Spring Summer 2018 Collection

CHANEL presented the Spring‑Summer 2018 Ready‑to‑Wear collection at the Grand Palais against a backdrop of cascading waterfalls. Karl Lagerfeld’s designs for the new season feature a palette of blues and greens in a range of acid pastels, radiant whites, and iridescent fabrics. The ethereal collection plays with subtle associations, contrasting lengths, clean lines, and light, airy shapes.

Structured, broad-shouldered looks are softened by flowing lines. Tweed features widely, combined with leather on bra tops and mini skirts, in patchwork on mini-dresses, and shot through with lurex thread in coat-dresses. Suit jackets are paired with capri pants, dresses with geometrical topstitching, or short skirts trimmed with twisted braid. Oversize white chiffon blouses knotted with scarves are tucked into pencil miniskirts. Short and long dresses for day or evening wear play with a range of luxury fabrics, from crumpled lace and embossed chiffon adorned with crystal drop beads to pleated silk, enveloping the body in delicate constrasting shades of pastels and brights, while fringes, flounces, and folds of silk create a sense of movement.

Transparent PVC is everywhere, from boaters, hoods, and capes to fingerless gloves, footwear, and thigh boots to withstand spring showers and summer downpours. Several bags are worn together, each with its own PVC protective cover. This season’s the CHANEL GABRIELLE bag is in rubber or patent leather, while the BOY bag is in iridescent PVC. The 11.12 is adorned with sequins and clutches are in crystal plexiglass or decorated with diamanté or a sequin trim to catch the light. Sports bags are in coated canvas printed with the CHANEL logo and camelias, while oversize totes are in embossed nylon in a palette of blues and pinks.