Chanel - The Metier D’Art show 2011/2012- Paris Meets India

As a massive Lagerfeld fan I find it hard to criticize anything he designs and this showcase is no exception! Displaying deeply extravagant textures and embellishments, Chanel held its Paris-Bombay Metier D’Art Show today in Paris. The Metier D’Art show is an annual event that Chanel puts on to promote the intricate and exceptional work of artisans, embroiders and gold smiths – all which play an important role in couture design.


Lagerfeld displayed beautiful rhinestone-studded dress coats shaped like salwar kameezes, long sari-styled dresses and flowing Rajasthani silk skirts. The trademark Chanel cropped tweed jackets were paired with thigh-high leather boots emulating the churidar pyjama style. I really like the tailored cream jacket which looks very similar to a sherwani, made to look feminine with dripping jewels.

Knee-length silk skirts also had the fancy draping of a sari and the evening gowns were fitted with sweeping lengths of fabric the models draped over their heads. Keeping the colour palette mostly muted with pretty golds, silvers and creams the embellishments and accessories really pulled the looks together. I honestly believe accessories and styling are just as important as the clothes in a fashion show. I very clearly remember wearing designs for a top Pakistani designer and the way she draped the outfit on me for the runway was sensational. A gorgeous outfit with little or no styling can look lack-lustre and doesn’t do the outfit justice.

This show being Chanel and clearly with no budgetary constraint, really pushed out the boat with accessories! All the models appeared adorned in jewels. From chokers, chandelier earrings, gold anklets and beautiful pearls and chains, they were all seen. My favourite is the striking image of the model wearing a nose-piece in her hair. The make up was kept somewhat “Indian” with natutal blush, eyes lined heavily with kohl and nude lips. Hair was swept up high and rightly so – showing the neck and shoulder detail on the jackets.

The show itself was reminiscent of a royal banquet with models walking past guests as they sat on straight tables running along the sides. The press pictures from the night look sensational and the white and silver back drop of the show lends to compliment the collection really well.

There are so many images but I have picked the looks I loved the most. The collection will be available to purchase in Chanel around May 2012 in Paris.

Gulzaeb x x x

This is my favourite look; Chanel tweed jackets and Indian accessories