The talk may be of double-dip recession but in the world of high fashion opulence has never fallen from favour.
At Chanel's haute couture show in Paris last night the star turn was a 40ft-high gold lion, standing centre stage while models strutted around it. Apparently chosen because of Coco Chanel's love of big cats, the statue sent out a defiantly unrepentant message in frugal times.
Watched by an audience that included actresses Lou Doillon and Jessica Alba, the night was a celebration of all things lavish. Karl Lagerfeld kicked off the proceedings with neatly cut, cropped jackets with swinging sleeves, while beautifully cut, bell-shaped coats hung at mid calf.
Finishing touches to jackets included gold and brass buttons and panels of velvet trim, with bands of silky soft fur wrapped around the hemlines and cuffs of show-stopping wool coats.
Standout looks included an exquisite lattice-effect dress teamed with a cropped jacket which was embellished with tiny beading and silk flower details. On some outfits, jackets were exchanged for beautifully sculpted, structured blouses — the perfect complement to high-waisted panelled skirts and sheath dresses. And if the initial part of the collection had an air of old-fashioned, conservative sophistication, Lagerfeld ramped up the glitz with his evening wear.
Coarse-satin dresses with bishop sleeves and sculpted details were adorned with lace and decadent stones, while tapestries, created from thousands of tiny beads and sequins, found homes on cummerbunds and jackets. Calling on Chanel's signature precious gem, a cocktail gown was
created almost entirely from dazzling white pearls.
And the big cat theme persisted to the end, with the last model, in her silk gown and train, escorted by a man sporting a lion's head, a perfectly tailored suit and patent boots. Only at Chanel ...
