Chanel Debuts Fall/Winter 2018-2019 Ready-To-Wear Collection At Grand Palais In Paris

When it comes to design and fashion, no one does it better than Chanel. The famed French fashion house just debuted its fall-winter, 2018-2019 ready-to-wear collection at Paris‘ iconic Grand Palais—and the show was nothing short of spectacular.

In attendance for the show were the brand’s ambassadors, including Keira Knightley, Vanessa Paradis, Alma Jodorowsky, Liu Wen, Golshifteh Farahani, Vicky Krieps, Marie Baumer, Romy Madley Croft (the XX), Lily Allen, James Righton, Clara Luciani and Eddy de Pretto. Among the models, Kaia Gerber—daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber most recently of Casamigos fame with partner George Clooney—walked the runway.

The expansive indoor space was transformed into an autumnal utopia, with the sunlight beaming through the high skylights, as well as tall, bare trees and fallen leaves in hues of brown, green and orange gracing the floor. Taking cues from the foliage-forward atmosphere, the collection complemented the natural backdrop perfectly, both in the materials and the colors used.

Fabrics like tweed, cotton canvas, soft knits, velvet and corduroy were seasonally appropriate and paired well with accessories like thigh-high boots, fingerless gloves, faux fur cuffs adorned with feathers and bright scarves for a pop of color. Warm hues of pine green, russet, orange and bark brown married chicness and coziness in each piece, while additional details included “branch-like braids, jeweled buttons chiseled with leaves, sautoirs of beads and pastel-hued glass paste, necklaces and bracelets interlaced with chains and beads, cabochon and graphic pendant earrings.”

Classic Chanel pieces were also modernized, such as the iconic jacket in mid-length or short at the waist; the Chanel suit with poncho peplums; double-breasted coats; pencil skirts with slits and a dropped waist; oversized overcoats with feathered hems; and of course, the iconic Chanel LBD, or, Little Black Dress. Additionally, Karl Lagerfeld‘s latest bag creation, 31, joined the Chanel accessory family. The shopper-style handbag is made with smooth leather, along with the complementary fabric choice of printed cotton, canvas or tweed. Mini versions of the Gabrielle bag also made appearances on the runway, along with others.

The transitional season reflected in the gorgeously appointed room reminded the audience and viewers of the stages and cycles of life. Who better to put the essence of the collection into words than Karl Lagerfeld himself, who said, “Chanel, it’s life itself. Clothes that have a possibility of life.”