Colourful and festive Cuba is the latest inspiration for designer Karl Lagerfeld, who heavily utilised the warm colours of the island and fun-loving soul of its people in the collection's palette.
Chanel isn't synonymous with the jetsetting lifestyle of fashion's most stylish for nothing -- its collections seem to constantly traverse the globe, breaking out from its home city of Paris to increasingly adventurous destinations like Seoul and most recently, Cuba.
That's right, the colourful and festive Caribbean island nation is the latest inspiration for designer Karl Lagerfeld, who heavily utilised the warm colours of the island and fun-loving soul of its people in the collection's palette.
Here's what was premiered at the Chanel Cruise 16/17 fashion show at El Paseo Del Prado, Cuba, that started off with the right local flavour of guests being chaffeured to the venue in vintage convertibles and ended with the perfect bang of a Conga line for the finale walk.
Fedoras and suits aplenty
Stella Tennant opened the show in a sharp suit and fedora, channelling a seductive authority with pinstripe pants and thick clincher belt. The masculinity was gradually softened with softer fabrics in flared skirts and pants, accented by the tropical leaves motifs as well as flamenco sleeves of colonial Spain.
Breezy fabrics
Laidback chic was unmistakably the dominating theme for the rest of the show, with models not strutting but strolling down the catwalk in flats and sandals paired with equally easy-to-wear shirts and dresses. Breathable was the keyword, even with Chanel's iconic Camelia flowers appearing sparingly tucked under a collar or pinned to a pocket.
Casual improvisation
Think Cuba and what comes first to mind? Cigars and fedoras, in our books, both elements not missing from the collection. Some improvisation was spotted with the men's collection with fabrics being used as belts to make casual a crisp white shirt and jeans ensemble. Looks were tied together with monochrome loafers matched by neat jackets.
Rugged tweed
Of course Chanel's famed tweed was not missing either; for the location, it was given a more rustic and rugged feel with warm earthen tones that can match a sunset cruise or lively local market run. Suede shorts and Che Guevara-esque berets lent models a rebellious touch.
Hispanic ruffles
Hispanic ruffles added dimension to dresses, brought up a notch by means of intricate embroidery for a more festive look. Sorbet orange, lime greens and tender pinks paid homage to the vibrant landscapes of Havana in equally youthful shapes and cuts.
Cuba's convertibles
If you thought the convertibles made an appearance only at the start of the show, you were wrong. They proudly adorned some of the most iconic pieces from the collection, in skirts and even a few dance dresses. A must-have once the collection arrives in stores will certainly be the 'Viva Coco Libre' T-shirt that spells just the right amount of French meets Cuban fashion.
(Photos: Chanel)
Latest from Chanel: Its summer 2016 makeup gets sundrenched.