Chanel plays tribute to its atelier at Couture Fall 2016

Karl Lagerfeld honors the house's seamstresses by bringing the atelier to the runway

Playing host to Chanel Haute Couture this weekend, the Grand Palais in Paris was transformed into an authentic and enchanting recreation of an atelier. Lined with rustic cutting tables, the scene included the whole spectrum of creative equipment, from swaths and spindles of fabric and threads to mannequins, all set against a simple white background. Whilst Chanel is on a constant run of progression, both stylistically and socially, the raw setting of the Couture show pulled back elaborate visions, reminding us the French brand is as true to the creative process as ever (and which house is more connected to the art of couture, if not Chanel?). Karl Lagerfeld’s choice of such a humble scene was reminiscent of Coco Chanel herself, blossoming in her early days as a still under-the-radar seamstress.

The designs also kept firmly within the brand’s principals. Signature sophistication was caught in tailored suiting, cocktail dresses and exquisite, clean cut evening wear—all polished off with black arm gauntlets and high black boots. Following a string of the moment’s most notable models, Edie Campbell closed the show, pacing in a pale apricot beaded jacket with an elaborate ostrich feather train. Adding a youthful bounce, hair was crafted into impressive stacks of overflowing curls.

As elegant models emerged from “fittings,” the runway was, as usual, spectated by the hottest heads of the industry, including campaign girl Willow Smith perched on the front row with father, Will. Jessica Chastain also showed up in a full Chanel ensemble, complete with chic leather skirt.

Browse highlights of the Chanel Couture Fall 2016 below, and stay tuned for our behind-the-scenes pictures.

Originally published in V Magazine