How does Karl Lagerfeld do it, season after season?  He never fails to inject his own cool edginess into the ladylike aesthetic of Coco Chanel’s atelier - all the while keeping each garment remarkably beautiful and well-constructed.  This Chanel’s Spring 2008 Haute Couture show featured fashion wonder after fashion wonder, each accented with pompadours, sheer tights, and dainty flats.  Even if flats on the runway seem a little sacriligious to some - the horror! - Karl, as always, pulled it off with chic aplomb.  The clothes, like much of couture week’s offerings, featured a Spring-ready pastel palette.  The fabrics - only the finest, of course - ranged from ruffled to sequined to pleated, on delicate gowns, neat little tulip dresses, and one-shouldered frocks. In other words, it will be criminal if these dresses don’t hit the red carpet come Oscar time. 

Meanwhile, the showstoppers at Elie Saab and Christian Lacroix held true to their designers’ signature aesthetics -  Hollywood dazzle and elaborate, colorful whimsy, respectively.  Both shows were heavy on bright Spring colors like turquoise, coral, and lavender. 

Castle Starr’s asymmetrical cocktail dress features the same icy color scheme and modern femininity as Chanel’s latest creations.  Marc Jacobs’ coral pleated satin dress perfectly expresses the vibrant mood of the season.

  

Posted on January 28th, 2008 by ashley