On February 19, Karl Lagerfeld died in Paris at the age of 85. The industry legend had been ill for several weeks and was absent for two of Chanel’s haute couture shows in Paris last month.
Anna Wintour described the loss, saying: “Today the world lost a giant among men. Karl was so much more than our greatest and most prolific designer — his creative genius was breathtaking and to be his friend was an exceptional gift. Karl was brilliant, he was wicked, he was funny, he was generous beyond measure, and he was deeply kind. I will miss him so very much.”
On Tuesday, the French fashion house showed Lagerfeld’s final collection for Chanel in Paris. It was a spectacle unlike any other, but it was a shock to the system, too — a somber reminder that one of the most prolific designers is gone. It was always going to be emotional, but with tears and tributes aplenty, the fall 2019 show marked an era ended.
For weeks, an outpouring of adoration and tributes for the iconic (and often controversial) German designer has dominated social media. Vogue Italia ‘s next issue sees Lagerfeld on its cover. And several exhibitions are set to open in his honor over the next few months, from Zurich to Atlanta, and bien sûr, Paris. Because what other way to celebrate a larger-than-life figure than ceremonious, souped-up displays of his greatest works ad infinitum? As the industry will never be the same, it will mourn Lagerfeld for some time.
As displayed at the Grand Palais, the iconic home of Chanel shows for the past few decades, Lagerfeld turned runway shows into million-dollar, Insta-bait spectacles; his productions as creative director of Chanel were breathtaking, and worth of endless rolls of film. From a space rocket to a sandy beach, an enchanted forest to a Havana street party, no expense was spared when creating the immersive Chanel world. They were the antithesis of the intimacy its founder Coco Chanel created with her salons, back in the ’30s and ’40s, but integral to Lagerfeld’s promise to propel the house forward — no matter how showy or flamboyant.
As editors, celebrities, and models watched Lagerfeld’s final collection trot down the runway covered in snow, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. No doubt Chanel devotees look to Virginie Viard, his longtime design partner who the Wertheimer family named as his successor, to carry on his legacy. Ahead, we’ve compiled some of the most moving — and significant — moments of Karl Lagerfeld’s last show for Chanel.
The Grand Palais
Lagerfeld’s favorite show space, the Grand Palais – which he once put a literal rocket ship into — was revamped once again this season. Guests entered a winter wonderland, replete with alpine chalets, a snow-covered runway, and mountain range background. No confirmation yet whether or not it was as cold inside as it was out.
Photo: CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images.
Chanel’s new creative director Virginie Viard closes out the show on the stop of Lagerfeld’s dreamy "Chalet Gardenia".
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.
The Clothes
Attendees were greeted with illustrations of both Lagerfeld and Coco Chanel on seats, accompanied by the simple words "the beat goes on…" Models emerged onto the catwalk to join in a minute’s silence for the adored designer, before Cara Delevingne opened the show in a monochrome houndstooth look.
Photo: Dominique Charriau/WireImage.
As with every Chanel collection, accessories honed in on the more literal interpretations of Lagerfeld’s vision.
Photo: Peter White/Getty Images.
A bright red monogrammed sweater that’s worth saving up for.
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images.
In addition to this white number, several Chanel logo bandanas were present throughout the show. Here, model Adut Akech wears one of the standouts.
Photo: Peter White/Getty Images.
Chanel’s fall 2019 offering didn’t lack in color, either — there was teal, hot pink, turquoise, colorblocked puffers (a future hot-seller, for sure), and more.
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images.
The Lagerfeld Loyalists
Lagerfeld’s loyal celebrity following came out in high numbers, like models Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer, to actress Kristen Stewart, multi-hypheante Janelle Monáe, and more — all dotingly wearing Chanel, head-to-toe.
Photo: Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images.
Lagerfeld muse Caroline de Maigret wipes away tears as she joins the crowd in a standing ovation.
Photo: Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images.
The Muses
Unsurprisingly, the show’s finale was its most emotive moment. Models like Mariacarla Boscono shed tears as they walked arm-in-arm to David Bowie’s hit "Heroes " — a tribute Lagerfeld would have wanted, we’re sure.
Photo: FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP/Getty Images.
Kaia Gerber, who walked sans colleagues Kendall Jenner and Gigi and Bella Hadid, was among the star-studded lineup.
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.
Grace Elizabeth charms in a classic Chanel tweed suit.
Photo: Peter White/Getty Images.
And Penelope Cruz, a longtime pal of Lagerfeld, closed out the show for her first-ever runway walk.
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.
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Source: Refinery29 – Georgia Murray