If I was on death row because I committed some kind of hideous crime, like wearing leggings as pants, my last wish would be to attend a Chanel fashion show. The amazingness, theatrics and sheer scale of the Chanel fashions shows, staged in Paris, are second to none and inspire the kind of return to fashion as an art form rather than a throwaway trend.
Chanel FW12 – image thanks to Peter Stigter
Chanel Fashion Show 2006
When I studied fashion history, and learnt of the incredible lengths Coco Chanel went to in order to create her brand, it’s easy to see why the label has lasted as it has. Even today, the dedication of Karl Lagerfeld in maintaining that aesthetic is one of the main reasons why the Chanel brand is as widely known and coveted the world over as it is.
The promotional material is treasured as much as the items themselves – invitations are worth framing and look books akin to coffee table works of art, with most of the divine photography being taken by Karl himself. Is there nothing that man can not do? The videography is simply stunning; short films of such beauty, you can watch them again and again.
At Chanel Rue Cambon, Paris, in 2010
On my first visit to Paris, and my first trip to the original Rue Cambon store, I was quite overwhelmed with the awesomeness of it all. My first purchase – the classic interlocking C’s earrings – are still treasured and worn everywhere, from breakfast dates to formal affairs.
There is something Chanel for everyone, from lipsticks and nail polishes, through to sunglasses, or for the more high earning among us, shoes and clothing and jewellery and bags that are passed down to children and grandchildren.
The new Chanel store in Melbourne, corner Flinders Lane and Russell Street
Tonight, I am honoured (thrilled, excited, crazy looking forward to) to be attending the Chanel store party as a guest of Sarah Willcocks from Style Melbourne. The new Melbourne store is said to evoke the spirit of Paris and if I never get invited to anything else, ever again, it won’t matter. This is just about as close as I’ll ever get to a Chanel fashion show, and I’m so happy to be experiencing it with good friends, at my ‘local’ store.
As an amusing aside, while searching for my old posts about Chanel, I discovered one I wrote four years ago, promising I was going to buy myself a Chanel 2.55 bag for my 30th birthday – isn’t it funny the things you say (and record for prosperity!!) I’ll be 30 in less than 3 months – better start saving!!!
