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Chanel finds new inspiration in Korean aesthetics
The Chanel Cruise collection for 2015/16 was a tribute to Korean aesthetics.
Models wore large braided wigs, or “gache,” a key accessory for women of noble birth during the Joseon period.
The elegant decorations traditionally worn on the wigs were reinterpreted as brooches and accessories that added a Korean character to each look.
Karl Lagerfeld, creative director of Chanel (right), walks the runway with models for the Chanel Cruise collection 2015-16 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza on Monday in Seoul. (Chanel) |
Chanel’s signature tweed ensemble featured large sleeves, round shoulders and high folded collars -- distinct silhouettes of hanbok blouses. Geometric patchwork, traditionally used in accessories and covers, found a new place in an airy dress and a jacket.
The empire waist line of hanbok added sophistication to evening dresses. The black see-through organza blouses and dresses turned into glittering statement pieces with mini versions of Korean accessories.
A model presents a creation of the Chanel Cruise Collection 2015/16 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul on Monday. (Chanel) |
A DDP official said Chanel decided on Seoul as the destination for the 2015/16 Cruise collection after they saw a huge response to an archive exhibition on the French fashion house in August last year.
The “Culture Chanel” exhibition that traced Gabrielle Chanel’s life and her design inspirations drew about 150,000 visitors.
A model presents a creation of the Chanel Cruise Collection 2015/16 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul on Monday. (Chanel) |
A model presents a creation of the Chanel Cruise Collection 2015/16 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul on Monday. (Chanel) |
A model presents a creation of the Chanel Cruise Collection 2015/16 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul on Monday. (Chanel) |
A model presents a creation of the Chanel Cruise Collection 2015/16 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul on Monday. (Chanel) |
A model presents a creation of the Chanel Cruise Collection 2015/16 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul on Monday. (Chanel) |
The Monday show drew a thousand guests and a slew of top international celebrities such as Kristen Stewart, Tilda Swinton and Gisele Bundchen and Gaspard Ulliel, as well as K-pop stars Choi Si-won of Super Junior, G-Dragon and Taeyang of Big Bang, Crystal of f(x) and CL of 2NE1 and Yuna of Girls' Generation.
By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)