Gabrielle Chanel, whom most modern fashionistas know under the playful name Coco, was and remains a legendary figure in the fashion world for a reason. The woman, created and glorified by the brilliant fashion designer, became a real revolutionary who turned the consciousness of society upside down. Gabrielle knew how to not only create a momentary trend - her collections, invented in the twentieth century, are still considered classics of style and elegance, surprisingly harmoniously combined with versatility, convenience and practicality.
Today, the work of the talented Coco is continued by Karl Lagerfeld, a designer who also managed to become a legendary figure in the fashion world. He managed to preserve all the iconic stylistic techniques inherited from Coco, updating them with the help of modern fabrics, daring accessories, outrageous techniques and stylish accents that distinguish the fashion of the 21st century. The spring-summer 2021 resort collection show was no exception.
The Chanel collection is a source of inspiration for sophisticated business women
In the collection created by Karl Lagerfeld, the silhouette solutions remain impeccably feminine and comfortable, the fabrics softly drape, emphasizing the grace of the figure, shocking details coexist with the emphasized aristocracy of the styles, and trendy colors and decorative techniques unobtrusively add current accents to the collection. In 2021, the fashion maestro once again proved that he, like no one else, can create images for unpredictable, independent, active and infinitely gentle women.
A distinct note of antiquity brought a fresh breath to the collection. Lagerfeld, resorting to a bright and paradoxical solution, proved that fashion can become a time machine - his show brought back to the catwalks all the best that the ancient Greeks came up with. Intrigued? Well, let's dive into the world of high fashion and find out what new Karl Lagerfeld brought to it in 2021!
Chanel women's collection spring-summer 2021
All Chanel fans are annually on alert before the start of the next show. Their main goal is to pack their “alert suitcase” in advance and be ready to fly to Dubai, Cuba or Seoul, because the maestro is famous for selecting thematic locations for his collections that can create a worthy frame for his outfits. In 2021, Lagerfeld outdid himself by sending out invitations to visit... Ancient Greece!
The use of pastel colors helped achieve incredible femininity
However, most of the guests did not have to move in space, because the country of the Hellenes was recreated right in Paris, and the eminent guests were received by one of the Grand Palais galleries. The immersion in the era can be called absolute - the marble path ran along exquisite columns framed by rosemary and sage, an olive grove could be seen in the distance, and on the horizon one could see a series of rocky islands in the Aegean Sea.
Probably Karl Lagerfeld remembered Coco’s words, saying that the dress came not from drawings, but from sculptures, and every image of a girl should have a clearly defined shape. Lagerfeld explained the choice of the main theme with inspiration derived from Greek concepts of female attractiveness. In addition, Coco herself once designed the costumes for the theatrical adaptation of the tragedy Antigone, staged by Jean Cocteau.
That is why models paraded along the dilapidated Greek colonnade, showing off light tunic dresses, typically Chanel tweed suits, sundresses with a pattern of Greek amphora, satin trousers, flowing chiffon empire dresses and bright Greek sandals. In the 2021 collection, light tweed suits are reminiscent of marble, tunics are reminiscent of the statues of ancient Greek heroes, and women appear as goddesses who descended from Olympus.
The collection was complemented by bright, eye-catching shoes with ties in the Greek style.
As for the trends that were demonstrated by the house of Chanel in the resort collection, they are worth noting:
- a huge number of metallized textures, so relevant in 2021. On the catwalk there was not only sparkling clothing, but also a lot of golden armlets, belts, sword belts and sandals;
- elements of pajama style are embodied in relaxed silhouettes and patterns, which are so often found on luxurious silk night suits and translucent cover-ups;
- chiffon and chintz, the soft texture of which is hospitable to floral prints, became a definite hit;
- numerous plant patterns replaced the already boring flower buds on the fabric;
- Lagerfeld cleverly combined the careful inclusion of geometric prints – primarily various stripes – with ethnic elements and motifs;
- the color “ivory” was chosen as a full-fledged favorite of spring-summer fashion 2021;
- It's no secret that pastel shades are perfect for the sunny season. Lagerfeld's favorites this time included soft coffee, golden olive, delicate blue and quartz pink;
- the use of the color of the night sky, rich dark ocher and classic black became Lagerfeld's only nod towards rich colors. However, this background made the light part of the collection even more weightless;
- Belts at the waist emphasized the fact that a sleek hourglass silhouette was in fashion.
