Chanel’s Beach Bouffée: Karl Lagerfeld Turns the Runway Into a Splash
Paris – On a chilly Tuesday (Oct 2), 85‑year‑old Karl Lagerfeld lightened the vibe at Paris Fashion Week by pulling the Chanel team into the sea for a sun‑kissed, wave‑crashed runway. The result? A dazzling beach that felt more like a dream than a runway.
Why a Beach Was Needed
- The city was drizzling, October’s bite was real, and the nine‑day marathon had left some guests wishing they had a towel.
- Lagerfeld, like a weather‑maverick, turned a pier into a mini‑medley of music, showing his final encore with a quick jig to the applause.
Models, Musicians, and a Spectacular Squad
With Dutch muse Luna Bijl leading the charge, models frolicked barefoot across giant waves—created by hidden pistons—that kissed the white sand. Celebrities such as Thai princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, Pharrell Williams, and Pamela Anderson clustered by the dunes to watch the super‑stars walk the boardwalk. Lux‑luxe looks from Cara Delevingne to Kaia Gerber slithered into low mules that shone against the sea.
Chanel’s “Wave‑worthy” Wardrobe
The outfits screamed style without the usual couture fuss. Think:
- Oversized nineties‑style Chanel jackets
- Vintage‑inspired turquoise trapeze dresses
- Beach‑umbrella fastenings that echoed the day’s themes
- Crystal‑threaded tulle gowns fit for a chic seaside soirée
Accentuations and Accessories at Their Finest
Everything, from the work of embroidery to the finish on the objects, was marked with the brand’s name in bold capitals:
- Crystal necklaces, belts, and earrings.
- Double‑billed straw hats with “CHA” at the front and “NEL” at the back.
- Silver & black “beach‑ball” bags equipped with Chanel chains.
- Scallop‑shaped phone cases with patent spines for that extra sparkle.
For Lagerfeld’s signature touch, two iconic Chanel bags were carried like a pair of six‑shooters—yes, double the fashion quiz on the runway.
It All Was 80–Hours of Escape
The designer referred to the spectacle as an escape hatch from the “dark times” we’re living in. Instead of a normal runway, Vogue described the show as a “Truman Show” – a playful nod to surrealism aimed to bring hope:
“Every drop of water used was reprocessed through the common sewage system,” Lagerfeld said, and “every grain of sand was returned to the construction industry for its intended journey.”
Climate Commitment (and a New Pair of Glasses)
Lagerfeld’s recent protests from environmentalists over his tree‑felling drama prompt the team to recycle, reuse, and reimagine show materials. He also rolled out fresh glasses for his debut at Hedi Slimane’s Celine, ditching sunglasses for the first time in two weeks!
Heads‑Up, the Crew!
Charting the success is his trusted studio head, Virginie Viard, a backstage heroine who walks the runway with him for a bow that brings the whole effort together.
So there you have it – a beach, a wave‑lit runway, and a bucketful of style. Classic Chanel with a splash of fresh, waving away the ordinary for something spectacularly extravagant.
