The Chanel Metiers d’Art annual show spectaculars have become quite the razzamatazz in our little fashion calendar...
The clothes presented sit between the ready-to-wear and couture collections (i.e. artisan-level work but not made to measure), which have historically been shown in Coco-approved locations around the world – imagine a sort of traveling fashion circus, if you will. So far Karl Lagerfeld’s taken us to Tokyo, Shanghai and, last year, we were whisked off to his highland fantasy at Edinburgh’s Linlithgow Palace. On Tuesday, the Parisian powerhouse will be pitching up in Dallas, Texas, for the next installment (prepare for the instagram deluge). Here’s what you need to know:
1. The first lady of fashion, Coco Chanel, visited the Texan capital in 1957 to receive the rather serious sounding Neiman Marcus Award for Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion. We like the idea of the field of fashion – we imagine it is strung with multi colour peonies and hydrangeas with trees made of tulle and rains sequins.
2. If you thought Dallas was all cowboy hats and Western apparel think again. The women there love their fashion – and are spoilt for choice. They’ve already been treated to brand spanking new stores from Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and Christian Dior this year. May we alert you to Dallas resident and uber-fashionista Nasiba Adilova (of Buro247) shoulder-robing her Stella McCartney coat during Paris Fashion Week (see below).
3. Dallas fashion fans are seriously cool and clued up: beyond their beloved mega brands they’re all over the pride of London Fashion Week - think Christopher Kane, Mary Katrantzou, Erdem and Peter Pilotto - and they don’t half go crazy for a Nicholas Kirkwood heel.
4. In Dallas, before he unveils the collection, Karl will premiere his film ‘The Return’ which centres on Coco Chanel’s post-war return to the fashion scene, starring Geraldine Chaplin as the lady herself. Pertinently, America was hugely instrumental in rehabilitating the designer and supporting her designs (step forward one Jacqueline Kennedy – a fervent fan). Indeed it was a pink Chanel suit she was wearing in Dallas the day JFK was shot. Slightly morbid connection, we admit, but there you are.
5. We actually don’t think Karl will wear a cowboy hat for his finale bow (although clearly we are holding out for this moment). But what of a little jaunty black cowboy boot Karl? Chic and subtle, non? We await with baited breath. In lieu of western references, perhaps he’ll be channeling a little Sue Ellen et al? It’s too much to hope for, frankly.
Want to know more about Dallas women and how they really shop? Pick up the January issue of Marie Claire. Out now.
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