The general theme behind this year’s Karl Lagerfeld Fall/Winter collection is helmets. Or more specifically, how to stay stylish and chic while riding a motorcycle or scooter.
Karl Lagerfeld teamed up with Ruby, the French manufacturer of motorbike helmets for his fall/winter 2009 runway show. “But these were no ordinary ‘skid-lids’”, notes the Telegraph. “Lagerfeld had covered the helmets with chinchilla and mink, and ensured there was space for a little iPod pocket inside. C’est chic, le Bike!” Not only are the helmets fashionable, but they’re road-worthy as well.
Lagerfeld presented outerwear — coats and jackets — which match the stylish and chic designer biker helmets. Furthermore, one jeweled and sparkly helmet was simply paired with a dress adorned with the same jeweled detailing on the shoulders, around the waist, and just above the hemline. The lack of jacket made the helmet in this ensemble more a fashion accessory to complement the dress. Or it could be said that it showed Karl Lagerfeld’s awareness that some of his fall/winter fashion designs could also be worn during warmer months.
Also heavy in presence in the Karl Lagerfeld collection this year is fur. Lagerfeld has come under criticism in the past for his defense of the use of fur in the fashion industry.
Another recent trend that is noticeable is the emphasis of shoulders. However, Lagerfeld revealed an updated version of the classic shoulder pad. “Unlike the shoulder pads of the 1980s, these shoulders don’t jet out horizontally, but rather wrap around the shoulder like a bridge,” Karl Lagerfeld told reporters. “It gives the attitude for the whole look without looking like an old truck driver from the 1980s.”
The fashion collection was mostly black and darker colors. Some outfits had a definite medieval feel to them, with rope-like trim and velvety or fur-lined shoulders. A few models the aura of being stylish elves straight out of The Lord of the Rings or beautiful creatures from another world, especially given the intricate earrings/ear jewelry seen on the runway.
Sources: Telegraph
- AP
- Photo sources: AP and Guardian UK
