Daily Front Row

2010 January 29

Kaiser Time

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Karl Lagerfeld
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(PARIS) Good news! Luggage-gate may soon be resolved, but until my choses are trouvés, I have couture to distract me. Apparently, Chanel really, really loves me, as they sent not one but two invitations. I didn't know which seat to use, so I decided to gamble in the client section rather than press. It was great to see Chanel's Sigrid d'Elepine and Nancy Walsh wrangling the attendees, including the ubiquitous Kanye West with a medieval gold chainmail hooded Amber Rose, who sat next to Claudia Schiffer. Susan Gutfreund and Kassidy Choi Schagrin were wonderful (and familiar) front-row faces.

It appears that Bargouzine sables and bright croco Birkins are de rigueur for any authentic (or aspiring) Chanel couture cliente. Olivier Zahm went the army green anorak route--which seemed sensible when flakes of faux snow began drifting from the sky as guests filed into the show space. We took our seats on backless silver mylar sofas. (Buyers were blessed with proper couches.)

Cream boucle suits featuring bermuda shorts kicked things off to a soundtrack of organ music. Models sported modified Bride of Frankenstein 'dos, complete with tulle bows and grey streaks. Next, a wave of Good and Plenty colors including baby blue, sunflower, and spearmint brightened things up and paved the way for bubble-backed dresses and ornate cocoon cape coats. It reminded me of Balenciaga and Norell, in a very good way! The platinum charmeuse cocktail dresses were liquid and sensual, as were the longer gowns in light pastel colors. No Chanel black on this runway. I'm sure magazines and celebs will gravitate to the softer side of Chanel, including cotton candy whipped tulle skirts with mirrored jackets. Of course, the final look was a mylar suited Baptiste escorting his bride.

As guests dispersed, waiters passed around trays of champagne. Unfortunately, some were knocked to the floor in the shuffle. The unfortunate sound of four-figure shoes crunching on fallen verres caused audible gasps. But broken glasses falling amidst attendees in suits costing six figures caused audible gasps.  But broken glasses are good luck--at least at Jewish weddings--and Chanel has plenty of reason to celebrate with this enchanting collection.
CAMERON SILVER