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Chanel is really hard to define, it is extremely tacky, there is no doubt about it, but it really can afford to be. Standing as a multi-billion dollar label, Karl, as head designer, can take as many risks and spend as much money as he likes. But that is exactly what is so gross about it. Chanel threw a Fall 2010 fashion show in Paris with a set constructed out of a massive iceberg flown in from sweden set in a pool of water, that was so horrifying i didn't really want to put it up here. But, is the decadence what makes it intriguing and different? yes, completely. Do sets of icebergs, barns, and carriages as well as exsquisite styling make people want to buy? of course. that is why Chanel is so genius fashion and business wise.
Anyhoo, Chanel showed the first Resort 2011 collection of the season in St. Tropez to a clustered audience seated in french cafe setting. The show began as windswept models and and tan male escorts strode off of the Chanel yacht, walking the runway barefoot(shoes in hand), and nonchalently sweeping their hair through their fingertips. The clothes were quite beautiful in the beginning with light sundresses, and relaxed jewelry, but then protruded into ugly pastels that were more 90's Miami than St. Tropez circa now. The ending pieces of the show were stunning and less cluttered then most Chanel looks, making them cool and more young. Classic tweed jackets hung over slinky smimsuits, and shear dresses worked with paillettes and gladiator sandals, each model with their own long necklace dangling at the chest. Chanel proved a much more relaxed, yet not messy image for their Resort collection that seemed easy and very beautiful. I would love to see this side more often.
The fashion show was rather decent, but the collection was complimented with a short film, made my Lagerfeld, shown the night before that was quite ridiculous. The film consisted of barely any dialogue, it profiles a rich man whom attends a party with a bunch of other rich St. Tropez socialites and anorexic models only to hook up with one of them after talking to her for like 3 seconds. The models then dance crazily on top of the Dj booth for like 8 minutes wearing all Chanel as the older man then leaves walking through the street with the other woman. Then there's more dancing by some woman. another party. they go back to their villa to change for another party but it's like 6 am and the sun's up. woah, dilemma. So then they arrive at "Pamela's party", entering into her villa (for a breakfast of nicotine and champagne) to find 19 year old models crashed on their couch smoking. more dancing. no eating. Karl Lagerfeld comes in and says something. the dumb model says something back. more smoking. the end. Watch it if you want below in two parts, it's incredibly decadent and actually quite hilarious. Have fun and enjoy yourself, that is indeed the message to this collection. It's level of austere tackiness and beautiful hilaritiy is what makes it so right, and utterly genius. I loved it all.
I will be in New Mexico on a retreat for a week, so until then, please enjoy.
