Ancient Egypt Meets Parisian Chic At Chanel’s Metiers d’Art Show In New York

Diana Bell-Heather   |   05-12-2018

The 17th annual Chanel Metiers d’Art show took inspiration from Ancient Egypt and paid tribute to the intricate and innovative savoir faire of the Maison.

 

Chanel Metiers d’Art 2018

Supplied

Karl Lagerfeld chose the Temple of Dendur in The Sackler Wing of Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York as his backdrop to celebrate the craftsmen of couture including feathers by Maison Lemarié, embroidery by Lesage and couture jewellery by Goossens.

 

“Egyptian civilisation has always fascinated me: I get inspired by an idea, which I make a reality,” explains Karl Lagerfeld.

 

Lines are clear and simple, shapes are pure, geometric and distinct: a graphic strength so dear to the stylistic grammar of the House. The silhouettes vibrate under the sun, with optical lines that are almost kinetic. The look is slender, lively and ultra-feminine, the hips emphasised by a wide belt, the shoulders highlighted with a plastron collar. Day dresses, suits and coats are worn knee-length, with a hemline that’s slightly shorter at the front, occasionally adopting the allure of a wraparound skirt.

 

From intricate needlework and bold embellishment, to the finest beading and tweed, the collection was rich in detail. Gold, so cherished by Gabrielle Chanel, is everywhere, from jackets, dresses and leggings, to boots, hats, bags and belts.

 

Chanel Metiers d’Art 2018

Supplied.

 

Styling was particularly strong, with many of statement pieces layered elegantly on top of one another with one key combination capturing the Parisian chic and Ancient Egypt in one. The first six opening looks all featured a muslin-like textured dress in an off-white hue that was worn under tweed suits and then later re-appeared under midi-length knits. The beauty was in their simplicity, and we guarantee that plenty of modest style stars will be adding that trick into their repertoire.

 

Following the show, guests including Penelope Cruz, Julianne Moore, Margot Robbie, Marion Cotillard and Lily-Rose Depp were whisked off to a Central Park location for a dinner and party.