Uncharacteristically Chanel!!!

Chanel was uncharacteristically casual this season, and underwent somewhat of a fashion make-under!

Naturally, there were elements of the iconic and historic brand – with tweed twin-sets, layered pearls and the classic pastel and monochrome colour schemes.

However, this season, Karl Lagerfeld seemed to be inspired by a new age of Chanel fans; fashion IT girls such as Alexa Chung, Olivia Palermo and Mischa Barton have been putting their youthful stamp on the label by wearing Chanel items in a new edgier way than before and it seems Karl gave his S/S 11’ collection a shot of youth serum too.

Typical twin-sets were given a modern overhaul with hot pants replacing skirts, teamed with understated t-shirts and bold floral blouses. One of my favourite looks was the deceptively prim and proper tweed jackets worn over matching waistcoats teamed with barely-there hot pants and edgy accessories such as chainmail fingerless gloves and chunky metallic cut-out shoes.

Small-deconstructed details gave the clothes a raw feel; frayed hems, raffia-style feathers on tops and bouffant-feathered skirts and cuffs and even hemlines, meanwhile denim was given a new lease of life with perforated fabric almost resembling the infamous tweed print.

This is possibly one of the most wearable collections we have seen from Chanel in years –- Lagerfeld said that a new use of texture and re-working of fabrics make this a dynamic collection with something for everyone, and I have to agree… one of his new tweed jackets would work very nicely into my wardrobe!

However, not one to shy away from a little drama, the finale to the collection saw supermodel Carmen Kass parade down the catwalk in a show-stopping, feathery peach-coloured dress with metallic perforated shoes. Although the look didn’t necessarily fit in with the rest of the collection it was nice to see an element of Chanel showmanship in what was otherwise a very delicate and understated show.

So what can we expect to sift down from catwalk to closet? Next season, look for fabric details like soft feathers, raw edges, perforated fabric and even selvedge edges. Metallic will remain a trend but in a much more muted way than the bolder Christmas looks!