Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld: As Classy As It Can Be
By Mari Davis
Photos by FW

PARIS, Jul 7, 2004/ FW/ --- This morning at the Ateliers Berthier, Karl Lagerfeld (photo at left) presented classic Chanel haute couture looks that as classy as it can be, and as far away as it can be from the androgynous looks for Fall 2004 pręt-á-porter presented last March.

With black and white as the main color palette, Karl Lagerfeld sent out coatdresses with turtleneck collars that were sometimes cut double breasted with fringe hems just above the knee.

The detailing was superb and the embroidery was impeccable, one of the reasons why Chanel haute couture continues to be profitable when other houses see red on their bottom line. Wearable, classic and always beautiful, the Chanel’s suit timeless quality makes it a favorite among the approximately 1500 couture clients.

This season, Karl Lagerfeld added the hand ring as the accessory to have for fall. Never to be ‘blinged-out,’ the Chanel woman will be the envy of her sisters when she waves those enormous crystal roses and pearls adorning her middle finger.

The new must-have purse of the season – the rectangular handbag that looks like a box. Shown in black, black and white, or all white, it can carry all the usual ‘stuff’ a fashionable girl brings with her everywhere.

And she’s worried about the rain; she does not have to bring an umbrella. The hats can easily cover her precious coiffure.

Everything would have been perfect except for the models make-up. The over-emphasized white eyeliner, set as backdrop to long black eyelashes did not gel with the total look.

But don’t worry; you don’t have to copy the make-up when you wear anything or everything from the collection. The clothes are perfect and as classic as Chanel could get.

Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld

Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld

Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld

Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld