While the streets might be covered with snow and the days short and grey, thanks to the vibrant CHANEL 2015/16 Cruise collection you can banish the winter blues in the most elegant way possible. The collection was first shown in May of 2015 in Seoul, South Korea and was promptly met with rave reviews. The presentation was held in the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a stunningly futurist space designed by architect Zaha Hadid, and featured a vibrant collection inspired by the Korean peninsula. Traditional silhouettes were seamlessly married with classic CHANEL designs thanks to Monsieur Lagerfeld’s unfailing expertise and unwavering vision for the famed fashion house. The hanbok, a traditional garment of the region, was beautifully reimagined and also inspired many of the pieces in the collection in a riotous palette of fuchsia, coral, orange, violet, celadon, mint, turquoise, and royal blue. Fabrics range from the classic tweed and patent leather to a lighter shantung (so beloved by Mademoiselle Chanel), organza, tulle and lace. Bold geometric and etherial patchworks meld seamlessly with multi-color stripes and delicate floral and geometric embroideries produced by the famed ateliers of Lesage, Lemarie, and Montex. For day, trousers are cut wide and short or tightened at the hem, while skirts are either flared or cut in the pencil style ending just below the knee. For evening, blouses and dresses are richly embroidered with waistlines worn above the bust and highlighted by a velvet or grosgrain ribbon. As for accessories, there are quite a few standouts from this collection. Handbags are done in multi-color tweeds, sequins, bold brights, and a dreamy iridescent finishing that would make even the most discerning CHANEL lover swoon.
Having recently gone on what I told Darling Husband was a fact finding mission, after all proper research is invaluable, to the CHANEL boutique here in Montreal I can guarantee the collection is as exquisite in person as it is in these photos from the presentation. In fact, when seeing the craftsmanship and fine materials in person I would venture it is, if possible, even more stunning. Lucky for you darlings, the collection is currently available in CHANEL boutiques (in Canada and abroad) through May of this year. Happy shopping!
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