Chanel AW19 – “The Beat Goes On…”

Today was Karl Lagerfeld’s final show for Chanel. Tucked into press kits on each seat was a hand-drawn sketch by Lagerfeld of himself and Gabrielle Chanel with his handwritten caption “The beat goes on…”.

The show opened with a moment of silence honoring the late designer’s 36 years as Chanel’s creative director, followed by Lagerfeld’s voiceover from a recent podcast saying his sets were “like walking in a painting”.  And once again, the Grand Palais, where he has staged Chanel shows since 2006, was transformed into a painting-like setting of an Alpine village featuring wooden chalets with smoking chimneys set amongst trees and snow.

From signature tweeds, done beautifully in the shape of wide, pleated trousers and sweeping coats, to a series of white fluffy sweaters and skirts, Lagerfeld’s final collection ended on a high note. Shearling boots, soft bags, Nordic motif sweaters, hair clips and a number of belts easily made the most wanted list.

Karl Lagerfeld will long be remembered not only as an immensely creative talent, but also a visionary who helped build Chanel into a $10 billion luxury brand. And, with Virginie Viard, Lagerfeld’s right-hand for decades, chosen as the new creative director of Chanel, Lagerfeld’s legacy will undoubtedly continue. “The beat goes on…”.