominent on the models with longer, swan-like necks.

''Chanel Couture'' Spring 2011''

''Chanel Couture'' Spring 2011''

Photo credits: Monica Feudi/Go Runway (sourced from Vogue's Style.com)



This black ribbon harkens back to pre-revolutionary fashion in France and evidence of that is seen in this 1785 sketch of Marie Antoinette which was sent by Count Axel Fersen to his sister Sophie in Sweden.

Chanel Cruise 2012 Collection by Karl Lagerfeld

Chanel Cruise 2012 Collection by Karl Lagerfeld

The Chanel 2012 Resort Collection by Karl Lagerfeld consisted of several palettes from soft yellow, lavender and creme then worked it’s way into black and white bathing suits. The silhouette was slim fitted with hemlines ending at or above the knee and full length dresses. Karl Lagerfeld said the collection was inspired by was inspired by Rita Hayworth (actress) and Aly Khan the late racehorse owner and jockey.