Chanel’s cantering couture show delivered romance and feathers in bounds

This morning’s Chanel Haute Couture show got off to a galloping start thanks to Monégasque royal Charlotte Casiraghi - muse of the late Karl Lagerfeld - who opened the presentation at the Grand Palais Éphémère on horseback.

Wearing a black boucle sequinned jacket, black gloves and black Chanel riding boots, the equestrian, socialite and Chanel brand ambassador set social media ablaze with her dramatic entrance.

Parading about a set designed to look like an (incredibly chic) showjumping course, models wore a collection that played with proportion and clashing materials. A one-shouldered long-length sequin top was worn over a slit-front feather midi, a cropped butter yellow boucle jacket sat atop a sheer drop-waist ruffled mini, while a sequinned bra peeped out from a sheer bustier that dropped into a transparent tiered skirt.

Day-friendly looks came via tweed collarless jackets with crystal trimmings paired with free flowing trousers and smart, cinching overcoats and lace sleeved jumpsuits. Pop pink mini tweed dresses, sheer midriff cut-out gowns, and feather trims all suggested the couture customer is ready to party again.

Swan Lake black eye shadow gave girls attitude, while some were experimental with asymmetric makeovers; one black flick, one dark circle. Black swan eyes? Perhaps Julia Fox is onto something after all...

The closing bridal model dodged the heavy eye shadow, and floated in a silk satin pearl white dress with Lesage embroidered straps and sheer overlay. Back at the brand’s Spring 2021 Couture show the wedding look had processed in on white wavy-maned horse, while autumn/ winter 2022’s bride travelled by foot, navy Chanel camellias in hand.