A Curated Kaleidoscope of Art and Fashion by CHANEL @ Paris Fashion Week

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| 3 October 2013

The runway of CHANEL's presentation was decked out as an art gallery filled with contemporary art installations featuring the luxury brand's products and logo, including oversized bottles of Chanel No. 5 under Plexiglas, huge canvasses bearing the ubiquitous double C logo and the iconic purse with gold chain strap. The French luxury label's Spring/Summer 2014 collection featured bright hues of raspberry, navy, bubble-gum pink and black and white, Lagerfeld played with new takes on the classic Chanel silhouette.

"I wanted a certain likeness between what is considered art and what is considered fashion but without the pretentious approach of it," explained Karl Lagerfeld.

Built-in capes and panels that opened at the thigh imparted a contemporary feel to belted jackets and ladylike skirts, while off-centre necklines or cut-outs on sleeves revealed a hint of unexpected shoulder on otherwise demure looks. Most revealing and avant-garde in their simplicity were simple panels of fabric that shielded the front torso but were affixed in the back with only a string of pearls.

There were also high-heeled spats, a purse to hold three iPods and necklaces whose two chunky pearls recalled earbuds.

But Lagerfeld departed from the classic Chanel book with a series of kaleidoscopic print dresses inspired by brushstrokes. While the brash multi-coloured palette may give some Chanel fans pause, the dresses' intricate pleating, strips of fabric that fluttered as the models moved and petal-like ruffles were delicate works of ... art.

Lagerfeld said he wanted a "very optimistic collection."

"Part of the world is depressing but there is also part of the world where people are pretty happy," he said, then offered a style tip tinged with a dose of pop psychology.

"If you're in a depressing period, you better wear something joyful (rather) than something even more depressing because you'll become even more depressed."

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