Show report: Chanel S/S'12

By Helen Russell on Tuesday 4 October 2011

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Chanel S/S'12 Imaxtree

In a bleached, underwater wonderland complete with vast porcelain shells, plaster coral and eerie fish shapes, Karl Lagerfeld unveiled his epic marine-inspired collection for Spring Summer 2012.

If fashion fatigue had started to set in by the penultimate day of PFW, Chanel was the show to get everyone excited again.

As well as the A-list front row (think Leigh Lezark, Uma Thurman, Clemence Poesy, Alexa Chung, Poppy Delevigne) and stunning setting, guests were treated to a live set from Florence Welch and the largest collection we’ve seen all season. 

SEE THE STARS FRONT ROW AT PARIS FASHION WEEK

From black, seaweed effect skirts to sequin ‘scales’, trailing organza fronds and ragged coral-esque looped fabrics, the pony-tailed king of style took us on an underwater odyssey for Spring/Summer. The accessories followed suit with conch clutches, silver ankle boots and beaded spray chokers.

There were nods to Chanel’s heritage with classic Coco pearls scattered through models’ hair or trickling down spines as well as box jackets with three quarter length sleeves, worn over white camisoles and neat pencil skirts for 2012.

Texture was key, with plenty of mesh and laser-cut fabrics as seen at Victoria Beckham and Versus, as well as shimmering sequins and super-soft leathers.

The result? A cool, fresh collection and a Grand Palais-full of fashion folk seduced by Chanel for another season.

SEE ALL THE LOOKS FROM THE CHANEL SHOW HERE