Chanel SS14: Vibrancy of Modern Art
Chanel’s SS14 Ready to Wear Paris Fashion Week runway transformed the Grand Palais into an art gallery.
Artists, interpreting the painters’ palettes and materials, inspired Lagerfeld as he created an encounter between art and fashion. From the garments to the décor of the space, Lagerfeld created the complete experience, reinforcing his desire to bring art into the SS14 presentation.
The catwalk was marked with 75 installations, entwining the Chanel brand within the aesthetic and language of contemporary art. While patterns on dresses were reminiscent of paint swatches and were applied to the dress in the same texture as a paintbrush would.
The House’s celebrated tweed was woven from ribbons of chiffon, organza, lace and plastic threads. Presented in a less refined style than past collections numerous tweed garments were frayed and torn. Karl Lagerfeld played with the codes of the suit, combining in it three, four or five separate pieces. The iconic Chanel jacket was explored in multiple ways presented slim and sleeveless, supple and belted, as well as cut open on the bust and structured with square shoulders.
Jay Z’s ‘Picasso Baby’ was a fitting soundtrack to the show, the performance art piece is Jay Z’s recent statement on the relationship between the art and music world. Tracks from De La Soul also featured.
