PARIS (AP) - Snaking traffic, screaming crowds, and a crush of photographers descended on the Grand Palais on Tuesday as Chanel unveiled its final collection before Matthieu Blazy's highly anticipated debut as creative director. Kylie Jenner led a constellation of stars, seated atop two giant interlocking C's raised like a bridge - perhaps a metaphor for the house's transition to its bold new chapter.
Chanel couture stuns with color, and Kylie Jenner, in final Paris show before Blazy’s debut
PARIS (AP) - Snaking traffic, screaming crowds, and a crush of photographers descended on the Grand Palais on Tuesday as Chanel unveiled its final collection before Matthieu Blazy's highly anticipated debut as creative director. Kylie Jenner led a constellation of stars, seated atop two giant interlocking C's raised like a bridge - perhaps a metaphor for the house's transition to its bold new chapter.
Critics expecting an underwhelming, designer-less show were swiftly proven wrong. Chanel's studio punched above its weight, delivering a collection of striking hues and diverse designs showcasing its couture ateliers' unrivaled artistry.
For a designer famous for revolutionizing fashion with the use of black, this collection went against the grain. Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel's lesser-known talent as a colorist took center stage, with joyful pastels, bold tones, midnight blue, and classic black following a complete cycle from day to night - something like a "greatest hits" collection on the eve of the reboot.
The runway pieces struck a balance between whimsy and drama. Beyond the house’s bread-and-butter tweed skirt suits, leg-of-mutton sleeves brought historical grandeur, evoking a sense of Victorian elegance. Sequins and paillettes shimmered under the bring Grand Palais light. Silk trains in bold red injected a sense of drama. Playful neckties hinted at a 1970s influence.