For Chanels 2014 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear collection, presented Tuesday, October 1, 2013, in Paris, Karl Lagerfeld transformed the Grand Palais into an art gallery of sorts. Guests included Chanel brand ambassadors Vanessa Paradis and Caroline de Maigret, singers Rita Ora and Katy Perry, British actors Kristin Scott Thomas and Stacy Martin, French actors Marine Vacth, Alma Jodorowsky, and Leila Bekhti, Japanese actor Rila Fukushima, and Italian dancer Roberto Bolle. They were all treated to an unexpected vernissage of around 75 original installations that created the perfect backdrop for a fusion of art and fashion, with Karl Lagerfeld interpreting the painters palettes in his unique ramp creations.
The French maisons celebrated tweed is woven from ribbons of chiffon, organza, lace and plastic threads, or is otherwise frayed or even torn. Stretch knit, crêpe de Chine, lace printed with motifs in silicone, guipure with a resin effect, leather, pearl embroideries and numerous fabric or cord trims are featured.
Next to Chanels iconic colors of black, white, and navy blue, Lagerfeld painted his creations in springs fresh colours ‒ pink, blue, yellow, and green ‒ in pastel, bright, and fluorescent shades.
Karl Lagerfeld plays with the rules of the suit, and adds his own interpretations, combining three, four, or even five separate pieces. He explores the maisons iconic jacket in multiple ways: slim and sleeveless, supple and belted, as well as cut open on the bust and structured with square shoulders. Long skirts open on the sides, short and flared skirts, and apron-like shift dresses underline a linear silhouette, accessorized with pumps married with socks and extra-large pearls worn on short necklaces. There are rings and cuffs, as well as an homage to Chanels trademark long necklaces.