Waterfalls and PVC raincoats own Paris Fashion Week at Chanel SS18

Waterproof fashion has never been so chic

If there’s one thing that is guaranteed to get the style set out of bed early on a Tuesday morning (the show started at a relatively early 10.30am), it’s a Chanel show. You see, Karl Lagerfeld likes to tell a story, one that isn’t to be missed. His sets are the stuff of legends. Last season, he took us into space, with a little help from a rocket ship, and who can forget the Chanel supermarket, complete with monogrammed baskets and cans of soup?

The set

For the Printemps-Ete 2018 collection, Karl hosted us at the Grand Palais again, but this time guests were greeted by a giant cliff edge with working waterfall, decked in sumptuous greenery. There was a palpable sense of excitement as everyone milled about, taking selfies in their head-to-toe Chanel looks. I lost count of the amount of silver two tone boots on the FROW.

The theme

After everyone had settled into their seats, the show began. Kaia Gerber led the way after emerging from a cave (literally), making the wet theme crystal clear.

Mr Lagerfeld has a gift for turning the mundane into something altogether exciting, and just like that he has made the humble raincoat and rain boots THE must-have designer items for the new season.

The accessories

Raincoats were plain and clear, some embellished with crystals, others with feathers and sequins.

They were worn on top of classic tweed suits, monochrome separates and delicate chiffon dresses, giving them an unexpected modern twist.

As for the boots, expect to see them on every celebrity and fashion influencers’ feet during festival season. Clear, with that iconic black toe cap, they make us wish it could rain every day - finally shoes appropriate for the British weather!

The rain theme carried on with the jewellery, which resembled raindrops, from the oversized drop earrings to the bubble pearl necklaces.

The classics

This being Chanel (and thus catering to a clientele that spans all ages), there were more classic and wearable pieces on offer as well. Think pleated A-line dresses, tweed jackets and bermuda shirts mixed in with more directional frayed crop tops and metallic ruffle skirts.

With his SS18 collection, Karl has managed yet again to create fun pieces that capture your imagination, all the while cementing Chanel’s iconic and timeless status. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why everyone gets up early for Chanel.