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Chanel blends ‘hanbok’ with modernism at Seoul fashion show

May 5, 2015

Models prepare to walk the runway (Courtesy of Chanel/Twitter)

By Kim Jae-heun

Celebrities from around the world were in attendance as fashion mogul Karl Lagerfeld presented his first Chanel Cruise collection at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Monday.

Lagerfeld, head designer of Chanel, said that he loves traditional Korean clothes, “hanbok,” material and patterns.

“The concept is a modern, international version of a typical Korean mood, how we see it for the modern 21st century but with inspiration from the past,” Lagerfeld said.

The top designer’s Seoul show, brought a host of K-pop stars, such as CL and G-Dragon, as well as international celebrities, including Tilda Swinton, Kristen Stewart, Gisele Bundchen and Barbara Palvin.

The event was the second Cruise collection the French fashion house held in Asia after hosting one in Singapore in 2013.

The Cruise collection, or resort collection, began as an event to offer ready-to-wear clothing for wealthy consumers traveling on cruises during the winter season. Luxury fashion labels now open the event annually, including Chanel’s in May. They have become a barometer to see brands’ future trends for spring and summer lines.

The Chanel 2015/16 Cruise collection in Seoul was a show full of energy. Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel’s head designer and creative director, melted bright colors like fuchsia pink, coral vivid orange and violet into the brand’s signature woven tweeds and textured cotton. He used light and diaphanous fabrics such as linen, organza, tulle, lace and shantung – a type of raw silk that the brand’s founder Mademoiselle Chanel often favored. Lagerfeld completed the pieces with ethereal and geometric patchworks and multi-colored stripes combined with delicate floral embroidery.

The top designer took inspiration from the Korean traditional dress “Hanbok” combining Asian sophistication and a contemporary spirit. Jackets had large sleeves and rounded shoulders while the original costume’s flat or folded collars were hidden. Lagerfeld cut the trousers wide and short, with skirts straight or pencil-shape just below the knee.

Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, right, walks the runway with model Soo Joo and a child after the presentation of his 2015/16 Chanel Cruise collection at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, Monday. (Courtesy of Chanel/Twitter)

“I was impressed by his design of saekdong-jeogori (the Korean traditional jacket with sleeves of multicolored stripes) and the idea to graft origami as garments,” said Jung Ryeo-won, a Korean actress.

Some 1,000 VIPs including press and celebrities from around the world participated at the event.

British actress and fashion muse Tilda Swinton made her second visit to Korea, which she called her second home.

“Korea is full of friends for me,” said Swinton before the event began. “I am very curious about whites and colors. I am looking forward to seeing the show.”

Soo Joo, a Korean fashion model for Chanel, expressed her delight to perform the show in her home country.

“I have been working with Channel for two years and I am more than happy to show the modern and traditional side of Seoul,” Soo Joo said. Lagerfeld picked her as the Chanel muse representing Asia at the fashion show.

World renowned model Gisele Bunchen visiting Korea for the first time and Namie Amuro attended the show. American actress Kristen Stewart from “The Twilight Saga” film series was presented as a face of Chanel, while 21-year old Hungarian model Barbara Palvin was also in attendance.

Chanel model Jade de Lavareille of IMG models, said the Cruise collection as one of the best events she had ever taken part in.

“I started modeling two years ago and it is my second time with Chanel since a show at Brasseries Gabrielle in Paris, last March,” Lavereille said. “Coming to Korea on the other side of the world is such a different culture from what I am used to. People are nice and the places look so beautiful.

“I was really excited to model at the show because the clothes were so beautiful. I loved the colors and texture. It looked amazing in set and overall matched perfectly,” Lavereille said.