PARIS, Oct 8, 2004/ FW/ --- It was bound to happen, reality creeping onto the catwalk. And in a masterful stroke by Karl Lagerfeld, he just made Chanel hotter than ever, and made it the quintessential fashion brand of all time by bringing the red carpet and its denizens at Le Carrousel du Louvre this morning.

The drama began even before the season started, when photographers as they received their credentials got a note saying that to shoot the Chanel show they have to wear a black jacket and black pants.

Rumors became rife that there is going to be a movie being shot during the Chanel show, with no other than Academy Award winning actress Nicole Kidman in the lead role. Add to the fact that she is the current face of Chanel No 5, everyone believed it and for those who were unsure, they agreed that the beautiful Australian actress would at least be there.

And so it came to pass that Nicole Kidman sat front row at Chanel, after a visit backstage. At the end of the show, when Karl Lagerfeld took his bow, he gave her a warm hug and kiss and that was when the pandemonium started as photographers mobbed the actress and everyone on the red carpeted catwalk that included top models Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell became second fiddle to the hottest star in Hollywood.

If Nicole Kidman is hot, the Chanel Spring 2005 presented this morning was hotter that it can only be compared to the heat generated by the sun during summer.

The classic Chanel suit that came in different shades of gray, pink, houndstooth and black was cut snugly, defining the body making it very sensual. To call it sexy will be a misnomer because the class that the Chanel name evokes comes first and foremost. It’s elegant, it’s regal, and it’s Chanel in all its glory.

There’s a youthful and modern element to the collection as Capri pants, matched with a Chanel coat that is fringed at the hemline was seen alongside a simple houndstooth dress with a black petticoat showing at the hem and matched with a jacket of the same material cut just below the breast to continue in black and embellished with leather.

This is Karl Lagerfeld’s interpretation of street wear for the young Chanel ladies that the designer has successfully attracted for the past several seasons. Heiresses like Gillian and Lydia Hearst, the new darlings of the upscale New York crowd would definitely love these young Chanel styling.

Continuing on the mannish looks that he introduced last season, Karl Lagerfeld sent the models wearing neckties. New this season is Chanel’s interpretation of the mackintosh – reversible khaki and signature Chanel houndstooth.

And if you’re wondering if there are boys in Chanel again, like last season, yes there were, presenting a capsule collection.

To imitate the red carpet scene, as what the theme was about, the boys and men of Chanel walked alone or as escorts of the lovely ladies. As they say in Hollywood, having a handsome man at your side is the best accessory.

Speaking of accessories, Karl Lagerfeld delved into high tech gadgets this season with a mini flat screen TV as the belt buckle! And though the models was not seen carrying iPods, be rest assured that there is something among the bevy of accessories shown to hold the ubiquitous music player.

Everything was lovely, but the true stars of the show are the evening gowns. This might be pręt-a-porter, but you can be assured that the Chanel artisans were hard at work for this collection as the beading and embroidery are so reminiscent of haute couture.

Herein also lies proof that Karl Lagerfeld and the whole Chanel organization truly have their fingers on the pulse of the luxury market. As demi-couture becomes more popular, Chanel is also delving into the market with a special treat – their demi-couture is actually done by haute couture artisans.

Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld are on top of the world with this collection. Not to take away from Nicole Kidman who is truly a great actress and a lovely person in her own right, the show would be a hit even without her sitting on the front row.

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