Bella Hadid
In yet another brilliantly inspired move, Chanel’s Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld invited guests to journey with him on a symbolic cruise to embrace the maison’s 2019 cruise collection on Thursday evening. Never one to do something by halves, Lagerfeld didn’t let the fact he couldn’t find an appropriate ocean liner to host a floating show stop him. He just constructed a 330-foot-long ship in the middle of Paris’s Grand Palais instead. Named “La Pausa,” after the summer house Gabrielle Chanel built on the French Riviera in the 30s, the giant ship served as the perfect backdrop to the French luxury fashion house's nautical-inspired collection.
Guests were treated to a full cruise experience, sitting under the stars with a sparkling sea in the background (even the invites looked like boarding passes). Some of the famous faces included the Chanel muses who sat front row like Margot Robbie, Lily-Rose Depp and Kristen Stewart, who looked dazzling in a daring sparkly tuxedo dress.
Barbara Palvin
Stella Maxwell
The Collection
The vacation range included the kinds of pieces that are ideal for those sun-filled days on the shores of the French Riviera, like white and navy stripes, berets and straw hats. Other nods to the high seas included practical white rubber Mary-Jane shoes and lifesaver bags (inspired by floatation devices). Chanel’s signature tweed, whether in the form of suits or dresses, took centre stage too of course. And as can be expected from the house, the selection of multi-coloured bouclé suits and pastels was as pretty as can be. A surprise element, however, were the white tights seen with practically every look. Are you ready for the comeback?
The Runway Stars
Of course, it wouldn’t be a blockbuster show without some supers working it on the runway. Beauty Gigi Hadid looked amazing in the label’s signature silver tweed coat. A matching mini skirt and white stockings showed off the 23-year-old’s statuesque frame. Gigi also rocked a pair of silver Mary-Jane shoes and a metallic silver quilted bag. Her sister, Bella, 21, also stunned in a blue tweed set. The cropped jacket, which she wore with matching flared trousers, featured patent leather panels and silver threading. A pearl embellished belt and the same silver Mary-Janes added the final touches to the Californian-raised model’s looks. British model Stella Maxwell looked very ladylike in a stylish light blue tweed skirt and matching blazer, complemented with a blue bag, white tights and shoes. Another noteworthy appearance on the runway was Barbara Palvin’s. The Hungarian knockout strutted out in a keyhole black top, leather mini skirt and red pinstripe coat Like her counterparts, she wore a beret to set off her outfit with a touch of Parisian chic.
Bella Hadid
Gigi Hadid
Kristen Stewart
Models boarded the ship alongside a bearded Lagerfeld for the grand finale. And after the captain took a bow with Fashion Studio Director Virginie Viard next to him, guests could climb on board for the ultimate photo op.
