When it comes to curating Chanel fashion shows, Karl Lagerfeld’s extravagant themes have become as synonymous with the French fashion house as the clothes themselves. Acting like the most elaborate party planner in the world, his set pieces have included a Chanel-themed casino complete with slot machines, a classic French bistro, a supermarket sweep session and now a carnival in Cuba.
In an industry first - travel sanctions have only just been lifted on the island - fashion insiders from all over the world were invited to the culturally rich Cuban capital of Havana to witness the immersive fashion show. Here’s what you need to know about the Chanel Cruise collection show 2017…
Karl has no time for Uber
The French fashion house chartered over 170 vintage cars to transport all 600 guests to the show in the Cuban capital, Havana in one epic parade of candy coloured cars. A-list guests included Gisele Bündchen, Tilda Swinton and yes, Vin Diesel.
Chanel got inclusive
Forget high fashion being the preserve of the rich and the famous, Karl’s Cuban extravaganza was watched by hundreds of locals who lined the streets and balconies that overlooked the iconic Paseo del Prado - an outdoor promenade near the beach that was meant to symbolize the links uniting Cuba and France.
More cars…
Aside from the 170 roaring cars lining the streets, vintage motors made it into the Chanel Cruise collection, as did summer-ready tweed suits, optic Broderie anglaise and poppy souvenir t-shirts – this was literally, the perfect cruise collection.
Guidebooks were mandatory
Chanel gave every guest a guidebook so they could make the most of their time in Cuba. Gisele took a trip round Revolution Square, whilst models Binx Walton and Mica Arganaraz took a road trip from Havana to Viñales, a tobacco farming town that is home to incredible botanical gardens. In a convertible, natch.
The Conga got cool
The presentation ended with a Conga line, a Cuban carnival tradition and everyone’s favourite dance sequence.
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