Last month in Paris, Karl Lagerfeld debuted Chanel’s highly anticipated spring/summer 2016 Haute Couture collection, and its natural theme resonated throughout the Grand Palais. Set in the garden of a large wooden house, the show began with models strutting down a paved, grassy walkway, debuting new attire, accessories, and shoes alike. The color palette was soft and organic, with shades of beige in ivory, sand, dove, putty, ecru, taupe, and mocha. “Gabrielle Chanel was the queen of beige,” said Lagerfeld in a statement, saying that “the starting point for this collection was the silhouette.”
That silhouette—consisting of short tweed jackets paired with long pencil skirts, and fitted jackets coupled with flared culottes—paid homage to nature with adornments of wood shavings, and bees that were stitched into tulle, or were used as costume jewelry. Models exuded a relaxed vibe with their locks coiled into chignons. On their feet were two-tone cork platforms with a minimally inverted heel, and smartphone pouches in a variety of materials and colors strapped around the waists of many looks.
Courtesy of Chanel
The collection was a plentiful one, with offerings of both flouncy and structured tops, maxi and mid-length dresses and skirts, painted capes, floral bomber jackets, and even a patchwork pant for men. Delicate fabrics such as chiffon, satin, and organza played large parts in the collection. The reoccurring bees made their way onto sleeves and wooden birds made their way onto a sheath dress. For the finale, a haute couture hoodie with a train made its way around, covered in bursts of chiffon, leather, wood shavings, beads, and rhinestones.
Courtesy of Chanel
