Chanel Paris-Byzance, a magnificent collection

It was "The Thousand and One Nights - Arabian Nights" in the salons of the legendary Chanel rue Cambon, Paris. Outside the traditional calendar of ready-to-wear and haute-couture, the defile of Chanel "Metiers d'Arts" pays tribute each year to the exceptional expertise of 7 workshops bought by Chanel in 1997, houses of Lesage, Desrues, Lemarie, Michel, Massaro, Goossens and Guillet whose craftsmanship excels in embroidery, leather goods and adornments. After Paris-Los Angeles in 2006, Paris-London 2007, Paris-Moscow 2008, and Paris-Shanghai in 2009, Karl Lagerfeld presents this year Paris-Byzantium.
This time, the Empress Theodora from the early 6th century was Lagerfeld's creative muse. "She was a former circus performer before she became Empress," says the designer, comparing her unusual destiny to Coco Chanel' who sang in cafes before she became the Empress of the fashion world.
Inspired by the "remnants of Ravenna" and the greatness of this "lost civilization," the collection Paris-Byzance was also inspired by London in the 1960s, the designer added with humor.
The show was held last night, in the ultimate setting of the Chanel maison mere, in a room  specially decorated for this event; Ottoman style, with walls covered with copper sequins, benches with many cushions and low tables ornate with mosaics.

First, a look at the lovely invitation

A glimpse of the first seven looks, shot by Karl Lagerfeld himself

Outfits in velvet, wool or silk embroidered with crystals of Boheme, thick dark coats with square copper color buttons, simple black dresses slightly open in the back, flat sandals covered with stones, suede leather cuissardes, ample glittery velvet or corduroy pants or transparent silky laces gowns.....  Chanel Byzance, a magnificent collection to celebrate the Arts and Crafts of the Maison Chanel.

Full Fashion Show

Images courtesy Vogue.fr

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