If there’s only one show that everyone was looking forward to in Paris Fashion Week, it will be Karl Lagerfeld’s last Chanel show.
RELATED: A Tearful Finale: Karl Lagerfeld’s Last Chanel Collection
The Grand Palais in Paris was transformed into a snowy alpine wonderland. From the 12 Alpine chalets, long wooden benches, pine trees surrounding the exhibit, to a runway filled with powdery snow, in all honesty, we all wanted to be there no doubt.
To be part of the legendary Kaiser Karl’s last presentation for the storied French house was beyond a privilege. All of his friends in the fashion world, muses and models, the press, and even his fans couldn’t contain all the mix of emotions overflowing within them watching his final show.
And one of which who got to experience this once in a lifetime show was our foreign correspondent, Aimee Hashim. Recently, she gave us a first-hand glimpse of what’s it like to be part of such a historic event. Here’s her story:
“Destiny. That’s how I’d like to put it. The final show of my fashion icon, the legend Karl Lagerfeld—and being able to witness it, feel his legacy, his DNA in every design, every detail from the entire collection; indeed is more than just a dream come true. It was destined. For me to be part of that historical moment for fashion. Karl must’ve known I’ve loved him from the beginning. (Let this fan dream)
It was when I was merely 6 that I came to love the man whose hair was long and neatly tied or brushed to the back. I found him interesting, mysterious with his signature coat and tie.
My young mind had those pearls, black and gold, tweeds, and quilts tattooed on my mind.
Year after year as my love for fashion grows, my love for Karl and Chanel got deeper. It was classy, classic, chic and everything a woman needs. It speaks for itself. I have remained loyal to the brand for years.
His passing was so sudden that I was really affected. Of course, aside from the fact that I’ve already received my invitation for the show and was looking forward to seeing him in the flesh, I was shocked that someone whom I look up to is now gone. The whole world, not just the fashion industry mourned that day.
So when the day of the show in PFW arrived. Everyone was emotional. You can see that everyone wore Chanel, some took it to the next level wearing something like his black suit and tie ensemble with a hat too. Emotions were really high this morning. From the guests to the models strutting the runway. The show started with a request for a minute of silence to pay our respects to the man. Then opened by Cara Delevingne.
Penelope carried a long-stemmed rose as she closed the show with Kaia Gerber. Looking around I saw most of the people teary-eyed. The models themselves were crying as they took their final walk. As if saying goodbye to a chapter—a beautiful at that for the brand.
Karl might have left us physically but his work, his creations, his legacy lives on. It was all over the show. It was as if we all understood the language of Karl’s passion. Written in every masterpiece of his collection.
Skeptical about how the Maison will be after his demise.
A very good friend of mine and I were talking days before the show and we both agreed that we cannot imagine Chanel without Karl. The new creative director, Virginie Viard definitely has a big spot to fill. She briefly showed up after the final walk as a courtesy.”
All photos are from Macky Bautista and Sweet Escape
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