However, such a cursory listing of trends cannot reveal all the luxury embodied in the new collection from Karl Lagerfeld. The most significant trends are worth discussing in a little more detail!
Trend #1: Ivory
A delicate shade of ivory is a trendy alternative to white.
Wearing an outfit in white monochrome is a win-win solution for 2018. It’s not without reason that on catwalks around the world you can see an abundance of white dresses, skirts, trousers, suits, fur coats, coats and even jeans, and any cruise collection, regardless depending on the year of manufacture, it always has splashes of this summer color. However, the white color of 2021 has its own characteristics - it is not that pure cold shade that makes the image too “school” and strict, but a soft tone of ivory or ivory, softening the degree of stiffness.
Outfits from Karl Lagerfeld, made in this warm tone, are distinguished by sophistication and nobility, which is emphasized by the soft draperies of dresses, the weightlessness of lace blouses, the satin shimmer of trousers and the texture of tweed skirts. This impeccably elegant color pairs well with Lagerfeld's choice of gold jewelry and massive belts, which are embroidered with sequins and decorated with bright crystals. All this adds a touch of outrageousness and glamor so beloved by the designer to the outfits.
Sundresses in the Chanel 2021 collection
Sundresses in the resort collection are presented in two versions. First, there is a variation of the men's chiton: made of chiffon, in rich earthy shades of brown, yellow and sand.
The women's chiton is tied at the waist, has a drapery on the chest and a light fluttering hem to the knee. The second current sundress is a straight design made of thick fabric with long straps.
The oval neckline goes down to the solar plexus, so under the sundress you need to wear a top that is fashionable this season. On the Chanel runway, tight crop tops in skin tone were presented, and the chest area was decorated with an abundance of thin amber beads.
Trend #2: Greek dresses
In the new show from Chanel, the emphasis was placed on ancient Greek motifs.
Dresses in the Greek style have long been the prerogative of those involved in wedding fashion, but Lagerfeld invites all women to wear these light and harmonious outfits in 2018. Chitons and empire-style dresses in his design combined all the best that modern industry and Hellenic tailoring can give - chiffon, chosen as the main texture, made it possible to create smooth lines and exquisite draperies, as well as implement asymmetrical solutions that are so relevant in the new fashion year .
Any girl can safely try on such a dress - loose lines add a touch of aristocracy to any type of figure, and the high waist and straight silhouette allow you to wear this style even if your figure is imperfect. The highlight of the spring-summer 2021 collection was the use of the classic “ancient Greek” technique, which is experiencing a rebirth today - an armhole on one shoulder allows you to make the image even more fragile.
However, the maestro decided that it was necessary to diversify Greek fashion with current details - in the collection you can see many options for designing the neckline. Lagerfeld boldly used soft cowl collars and seductive V-necklines. In addition, the dress is not the only thing that can be made in the Greek style. Blouses in the color of aged bronze have become another Hellenic touch in the new collection of the Chanel house.
Black classic
At the height of fashion are loose openwork models (dresses and sundresses), quite long and always black. Lagerfeld, adhering to the aristocratic taste of the house of Chanel
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, showed how black and very unusual dresses can be combined with snow-white blouses and shirts, getting an image that mixes audacity and stiffness.
It should also be noted that there is a certain return to the style of the 50-60s of the twentieth century, which began to appear at previous shows.
