Paris Fashion Week SS 2013: Chanel (Part I)

After the black and white 90s Latina woman envisioned by the creative team of Balmain, we continue the journey into the most classical black and white pieces known to us all: the timeless Chanel. As a surprise to us all Karl Lagerfeld decided to step away from the House codes but still managed to keep the Chanel spirit as alive and as ever, as he himself says "no chain, no braid, no plastic Chanel buttons, only pearls, pearls, pearls." The designer played with proportions and with different materials in an attempt to showcase a very modern and futuristic vision, the collection is "all about volumes and lightness, because usually volumes and lightness don't go together."

Karl Lagerfeld always likes to go big for his runway shows - models, designs, the decor of the runway. This time he linked the futuristic and technological feel of the collection to the an energy-inspired theme to accompany the show. The runway was seemingly made out of solar panels and along the runway there were lots of towering wind turbines, described by the designer as examples of "beautiful, modern architecture. We need energy. Energy is the most important thing in life!". Whether hinting towards green energy or Karl Lagerfeld's own unstoppable energy, the idea of the runway was very innovative and majestic as always.

The 80 looks that paraded down the runway ranged from baby-doll dresses in linen chambray, a skirt turned into a strapless dress, denim, gingham tweed all the way to sophisticated black and white evening frocks. The play of volumes was achieved with combinations between pneumatic dresses worn with short-cropped jackets, bouffant lines and innovative fabrics. Among the most eye-catching volumes were the purses contained within two hula-hoop rings, clumpy striped sandals and a modern reinterpretation of the classic boater hat with a clear Lucite wide brim. I can't even choose a few favorite looks, Chanel is always so unpredictable and amazing that it makes you dream awake of every single piece of the collection. Here is a first selection of the most interesting runway looks:

What did you think of this first part of the show? Aren't they lovely? The second part will feature some more colorful garments and floor-length evening gowns. I hope you're as excited as I am!

Photos: Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com