Two looks from Chanel's Paris-Shanghai Pre-Fall 2010 Collection. Photo: Courtesy of Chanel
Inspiration: Chanel does Shanghai, "a city in constant evolution, a cosmopolitan theater to an extraordinary cultural boom"
Who was there: Actress and Chanel muse, Anna Mouglalis, chanteuse Vanessa Paradis, and Chinese starlets Zhou Xun, Shin Min Ah, and Hou Hong Lan
Top Looks: Grey tiled and red peak shouldered cocktail dress which opened the show; Yellow over-the-knee boots, under a black embroidered coat with long metal tassel earrings; Navy and black "soldier suit" trimmed with metal, with embroidered silk over-the-knee boots and coolie hat; Updated cheongsams; Jade green sweater suit with navy trim; Ankle revealing evening gowns-either by sheer panels or by cut
What we thought: This wild Chanel-chinoiserie mix was a spectacular feast for the senses. The set alone was awe-inspiring. Located on a barge in the Huangpu River, it was slick and black, and acted as a vehicle to capture the night scape of Shanghai's Pudong's skyscrapers as a backdrop.
In the show, Lagerfeld kept to a specific palette of red (of course), navy, royal blue, black, and a powdery jade green. Black leather leggings with embedded rosettes will obtain immediate cult status and are sure to be on the wish lists of "It-girls" everywhere. The loose interpretation of the Terracotta Soldiers in military-esque shapes and textures (like quilting) meant for some exciting looks.
Accessories were the true dazzlers, as to be expected from Chanel. Thigh high boots with shiny zippers from top to toe were sensational-especially in Chinese red leather. There were Coolie hats, military caps, and lots of pins and jewelry in the hair (as we saw for Spring). Jewelry consisted of extra large flowing metal tassels, primarily in outsize earrings, but also necklaces and lariats. Fabrics were rich and heavily embellished. There was no lack of luxury in this town and country where more is more, and status is everything.
Chanel is a perfect fit on the Bund.