During Paris Couture on July 4, Karl Lagerfeld recreated the Eiffel Tower beneath the glass ceiling of the Grand Palais. There, for the presentation of Chanel’s fall/winter 2017-18 haute couture collection, guests gawked at the re-discovered beauty of the city of lights and took in the reproduction, which stood nearly 125 feet tall. Accents of the subtle sophistication of Paris also stood out on its set, with park chairs arranged at its base.
Lagerfeld described it as “a vision of a revived Parisian woman” and said the collection was “all about cut, shapes, silhouettes.” He added, “Here, the line is very delineated and graphic—it’s very modern.”
Chanel Haute Couture FW17.Courtesy of Chanel.
Feathers were treated like fur, he revealed, and graphic silhouettes were complemented by mohair, tweed, and wool. Palettes of navy blue, green, and burgundy sourced fall’s truest hues, while sticking true to the house’s classic black, white, and grey. Shapes, as Lagerfeld described, were at the forefront too, with A-lines and long, straight shapes seen for sky-high thigh boots. Booties, hats, wide-cut jumpsuits, tubular dresses, wraparound skirts, oversized coats, and peplum jackets were all of note, as well, and cinched waists made a return for added class-act charm.
As day turned to evening, midnight blue chiffon complemented black silk tulle, double-faced satin, and rust-colored charmeuse. Sparkling embroidery was seen next to colorful motifs, geometric peplum bustiers beckon feather embellished petticoats, and pleated tulle LBDs were lovely with sequined netting.
Chanel Haute Couture FW17.Courtesy of Chanel.
For the finale, a bride entered in a white double-faced satin gown, enveloped in festoons of camellia bouquet-like feathers.
To close the show, marking a monumental achievement, Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris, honored Lagerfeld with the Grand Vermeil de la Ville de Paris—a medal that represents the highest distinction of the city—for the designer’s creativity and influence on the world with impactful Parisian fashion.
Chanel Haute Couture FW17.Courtesy of Chanel.
Chanel Haute Couture FW17.Courtesy of Chanel.
