DALLAS, May 1, 2007/ FW/ --- Those who are used to the formal Chanel suits has a surprise waiting for them come Fall. Karl Lagerfeld decided to lighten up the brand and created 1970s inspired suits and jackets that will be fun to wear.

Oh, don’t worry, the traditional Chanel clientele will be happy, also. There are a lot of tweeds and suits to choose from. Still, because they are baby boomers and 1970s was the time some of them underwent those ‘Growing Pains,’ do not be surprised if they picked up the graphical pantsuit sets.

Now, why is this collection groovy and fun?

First, it is full of color – red, purple, yellow, aqua, blue were generously interspersed with the signature Chanel tweeds and houndstooth. It seemed like Karl Lagerfeld was playing with Pantone colors and decided to choose the brightest and grooviest of them all.

Second, the spirit of Yoko Ono was a thread that binds. Hair was straight and long, sometimes done with bangs. And for the more adventurous, Karl Lagerfeld recommended crimping your golden mane.

Third, that San Francisco feel of the hippie movement and anti-war protests during the 1970s were celebrated in the checks and plaids made into coat dresses with wide lapels, tiny ruffles and banded waists on the brief jackets with puffed sleeves.

Fourth, leather and nylon were present. Leather suit dress and quilted nylon sleeves on a hooded windbreaker.

High waists, mostly empire dominated the dresses for both daywear and eveningwear. Now, these selections would appeal to both baby boomers and echo boomers. Karl Lagerfeld thought of everything.

Chanel

Chanel

Chanel

Chanel