Spring 2010...A Look Ahead By: Diane Paik

 Oh Karl, you did it again. Right when you think you’ve seen the craziest, most bizarre runway show, Chanel wowed the audience with an “old country barnyard meets high-fashion” inspired theme. Models emerged from a giant haystack dressed in neutrals and soft pink and blue colored knits, see through floor-length skirts, and the ever so appropriate, clogs. Chanel, known for textured knits, added a rougher twist on the classic look. Whether the models were dressed in full-bodied skirts or barely anything covering their legs, nude-colored tights with dangling chains or laced ribbon patterns were added to the mixture. There was a rustic air to the show, but little did anyone know about the naughty rendezvous that would occur at the end featuring Lagerfeld’s right-hand man Baptiste Giabiconi, Freja Beha Erichsen, and Lara Stone. As the gorgeous three started to roll around in the hay, Lagerfeld took his bow to a standing ovation.

Goosebumps and a slight shiver run down your spine when you take sight of a troop of models fiercely strutting down what seems to be an endless runway of Lanvin’s Spring/Summer 2010 show. Dim lights and a dark audience helped bring the illusion Alber Elbaz was trying to create inside the transformed warehouse. With minimal decorations, and a long runway, the clothes were sure to get all of the attention. Elbaz’s trademark of one –-shoulder ensembles made more than just one appearance at this year’s show. He took a fresher approach to the one-shoulder look by elaborately draping two big ruched sleeves. The color pallet consisted of bold pinks and reds, luxurious pewter, rich black, bright green, and blue. Not only did the fabric itself make a statement, but the detailing of the gold sequins and assortments of jewelry showered the garments. Lanvin’s look of class, sex appeal, and boldness was still relevant at this year’s show, and heads will definitely turn when seeing a piece of Elbaz’s masterpiece.