Bombay Paris

8/2/2019 Bombay Paris

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While the rest of the world suffers from the economic downturn, Karl Lagerfeld appeared tospare no expense for the latest Chanel extravaganza.The Metiers d'Art show, launched in 2003 as a homage to the label's workshop, saw the GrandPalais in Paris transformed into an Indian-themed dinner party.Guests sat at banquet tables, which doubled as a runway, compete with chandeliers, opulentcandle-sticks - and a feast fit for a king.

Set in the Grand Palais in Paris, models walked a circular runway bordered by two

lavishly set long banquets piled high with fruits, flowers, candelabras and there was

even a silver toy train that delivered decanters of liquor to guests (according

toStyle.com). In other words, it was fit for a kingor, in this case, a Raj.

The theme of the show was Bombay-meets-Paris and the clothing was a perfect

blend of the two citiesthink classic Chanel tweed jackets with Nehru collars and

done up in neon pink; metallic evening gowns cut to look like saris; and classic

French silhouettes pared with elaborate traditional Indian jewelry.

The collection was a restrained dance amongst the two historic cities. And history was

such a part of this runway story. First, there is the political history. Karl chose Bombay,

not Mumbai, the citys Marathi name, which was restored in the mid-90s. The name

Mumbai is said to have come from Mumbadevi, a goddess worshipped by the Kolis and

sometimes called Mumba. The ai comes from the Marathi word for mother. The

original colony of seven islands was called Bom Bahia (meaning good bay) by

Portuguese settlers in the 16th Century, and anglicized to Bombay when King Charles II

of England received it from his Portuguese father-in-law, who provided the colony as

part of a larger dowry (!) with his daughter, Catherine of Braganza.

There were so many references to the British influence in India in this collection. First,

there was the lavish setting for the show.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2070790/Chanel-Metiers-dArt-Karl-Lagerfelds-opulent-Indian-

inspired-fashion-runway.html#ixzz1mBNuh2meThe Grand Palais was transformed into a high tea

room complete with pastries and tea was it chai or Darjeeling, I wonder? And were

there petit fours as well as petite pakoras, done Parisian style? Was it a display of

riches, not to be touched or all consumed? The collection was certainly all-consuming.

There were references to the uniforms of Mughal Empire chowkidars.


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Fashion feast: The Grand Palais in Paris was transformed into an Indian-themed dinner party for the Chanel Metiersd'Art show


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They dined using gold-plated cutlery and were served by waiters throughout the show - a far cryfrom the champagne and canapes usually served.


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While the fashion was impressive, all eyes were on the stunning details. A metal track was positioned on the table between the runway as a silver train - sporting theChanel logo of course - ran around the


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White out: The pre-fall 2012 collection features a combination of white and gold


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Extravaganza: Models are greeted with a round of applause as guests dine on the runway

But the event was tinged with a touch of sadness as couturier Francois Lesage, head of therenowned embroidery atelier acquired by Chanel in 2002, died last week, aged 83.But as usual, the show must go on - and go on it did.


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Accessories all areas: Head jewellery and turbans were the order of the day

Models, adorned with accessories including head-jewellery and turbans - also for men - walkedthe epic runway sporting the 2012 pre-fall collection.Creative director Lagerfeld often looks abroad for inspiration.

Previous shows have been named Paris-Byzance, Paris-Shanghai and Paris-Moscow.


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Eastern magic: Fabrics featured lace embroidery and gold motifs, inspired by Indian textiles


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East meets west: The show carried all the Chanel trademarks - including tweed and pearls

This time, stunning embroidered fabrics featured embellishments teamed with the usual Chaneltrademarks such as tweed and pearls.Models wore ethnic-inspired sandals made of leather.Stella Tennant, who was voted model of the year at the British Fashion Awards recently, wasthe star of the show as she accompanied the designer down the runway


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All in the details: The set was more impressive than the fashion

All aboard the Chanel train: Tracks ran along the central table

And there is no break for Karl, who is so obsessed with his work, he doesn't even plan on takingtime off for Christmas.The designer told Style.com: 'Everyone I know is leaving [Paris], but I stay home because it'sthe only moment I can work on the Couture quietly, sketch, and take care of my books andhouses - all the things I never have time to do the rest of the year.'For me the ultimate luxury is to be alone, to have time for myself, not look at my watch, and dowhatever I want, whenever I want.'


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Grand Finale: British model Stella Tennant accompanies designer Karl Lagerfeld to mark the end of the show


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Bombay Paris

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