Paris Fashion Week: Welcome to Chanel Airlines, Karl Will Be Your Pilot

Karl Lagerfeld, of late, has been somewhat obsessed with the domain of the proles—this idea of populist spaces, except they’re “elevated” to his standards of Chanel bourgeoisie. Recent runway shows have included a Chanel supermarché and a faux feminist protest, both of which were received with giddy enthusiasm, so his Chanel Airlines counter for Spring 2016 is very much a continuation on a theme.

The success of the Fall 2014’s grocery store theme was measured in part by its Instagrammability, so this airline waiting counter, so clean with its throwback gleam to the Pan Am days of yore, was designed to repeat that success. (And look, there’s Eva Chen, plopped in the waiting area for her flight to planet No Insta Left Behind). Tantamount to the theme was the idea of the international jetsetter, as evidenced by layered, voluminous silhouettes borrowed from Indian patiala salwar and kurta with nehru collars, as well as slim-fitted suits and hats that recalled Argentine gaucho clothing among Chanel’s typically Parisian proper suits.

It’s an interesting take—Lagerfeld’s clearly feeling global, although as ever the concept of French chic is the center from which he emanates, and it’s iffy whether the thesis goes beyond that, particularly noting the forever lack of model diversity on his runway. (For a clearer example of this thesis done very clearly, witness Ashish’s Spring 2014 collection.) Maybe the mirrored eyewear and silvery driving gloves were more succinct: items from Karl’s personal catalogue, more reflective for him to see himself with, my dear. Or, perhaps, all these models are going skiing after the show.

OR ARE THEY HIKING IN THEIR FUCKING HIGH FASHION TEVAS?!?! EXCEPT THEY LIGHT UP LIKE AN AIRPORT RUNWAY! I LOVE THEM AND HATE THEM AT THE SAME TIME! KARL IS TRYING TO KILL ME!