Chanel Haute Couture S/S 2009

A chic and innovative collection derived from the love of paper at Chanel Haute Couture. Chanel Courtier Karl Lagerfeld presented a heavenly collection that was inspired from a simple piece of white paper. He believed that everything creative starts out on a clean white sheet of paper and evolves into something like a story or painting. With that idea he transformed his dream into an innovative collection. With the help of a complete full staff at the Chanel atelier Lagerfeld’s vision was transformed to create a truly beautiful collection. With a color palette that consisted predominately of white, Coco Chanel’s favorite color, there were also hints of black in the collection. Every piece had impeccable detailing and all the outfits were able to translate the light weight sensation of paper as if they were made of delicate paper. The use of sheer materials was particularly outstanding with the tough tulle that was used in the flower and feather details on a number of pieces. This collection was all about luxurious detailing that one could never imagine unless they have touched or tried on a Chanel Haute Couture outfit. The expert work from the atelier was evident in the embroidery and hand stitching in the made to measure pieces that sparkled elegantly from tiny crystalline beads and sequins. Lagerfeld gave us an innovative modern collection that works perfect for the upcoming spring season.

The show was held at the Pavillon Cambon Capucines, a former bank, which was located right across from the Chanel headquarters on rue Cambon. The setting was quite smaller giving it and intimate experience unlike the grandeur location, the Grand Palais, where it would have been difficult to see the exquisite details and craftsmanship. The room was completely decorated in thousands of virgin white paper flowers, bouquets and laser cut table cloths. An immense team of 50 laborers worked hard for two weeks in order to produce the extravagant décor that embellished the staircase and every pillar in the venue. The show opened with Supermodel Freja Beha Erichsen in a gorgeous virgin white razor cut A-line dress paired with a cropped jacket that had squared off shoulders and a stand away collar. Adding to the simple elegant look was a beautiful white head piece made of paper flowers and doilies. There was a dose of long and lean dresses with feathery strips of chiffon and shimmering sequins. The contrasting color of black was injected into the threading and stitching on a few looks but it was later seen in complete looks towards the finale of the show.

Lagerfeld collaborated with enormously talented Japanese Hair dresser Katsuya Kamo who created the head pieces, caps and hair ornaments all from paper. Kamo constructed paper roses, leaf fronds, the Chanel camellia and feathers. The raw cuts made on the floral pieces were accustomed to the entire collection finishing off each look consisting of both white and black colors.

The stunning futuristic bride presented at the finale of the show was breathtaking and absolutely gorgeous. The virgin white bride ensemble came in razor cut pants that was paired with a white paper rose head dress that wrapped around the head. The train of the dress was extravagant with an opulent 20 foot train that was flowing down the runway. Lagerfeld proved to everyone that couture is just not about dresses it is also about pants.

Karl Lagerfeld with the help of the Chanel atelier team has created an amazing collection from an innovative idea that has never been seen before in fashion. Derived from a simple concept and the favorite color of the late Mademoiselle Coco Chanel was all it took to master a craftsmanship that shows no sign of disappearing. With each piece there is a display of great love for made to wear craftsmanship and the love of Haute Couture at its very best. –Brent Billiman, Paris, France.


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Magdalena Frackowiak for Chanel Haute Couture S/S 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Anouck Lepere for Chanel Haute Couture S/S 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Freja Beha Erichsen for Chanel Haute Couture S/S 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Lindsay Ellingson for Chanel Haute Couture S/S 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Tatiana Lyadochkina for Chanel Haute Couture S/S 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Siri Tollerød for Chanel Haute Couture S/S 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Pinkie for Chanel Haute Couture S/S 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Alexandra Tomlinson for Chanel Haute Couture S/S 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Vlada Roslyakova for Chanel Haute Couture S/S 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Charlotte di Calypso for Chanel Haute Couture S/S 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Sasha Pivovarova for Chanel Haute Couture S/S 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Karmen Pedaru for Chanel Haute Couture S/S 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Edita Vilkeviciute for Chanel Haute Couture S/S 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Freja Beha Erichsen for Chanel Haute Couture S/S 09