Sewing machines, mirrors, fabrics, threads, toiles and mannequins bring guests behind-the-scenes to the work, hours and passion that go into the making of each Chanel piece.

In the glitz, glamour and gild that is Haute Couture Fashion Week, it is easy to forget that the breathtaking creations you see on the runways once started out as humble singular materials, painstakingly put together by the hands of an artisan into the stunning pieces you see on the world’s red carpets.

To ring home that reminder, Karl Lagerfeld put the spotlight on Chanel's talented team that made it all possible with its Fall/Winter 2016 haute couture show, transforming Paris’ Grand Palais into a replica of the house’s workshops. 

Sewing machines, mirrors, fabrics, threads, toiles and mannequins bring guests behind-the-scenes to the work, hours and passion that go into the making of each Chanel piece, offering everyone a glimpse into the artistry of one of the most successful names in fashion.

The result of all that savoire faire? A collection of tailored jackets, wide trousers and fluid dresses, brought to life by the combined talents of human embroiderers and seamstresses.


 Structured jackets 

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Jackets are sleek and structured in this collection but relaxed by being elongated to fall past the hips and paired with wide calf-length trousers. Chanel's signature tweed is heavily used in each piece and dressed up with crystals, embroidery and sequins. 


Classic suits

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Classic suits are given a feminine touch by being worn with pleated or flared skirts. Angular-cut shoulders matched with nipped hips that highlight the waist make for a series of looks that leans towards androgyny. 


Fluid dresses

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Evening dresses are long and fluid, falling with the shape of the body to accentuate curves and exaggerate movement. They take on a highly elegant aesthetic, being crafted from a variety of materials the likes of taffeta, chiffon, crepe and silk, and trimmed with beads, feathers, lace and fur.


High-waisted frocks

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A selection of dresses also  come straight and high-waisted to promote a leaner, taller silhouette. Intricate stitchings, braids and ruffles add bold detail to some while girly bows and floaty feathers  adorn others for a pinch of whimsical.


Pastel flowers

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The dark, sombre colours begin to lift towards the end of the collection with dusty pastels replacing the black and dark blue. Femininity shines through now with enchanting flowers crafted from embroidered stones, sequins, beads, feathers and more.  


Piece de resistance of pink

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The showpiece of the collection this year is this stunning modern take on a jacket that trails off into a full regal train, made even more spectacular with sequins and tulle embroidered all over it, trimmed with feathers. 


Log on to the official Chanel website here to browse the full collection.

(Source: Chanel)

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