Dresses made of transparent multi-layered chiffon in black and smoky gray tones, which surrounded the female figures in waves, turned out to be very elegant. A large number of flounces, ruffles and chiffon draperies demonstrate the light airiness of chiffon, and the colors are recognized as the winners of the 2021 fashion palette. The current length is ankle-length (see photo).
Trend #3: Dazzling Metallic
Golden abundance from the maestro of the world of modern fashion - Karl Lagerfeld
The top color trends of 2021 include all shades of metallic - from bronze to silver. However, gold, which has many different tones, is especially loved by designers. It can be assumed that the gurus of the fashion industry have succumbed to the gold rush, because how else can one explain the fact that each new collection contains dresses the color of aged gold, jackets embroidered with golden threads, and skirts that amaze with the most delicate pink-gold tint.
Karl Lagerfeld did not abandon such a bright trend, generously using precious metal in his new collection. The color of gold combines amazingly with the elaborate styles of Greek dresses, complements numerous draperies, sets off the lightness of blouses, emphasizes the luxury of corsets, and adds “expensiveness” to sweatshirts and suits in the sport-chic style.
However, this is not a complete list of Karl Lagerfeld’s capabilities - the wonder of the fashion world has put gold accessories at the forefront, so his products are decorated with shoulder pads with large gold sequins, complemented by emphatically shocking belts, belts made of gold laurel leaves, precious bracelets, sparkling sandals and handbags.
Trend #4: Floral patterns
Floral motifs have become a dominant feature in the spring-summer 2018 collection.
It’s no secret that the fashion world is gripped by a craze for floral prints. Coats and jackets, dresses and sundresses, skirts and trousers are decorated with a variety of embroidery, appliques, embossing and printed motifs in the form of pink buds, lush peonies, small wildflowers or sakura branches. Frankly, there have been so many colors on the catwalks lately that designers have become fed up with this feminine motif.
However, they are not going to exclude this elegant print from the list of favorites - it’s just that a variety of floral motifs in the form of banana leaves, palm branches and intricate vines are coming into fashion in place of flowers. This trend was also embodied in the collection from Karl Lagerfeld, who decorated his outfits with prints in the colors of autumn foliage and gold. Chiffon capes, light summer dresses, translucent blouses and cozy sweatshirts look even more feminine when framed by large leaves.
A non-standard technique was the combination of two techniques at once - the print printed on the fabric turns into a convex appliqué, which gives the image more volume. Another innovation of the resort collection is the use of muted combinations. For example, the contrast of golden vines against the background of a dark blue dress or cape creates an aura of mysticism around the girl.
Kaia Gerber is Lagerfeld's new muse
It is not surprising that the sixteen-year-old daughter of Cindy Crawford, who quickly returned the title of super-model, half-forgotten since the late 90s, to the fashion world, became the new muse of Karl Lagerfeld, the long-time permanent designer of the famous brand.
The collaboration between the maestro and the young model began with a show at Fashion Week in October, but now Gerber is already creating a capsule collection for the Lagerfeld brand - and triumphantly marching at the show of the couture collection. The girl appeared before the public in an airy powder-colored dress with a bodice, graceful boots sparkling with sequins, and a black veil, crowned with delicate flowers.
Trend #5: Corrugated fabrics
Dynamic horizontal and vertical corrugation in the new show from Chanel
Few design techniques can give a look more dynamism and airiness than the use of corrugated fabrics. Small, slightly uneven folds are a real hit of the new 2018 collections. Designers are so inspired by the possibilities of corrugation that they corrugate almost any existing fabrics and materials. On the catwalks you can see pleated skirts and dresses made of chiffon and satin textures, satin evening dresses and even ruffled leather jackets and skirts.
Fashionistas who like to wear not only beautiful, but also practical clothes should be absolutely delighted with this. Fabrics that have been subjected to this type of treatment do not need to be ironed, and the delicate washing cycle will allow you to keep the item looking as if it arrived from a fashion store yesterday for a long time. A distinctive characteristic of Karl Lagerfeld's ruffled skirts and dresses is the literally sculptural volume of thousands of tiny folds, creating a stunning 3D effect.
