Chanel show at Linlithgow Palace

Back in the 1920s Gabrielle Chanel fell in love with Scotland, its heritage, the countryside and, of course, the tweed that she used to make Chanel signature bouclé suits. Needless to say, the tweeds and cashmeres were made in Scotland, so it wasn’t surprising to hear that in October the brand decided to buy a Scottish cashmere manufacturer Barrie Knitwear that has been producing Chanel cashmere for over 25 years after the company went into administration in August.

Then it was announced that Karl Lagerfeld was travelling to Scotland to show his Metiers d’Art collection on 4 December to celebrate to pay his tribute to Mademoiselle Chanel, rich history and craftsmanship.

And what a show it was! Hosted at Linlithgow Palace, the 16th century castle in West Lothian, the “Paris-Edinburgh” was simply spectacular.

Being true to himself (and a pure genius) Karl beautifully mixed the past and the present producing 70 looks from casual (if Chanel can ever really be casual) Highland-inspired ensembles featuring ghillie hats, knickerbockers, tartan jumpers, oversized scarves and brown version of 2.55 to beautiful white gowns made from wool, chiffon, feathers and lace that even Mary Queen of Scots who was born at Linlithgow, would love.

If Mary inspired the gowns, Elizabeth I was certainly though of when it came to the hair that was corn-rowed and decorated with pheasant feathers by Sam McKnight.

It was fantastic, fabulous, unexpected, theatrical and unforgettable. A special moment in fashion history that’s worth talking about and adding to the memory bank.

Photo source: vogue.ru, chanel.com