Chanel: White Light and Jet Black
By Timothy Hagy and Mari Davis
(Photos by Gruber-FWD)
PARIS, Mar 10, 2003/ FW/ --- Chamonix must have been on Karl Lagerfeld's mind as he sent out
a frosty wintertime medley for Chanel today.
"White Light" was the name of the collection, and that is exactly what blared from oversize
fluorescent tubes suspended above the long, silver runway.
The effect was so dazzling that Anna Wintour, who was sandwiched between André Leon Talley
and Suzy Menkes, reached for her sunglasses.
One of the most amazing things about Karl Lagerfeld's work for Chanel is his fresh take
each season, so that no matter how faithfully he interprets Mademoiselle's style, he manages
to infuse endless variety into his design.
Even Coco Chanel's penchant for unexpected accessories was also recalled with the
silver necklaces and large chain belts were wrapped around necks, shoulders, waists and wrists
of the models.
And it was clear from the well-heeled crowd today, that the appeal of Chanel reaches all age
groups, from the internet generation to the final days of December...
Models came out with their hair pushed back and fastened with white camellias to look as
if they had just returned from wind blown slopes.
Black tops were paired with white micro-short skirts.
Leather leg and arm warmers, also in black, heated things up, while pearl and silver necklaces, chain
medallion belts and diagonal black leather cordons polished them off.
Cocktail dresses were ornamented with white ruffles of fluffy organza, black satin sashes,
and ebony lace.
One billowing pair of slacks was sprinkled with silver for a look as sparkling as the crest
of new fallen snow.
The classic Chanel tweed suit brought subdued mauves, lavender and indigo into the color scheme.
You might take a double take at the silk tie-dye tops with feathery-fringed skirts, but
the idea actually worked.
Applause erupted as the lone male model appeared in a Chanel jump suit, helmet at his side,
and carrying his customized Nautilus machine emblazoned with the CC logo.
The gem of a glittering evening will certainly be a glistening champagne mousseline
full-length skirt sprinkled with sequins and worn with a sleeveless black leather top,
As the sound track continued to build to the tune of "Girls like Boys", snow fell from
overhead in huge flakes to pile high on the runway.
Karl, looking as if he didn't want to go out in the cold, made only a cameo appearance,
posing in an ultra-thin Hedi Slimane blazer.
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