Chanel Resort 2017-18

BY: Claire Connors

Greece is the word for designer Karl Lagerfeld who set the Chanel 2017-18 Resort fashion show in the birthplace of Alexander the Great. Actually, it took place in the heart of Paris, as always, but you could have fooled us. The ethereal models floated down the authentically ruined runway past crumbling Grecian columns and eucalyptus bushes, displaying 85 looks inspired by the ancient, sun-bleached islands floating in the turquois Algerian Sea.

Using the familiar tweed fabrics made famous by Coco Chanel herself, Lagerfeld updated the classic suit into midriff-baring jackets, mini skirts, and elegant shifts. “It still looks like Chanel, even if she never did it this way,” says the designer with a wink. Case in point, Lagerfeld’s sassy knee-high gladiator platform sandals in bright island colors like blood orange, Mediterranean Sea blue, and sunny yellow. We predict these will be seen on beaches and city streets very soon.

Much of the line is perfect for the youthful, Ibiza-bound buyer: body-skimming Greek goddess columns in sand-hued silk with gold embellishments, red and black pottery maxi-lengths dresses reminiscent of the ubiquitous ancient pots found on archaeological digs, 60s retro one-piece bathing suits and high-waist bikinis with airy cover-ups, and sexy, thigh-skimming tunics. “The Greeks didn’t hide the body,” explains Lagerfeld. “It wasn’t something to be ashamed of. The body was important and the clothes went with the body. It was easy and not contrived and this is the modern message for me.”

At the show’s end, Lagerfeld walked the runway with his youngest model and blew a kiss to Vogue Editor and Chanel-lover Anna Wintour, knowing she was already planning her wardrobe for next winter’s trip abroad.

Enjoy the full runway show for Chanel Resort 2017-18 above. Available November 2017.