Chanel Haute Couture: my virgin walk through the woods

I'm not sure which child of mine he promised to get us into the Chanel Haute Couture show, but somehow Cameron Silver did it.  And, boy, was it worth it! (no one has come to collect yet)  After walking through sleet and snow to make the Dior show the evening before, it was almost a relief to only have to walk along a boardwalk and through sand to get to Chanel. Held at The Nave of the Grand Palais, the setting was outside in the woods with birds chirping and baby buds on trees just beginning to show.

The models entered from the back, almost like ladies who had gotten lost from the party and had found themselves in an enchanted forest.  With drippy mascara and wilted feathers in hair, these confused and forlorn girls slowly walked through the sandy stage, looking up at the spectators in indifference.

My spring shoe must-have

My first Chanel Haute Couture, I was expecting heavy tweeds and aging suits.  But instead there were light frocks and beautifully sculptured thigh-high lace boots in ivory and black.  The show started in white and creams, dreamily urging us to relax into the heavenly world of Chanel.

The blacks started in, blending in the tradition of the Coco Chanel black and white dresses.  Empire waists and plays on French maid looks and even a touch of Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady made appearances.

Then the metallics began with black knits and silver metallic thigh-high boots.

  

Flowers and colors began popping up in the most beautiful beaded gowns, simultaneously with the increasingly frenetic quality of the music.  Models walked faster and one twirled about, happy to perhaps be free from the ball she had once been attending.

  

Things settled down again as ivory dresses rich in feathers, beads and silks reappeared in a dramatic way.  It was at this point that I think I whispered aloud, 'I don't want it to end...'

And then the two brides emerged through the forest, holding the hand of a small boy cherub.  Making his point known on his stance on the controversial French debate of Gay Marriage, Karl Lagerfeld gently reminded everyone that love and sweetness and tolerance could just be the thing to get you out of your own lost forest.