The maestro decided that there was no need to distract attention from the unusual technique with catchy prints, so the corrugated models are distinguished by their simple cut and monochrome design. Long dresses and floor-length skirts are made in soft milky, rich blue or brick colors. An exception was made for an outfit in which any Greek goddess would not hesitate to appear - a short ruffled skirt is gracefully complemented by an ornate corset, the design of which resembles an abstract canvas.
Fabrics and decor
The line of dresses made from flying fabric turned out to be amazing, light to the point of elusive weightlessness. Some were made in floral motifs with decor in the form of bright satin ribbons. Perhaps the most remarkable thing in this series was the appearance of a model in a full skirt with impressionist motifs and a feminine silk blouse.
Other dresses - narrow and seductive silhouettes - turned out to be embroidered with sequins of different sizes. The trouser overalls with sparkling sparkles turned out to be quite interesting. The main materials of the summer evening line are organza, multi-layered guipure and flowing silk, chiffon with decoration - a magnificent example of the painstaking manual work of the fashion house’s atelier workers.
Trend #6: Unusual tweed
Tweed outfits are a true timeless classic from Coco Chanel herself.
A tweed suit from Gabrielle Chanel is as iconic a fashion classic as the little black dress, the cameo with pearls or the quilted handbag. This fashionable novelty first saw the light of day in 1923, when Chanel created in the spirit of a distinctly English style and decisively introduced into women's fashion things that referred girls to a men's wardrobe.
However, the product made from democratic fabric did not initially cause much enthusiasm among the public - revolutionary ideas were not accepted at all as easily then as they are today. However, 30 years later, the tweed suit experienced a reincarnation - Coco presented her creation to fashionistas of a new generation, who embraced the practical and feminine suit of a fitted jacket and skirt with a bang. Since then, this product has become the hallmark of the house - now no collection can do without several tweed suits.
Karl Lagerfeld successfully picked up the baton, constantly offering new cuts, shapes, colors and decor of the product. The spring-summer 2018 collection was not on the list of exceptions - Chanel tweed underwent another transformation, and on the catwalk one could see suits in marble tones, light summer coats with large coin buttons, as well as dresses decorated with fringes in the glamorous boho style. Bright contrasts of black and white, black and terracotta, or splashes of gold threads add zest.
Chanel autumn-winter collection
One of the latest autumn-winter 2021 collections took place in the interiors of a fashion studio, where sewing machines, mannequins and rolls of fabric served as the background.
First, tweed suits were demonstrated, where traditional jackets combined with midi skirts and culottes came to the fore.
Festive luxurious dresses in neo-Gothic style were also shown: dark
colors with puffed sleeves, taffeta collars, decorated with feathers.
Trend #7: Tiered Jewelry
Multi-row necklaces made of many chains and stones are a must-have for 2021.
Jewelry made of golden, silver and bronze metal should be given the title of favorites of 2021. There is probably no fashion house that would ignore this trend - metal jewelry often takes the form of large geometric bracelets, voluminous earrings, textured futuristic rings, but the main hit has become entire bundles of metallized jewelry and sets of chains of different lengths and shapes.
In the resort collection from Chanel you can see current jewelry in the form of several chains decorated with beads and ethnic pendants. Also on the models you can see multi-tiered jewelry with large stones, metal chokers with floral motifs, as well as bunches of large and thin bracelets that refer us to the art deco style.
A special feature of the collection from Karl Lagerfeld is hair jewelry, which is experiencing another wave of fashion popularity. It is quite natural that the thematic collection of the Chanel house required authentic decor for the models’ hairstyles. The choice was obvious - headbands with gold laurel leaves and luxurious gold armbands with large stones, which the wife of any Greek emperor would not be embarrassed to wear in public.
