"It's like walking in a painting." Karl Lagerfeld's words, along with his unforgettable legacy, filled the Grand Palais in Paris today for the late designer's final Chanel collection. It was a somber, yet beautiful occasion as the fashion house and its guests all mourned the loss of Lagerfeld, who died just two weeks ago at the age of 85.
Known for his over-the-top Chanel runway sets over the years, Lagerfeld's grand finale for the house was a wintry, snow-filled village complete with mountains and Swiss chalets. Models emerged out of the 'Chalet Gardenia,' before walking the snowy runway. Throughout the show, Chanel paid tribute to its late creative director in a series of beautiful tributes.
The Beat Goes On...
Chanel commemorated Lagerfeld with touching sketches left on all the seats of attendees. The sketches featured an illustration of Karl and Coco Chanel hand-drawn by Lagerfeld himself along with the poignant words, "the beat goes on..."
Just before the Fall 2019 show began, audio recordings of Lagerfeld speaking in French played over speakers. "It's like walking in a painting," the late designer mused in one of the recordings. The house then held a minute of silence for the room to pay respects to Lagerfeld.
Cara Delevingne Opened the Show
Both a muse and close friend of Karl, Cara Delevingne opened the show wearing a full-length houndstooth coat over a checked tweed jumpsuit. The stunning black and white look featured a matching hat and beaded Chanel necklaces.
Penelope Cruz Also Made a Surprise Runway Appearance
A longtime brand ambassador to Chanel, Cruz walked the runway this season instead of sitting front row. Donning an all white look, the actress carried a single white rose with her down the runway—a subtle, but beautiful nod to Lagerfeld.
The Front Row Was Filled With A-List Friends of Karl
Naomi Campbell, Marion Cotillard, Kristen Stewart, Janelle Monae, Monica Bellucci, Claudia Schiffer, and Karen Elson were amongst those in attendance at the show.
The Collection Was Classic Chanel, Served With a Side of Après Ski
The show began with a series of tweed and houndstooth looks all done in Lagerfeld's signature white and black color palette. Tapping into the snowy backdrop, the collection then veered into après ski, done Chanel style.
In-between, a range of bright looks added some major color to the runway in the form of hot pink, turquoise, orange red, and purple. The pieces ranged from colorful striped puffer coats to knitwear and tweed skirt suits.
The show then ended with a series of all white, angelic looks ranging from tailored suiting to feather and jewel-encrusted cocktail dresses.
We Could Be Heroes
For the finale, David Bowie’s “Heroes” played (the same song that closed Lagerfeld’s final collection for Fendi in Milan) as a parade of models, many fighting back tears, stormed the snow-filled runway. It was an emotional farewell to Lagerfeld's unforgettable legacy both at Chanel, and in fashion.
Before his passing in February, Lagerfeld served as Chanel's creative director since 1983. Today marks his final collection after designing for the house for 36 years. He will be succeeded by Virginie Viard, his longtime collaborator and director of Chanel's Fashion Creation Studio.
