Karl Lagerfeld is by all rights and has repeatedly earned the respect of the fashion industry on his terms. His obvious admiration for the beauty of the female form was seen many moons ago when he started his collection. His appreciation for the female form was evident by the garments he designed, and the fabrics he selected to drape them with. Karl Lagerfeld set his own path from an early age and has only elevated his worth along the way.
While doing my research on Mr. Karl Lagerfeld, I found earlier interviews of him and saw for myself the growth, and the confidence he exuded then. But for me what earned my respect, (not that he needed it) was his appreciation for the beauty of various skin tones and ethnicity. He used one of my favorite models, Pat Cleveland, in one of his TV presentations. He saw talent, beauty and was not afraid to celebrate it. While the industry was still young and women of color were not being celebrated for their beauty. So it comes to me as no surprise that he would celebrate the beauty, fashion contributions that Egypt made to our society in this year’s Metiers d’art Show- Chanel.
Say what you may about why he, Karl Lagerfeld, and Chanel chose now to celebrate the beauty and diversity of people of color– it was done and it was magnificent. I was there in the space to taste the beautiful ambiance in the air– and it was delicious. He not only celebrated the beauty of one shade of people of color– but all shades from the lightest to the darkest. Just like it is in Egypt.
So for those of you looking for another reason to support Chanel besides the brilliance of their craftsmanship, artistry, and quality of their work and endurance of the brand. Here is one more reason–they celebrate the beauty, fashion that came from one of the worlds greatest place on earth–Egypt. All this while supporting the arts At The Metropolitan Museum in New York City.
Why should that matter? Well when we look at luxury and prices placed on certain things by some brands, many may feel that is not for me and maybe unexplainable. And that may be true. No argument there. But what we don’t know and what I myself had to appreciate are the incredible amount of work, time and talent are involved in putting on this production of this size. The number of people that were employed to present these beautiful work of art to life in a magical place such as The Met. I was flabbergasted.
You can’t simply look at these garments as just clothing–each piece is a work of art for the right person that will appreciate it, and understand the work put in each piece by so many people. That is what you are investing in when you own a Chanel piece. You will own a piece of history as cliche as that may sound.
You will have more appreciation for the work put in this brand when you learn more about the woman behind the brand Gabrielle Bonheur, Coco Chanel, and Karl Lagerfeld the man that single-handedly– (along with the fabulous team at Chanel) that brought the brand back to life.
The show production itself was simply breathtaking! The afterparty dazzling. There could have easily been over 500 people employed for 30 days plus to make this occasion happen in one night in two locations, inviting some of the top celebrities in film, fashion, art, and business. And brought to you by Chanel. So criticize the fashion industry if you want, but note that fashion is more then pretty garments overpriced– it really does save lives, by providing meaningful work that otherwise may not have been available to so many in these challenging times.
The Met and its staff not only hosted the event in their gorgeous space, but they honored the fashion industry with their brilliant section dedicated to Fashion with the Jewelry- The Body Transformed. A must see that featured a stunning vintage piece from Mr. Karl Lagerfeld among other fashion giants.
As you have already read from one of our previous articles–Charity And Your Registry A Perfect Combination, giving is the best way to show appreciation and love–not only materially but also giving of your time and talent.
So while Chanel may not have been on your radar prior to reading this article– you may want to at the very least check out the history of the brand, view some shows online and pop into one of their boutiques in a beautiful city near you in one of their 310 locations around the world — Paris, New York, and London to name a few.
Enjoy the little things in life–wearing Chanel.
** Be sure to click on images to enlarge.
