The Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011-2012 collection showcased in the Paris Fashion week was high on chic and sophistication – which is a trademark of the design house as well as Karl Lagerfeld himself.
Peplum Silhouette Skirt Suits
The collection saw good use of suits that had the peplum-over-narrow-skirt silhouette with structured double row buttoned jackets. There was good use of tweed as well as shimmery material. Black, white and gray ruled the runway. The cut with the boater hat also reminded me of Princess Diana’s style.
Fish Tail Silhouette
The fish tail silhouette had its fair presence too in the collection with fish tail long skirts and dresses, which also saw a lot of sequins and metallic shades being used.
Long Skirts
Long skirts in satin, floral prints and shiny beads were worn with structured jackets.
Gown with Trail
The evening gowns had interesting structures and were resplendent with their trails.
Unstructured Dress
Though the collection mostly trended on structured cuts and dresses, there was also a fair share of unstructured falls and dresses.
Abstract Designs
Karl Lagerfeld showcased wearable abstract designs in the collection. The long dresses also had bead detailing and geometric patterns.
Plunging Back
There was an element of “sexy” brought about by the daringly cut plunging back necklines that left everything bare till the hips.
Menswear Inspired Skirt Suits and Jackets
Masculine cuts and lines were incorporated into the jackets that were teamed with long & short skirts.
See Through Fabrics
See through fabrics like lace and net sexed up the dresses smartly without going overboard.
Boots and Pumps
The models walked in thigh and knee high block heeled boots. It was interesting to note the mix of peplum silhouettes with these boots, because, this silhouette is usually paired with pumps – though the latter too was a part of the collection.
Accessories – Glovelettes, Lace Eye Masks, Boater Hats
The show was big on accessories like fingerless elbow length gloves, mystery inducing lace eye masks and boater hats. These added drama to the ensembles in their own way.
The collection also saw the use of feathers and ruffles both in the accessories as well as the clothes. Some of the elaborate hairdos made use of feather boas. Apart from that, the hair was mostly kept pulled back and tied, with side bangs in the front. The makeup stuck to smokey eyes and nude lips.
Thin Belt
An interesting trend that one saw was the use of thin belts to cinch the waist of dresses.
Trend Watch – Glamcheck’s Pick from the Show
Skirt Suits
We have never underestimated the power of skirt suits, with or without peplum silhouettes.
Peplum Silhouette
This is an interesting trend that is gearing to make a comeback.
Thin Belt
All those of you who have had their fill of broad belts – it is time to introduce some thin belts to your collection.
Image: P R Photos