CHANEL Backstage Beauty – Spring/Summer 2014 Haute Couture

This past Tuesday, January 21st, the venerable House of CHANEL held their Spring Summer 2014 Haute Couture show at the Grand Palais in Paris (not to be confused with the CHANEL Spring Summer 2014 Ready to Wear show), where the theme appeared to a fusion of futuristic/minimalist chic, displaying touches of ethereal fantasy via the use of prismatic sequins and the most delicate of feathers (the invitation to the show is seen in the opening photo). The exquisitely detailed fashion was grounded by some harsher touches with the help of halo effect manga-styled hair (all by Sam McKnight), the athletically inclined footwear, as well as the bold yet simple eye makeup (created by Peter Philips). Music was provided by well-known French singer/songwriter & multi-instrumentalist, Sébastien Tellier, which also included a full orchestra as well as an opera singer. The venue was both modern and organic, with rows of undulating seating for invited guests, and a rotating stage that held double staircases, nimbly used by the models. The wedding gown finale was lighthearted and visually stunning, as the model appeared in a simple but embellished sheath with a train accompanied by an angelic-looking boy, while Karl Lagerfeld appeared to take a last bow.

The looks created by Peter Philips seemed crystalline and pure; faces were left flawlessly bare with just the faintest hints of blush, while the lips appeared more toned down and just lightly tinted, leaving the eyes as the focus with their heavy & graphic black strokes of liner on the upper lid, winging out to an almost 60’s mod cat-eye, while thick lines of prismatic glitter lined the bottom lashes – bringing light to the entire face, and providing a clean contrast. The nails were subdued as well, displaying a soft pink tone, staying well in line with the entire theme.

The venue: the nave of the Grand Palais, with its rotating stage and double staircases used by the models (behind the screen), and the organic looking auditorium style seating.

The following short video highlights some of the details behind the show:

CHANEL Spring Summer 2014 Haute Couture

CHANEL Spring Summer 2014 Haute Couture, Bridal Gown

The exquisite and iridescent beadwork, inspiration for the makeup look created by Peter Philips

CHANEL Spring Summer 2014 Haute Couture

Here’s the lowdown on the backstage kit straight from their make-up artists: Hydra Beauty was used to prep, Perfection Lumiere Velvet Eclat Lumiere foundation, Correcteur Perfection and Poude Universelle Libre powder was used as base. On the eyes artists used Ligne Graphique de Chanel in Noir-Noir, Le Crayon Khol in Clair, Mascara Le Volume de Chanel in Black and Chanel lash curlers, brow kit and pencil. For lips and cheeks they chose Joues Contraste in Espiegle and Rouge Coco Shine in Satisfaction. Fresh pink Le Vernis in Frisson was used on the nails. All by Chanel, naturellement. (source)

CHANEL Spring Summer 2014 Haute Couture

To say that I am in love with every single look from this show (although I could probably do without the knee and elbow pads seen on some of the models), would be a serious understatement. The lightness of the clothing, coupled with the iridescent detailing and the sheer fluidity of it all, left me breathless. Mlle. Coco’s classic tweed ensembles were given a boost with sculptural waistlines, yet still managed to stay true to its original spirit, appearing fresh and new again. I even want to try and recreate that visually arresting eye makeup, although I’m guaranteed to be stared at funny. I don’t care; I loved it. Bravo, Herr Lagerfeld … bravo.

Photo credits: Vincent Lappartient for CHANEL, Vogue