Chanel – Fall 2010 Couture
Karl Lagerfeld had a 40 ft, 8-ton golden lion built as a centerpiece for the Chanel fall 2010 couture presentation. The lion’s paw rested on a disproportionately huge pearl – I guess you should have a muscular lion guard a jewel like that. The majestic set made for really striking photos from the show, like an automatic editorial.
The collection focused on day looks, and Lagerfeld’s silhouette was key. Shoulders were wider and rounder, skirts were either slim & knee-length or A-lined and 3/4-length. No pants. Kind of like how I dress, except each outfit costs as much as my whole wardrobe.
The evening looks elaborated on that silhouette with both embellishment and layering; intricate, geometric baroque embroidery and beading stacked up on floating tulle and dimensional flower details.
It’s too easy to point out the technical mastery on display, the thousands of hours of labor, the precious materials, the house’s history, the clientele’s prestige. Who cares, really, when you already have piles of decorated fabrics in museums and period films. Yeah, Lagerfeld is one of the remaining masters of couture, but that characterization would be a backhanded compliment if his work weren’t this vital.
After this whole serious examination of the state of couture, today’s silhouettes, and the relevance of traditional European aesthetic signifiers, we get the real reason for this whole show.
The beast found a bride.
Photos via WWD and Chanel News
Video via Bryanboy
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