Karl Lagerfeld is never one to skimp when it comes to the backdrops of his runway shows, and yesterday was no exception. For the Chanel Métiers d'Art show in Rome, the designer chose to set up shop at Italy’s famous Cinecittà film studio No. 5, the same sound studio where classics like Roman Holiday, Cleopatra and La Dolce Vita were shot. Here he built an entire Paris neighborhood complete with a metro station, a restaurant, a boulangerie and even a cinema. This is where guests—which included a bevy of celebrities like Kristen Stewart, Rooney Mara and Princess Caroline of Monaco—watched the premiere of Lagerfeld’s Once and Forever film.
The runway show started with supermodel Lara Stone hitting the runway. Soon after she was followed by brand favorites like Lindsay Wixson, Jamie Bochert and Freja Beha Erichsen who marched down the “streets” wearing Chanel’s latest. Inspired by the Roman cinema of the early ‘60s, Lagerfeld presented a lineup of pea coats, mini mod dresses, high-waisted sailor pants, Breton tops, leather pencil skirts and lacy tights. Silhouettes were varied as wide cut pants hung onto models' waists, billowing coats were draped over their shoulders as an accessory and dresses were slim-cut and short.
Lace, fringe, ruffles, beading and appliqués could be found on almost every piece from the most conservative to the most seductive (which it most certainly was). With parings that included thigh-skimming frocks, lacy stockings and high heels, the looks were sexy if not just a little provocative. With the added drama of their messy beehives and smoky makeup it looked just risqué enough to draw you in while still maintaining its lady-like persona.
