Karl's in Charge

(PARIS) For Karl Lagerfeld, the world's a stage. Same goes for le Grand Palais, that majestic monument on the Seine that Karl transforms each season into a vehicle for showing the latest, greatest Chanel creations.
 
Tuesday's fall/winter 2009 couture presentation was afforded even more detail than usual. On center stage? An austere set composed of matte, cloud-colored structures that resembled organ pipes. When the show began, models appeared mysteriously from somewhere between them, accompanied by--what else?-- ominous organ music.
 
The front row was well-stocked with fashion's finest--team Vogue, compris Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington, André Leon Talley and Sally Singer. Italian Vogue's Franca Sozzani sat front-row while Anna Piaggi, shading herself with a red parasol, lounged curiously in second. Smart woman, given that the beating sun had many chicettes sweating so uncontrollably that they downed the petit bottles of Evian waiting on every seat within minutes of entering. Luckily, the programs subbed as excellent fans.
 
Lagerfeld's Chanel shows draw such a wide swath of fans that very few dare to wear anything but the double C's. A laundry list of French socials, headlined by Madame Chirac and Madame Pinault, even retired their Birkins for a day in favor of the 2.55 or Jumbo Classic du moment. Daphne Guinness was there, in the miniest of minis and a wide Alaïa corset belt with three buckles. She wore finger-length jointed rings--by Loree Rodkin, perhaps?--on 8 of her 10 fingers. When Claudia Schiffer arrived, Guinness made sure to invite the still-flawless model to her cocktail party this evening at the Crillion.
 
But the question on real Chanel-centric minds: Where was fine jewelry face Anna Mouglalis? Given that she appeared both at the Cruise show in Miami and the fine jewelry boutique opening in New York, it seemed strange that she'd miss a local event. And while members of Karl's coterie like Stephen Gan, Jefferson Hack and Olivier Zham were sitting front and center, where were Ingrid Sischy and Sandy Brant? Ladies, we missed you. After the glorious collection, waiters emerged from the rafters bearing trays of champagne, water, Coke, and pear juice. The calorically inclined noshed on skewers of tomato and mozzarella, while the bravest of the brave even snuck a macaroon (or two). It's Chanel, people. Live a little!
ASHLEY BAKER