Chanel RTW Autumn/Winter 2011/2012

Apocalypse Now

Darling, shall we dress our best for Armageddon? Indeed, at least according to Chanel. Karl Lagerfeld has unveiled a fairly dark presentation with a matching post-apocalyptic backdrop for Paris Fashion Week. The set-up at the Grand Palais was quite profound featuring smoke, fog, and ash descending upon the barren wasteland and a runway comprised of metal planks. The fashion, however, was equally striking. Given the number of female models styled with trousers and blazers, there was absolutely no hidden agenda for the inspiration behind the new fall collection: menswear. With boxy shapes to tailored silhouettes, the designs were loyal to Chanel's trademark aesthetic of practicality and simple elegance. Complementing the rather gloomy presentation was the overall dominance of blacks, greys, and whites with rare appearances of a deep red or dark green. Still, the collection was strong and would probably please Coco Chanel herself, especially with models posing with firm expressions and hands in pockets as she did. Nonetheless, the apocalypse looks to be relatively promising if styled by the House of Chanel.

All photos courtesy of Womens Wear Daily