For Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer, Karl Largerfeld took inspiration from the space at Grand Palais the home of art and culture, turning the cavernous room into an art gallery.
The custom-made art works dotted around the space all referenced the codes of the fashion house. Exhibits included a quilted sumo wrestler, a robot made from bottles of Chanel No 5 and ladders made from the chain used on 2.55 bags. Artists referenced included Wassily Kandinsky, Jackson Pollock, Claes Oldenburg and Marcel Duchamp.
This was a cool collection. As may have been predicted by the set, it was inspired by art and, over a lengthy show, the theme was developed. A grey leather dress came with painterly textures while a print that looked like paint swatches covered ribbons of silk on draped fluid dresses. The most overt reference was a male model carrying a canvas and paint brushes.
Lagerfeld's genius when it comes to keeping Chanel relevant has been to weave the codes – tweed, chain, pearls and quilting included – into whatever theme he is currently playing with. The accessories are always talking points. Moving on from the hula hoop bag of last summer, some models wore two bags. This season it's about the backpack, complete with double-C graffiti and charms, and worn with a scowl by Cara Delevingne – as well as friendship bracelets, no doubt very expensive.
Chanel Runway Highlights
Smythson Keyring £60 mywardrobe.com 
Tickled Pink re-‐useable bag designed 
Babyliss Hair Straighteners £30 Asda 
Rosie Fortescue's Ipad/Iphone case from £30 
Bare Minerals Limited Edition Lipgloss £19 
