Posted on July 16 2011 - by 94YR8FuSxCg4kPj8RMsY

Haute Couture Spotlight

Chanel Couture Fall 2011

Spectacular craftsmanship; everlasting beauty; mesmerizing extravagance; opulent desire

There really is nothing quite like a Chanel Haute Couture Show…

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The Collection

Dominated by shades of black, grey and midnight blue; with striking accents of daring fuchsia; the Chanel Autumn/Winter 2011 Haute Couture Collection was an alluringly dark, seductive affair.

Held at 10pm under a starry Parisian sky, the Grand Palais was transformed into the Place Vendôme – complete with sparkling black pavements and instead of Napoleon’s statue, one of Coco Chanel herself now took centre stage.

Focused on the signature Chanel skirt suit, the collection played homage to Chanel’s iconic design with a breath of glamorous fresh air. Jackets were nipped in at the waist with a stiff peplum; while skirts were slimmer and slightly longer than previous seasons. Each look was accessorised with a sweet ‘Victorian-inspired’ hat as well as a lace fascinator worn just over the model’s eyes. Exquisite beading and embellishment added the powerful finishing touches to Lagerfeld’s opulent vision.

The collection exuded old-world elegance and sophistication – the perfect film noir atmosphere accompanied by strong 1940’s shapes – with a refreshingly modern, unmistakably seductive, charm.

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A sneak peek behind the Chanel Couture scenes…

>> Karl Lagerfeld’s original design sketch and the silk fabric
>> The silk fabric is folded, draped and pinned
>> The ‘petites mains’ are delicately folded and twisted to create the perfect effect
>> Attention to detail – delicate silver buttons and white plumes are created
>> The toile and pattern of an iconic Chanel tweed jacket
>> The pattern is placed on a mannequin
>> Tweed fabric is infused with glittering beadwork
>> The lining and hems complete the couture garments