Chanel SS16

In true form, Chanel SS16 was shown at Paris fashion week last week in a traditionally elaborate setting, this time transforming Paris's Gran Palais into a utopian airport. Whilst usually somewhat obnoxious, this specific transformation, in a time where airports have become a dreaded reality felt like a real commentary on issues surrounding national security and the privacy we are willing to sacrifice in order to feel a sense of safety. 

Gran Palais for Chanel SS16

Another positive from the well thought out choice of scenery was the manner in which this was also communicated into the clothing, looks which encompassed airplane prints, relaxed fits and printed suitcases, the whole collection seemed to work together to create a real sense of luxurious air travel. 

Chanel SS16

Whilst usually layering countless prints over one another would contribute to an over-designed look, Chanel managed, through the use of simple silhouettes and clean tailoring of the knitted fabric, to create a casual, modern outfit which had many standout pieces. The most memorable of these, for me, was the playful knitted plane print tee, it combines a very current and stylish knitted tee with a slightly vintage pattern which gives the look a contrast between modernity and vintage. The minimal blue, red and white palette adds a sense of French patriotism which is refreshing when these colours are so often associated with the United States of America. 

Chanel SS16

Other standout garments from the collection include the reinvented tweed ladies suit, a piece that launched Chanel as one of the most influential design houses back in the early to mid 20th Century. The modernised suit, weaved from more vibrant colours, such as the cool blue and white, is reminiscent of the abstract paintings of Gerhard Richter but with a urban and geometric edge, a total image of reinvention. 

Chanel SS16

Chanel SS16 managed to convincingly use an extravagant stage to support their designs instead of showing them off and often distracting away from them. This allowed the clothes to fully be appreciated and the vast differentiation between the silhouettes, fabrics and patterns to represent a larger portion of the woman market.