First Looks: Cricket Bats and Colonialism in Chanel’s Cruise Show

Karl Lagerfeld staged Chanel’s 2014 cruise collection at an old nutmeg plantation in Singapore, of all places, described by WWD as “a colonial-style black-and-white bungalow with multiple wings.” The clothes were all black, white, and beige, and the runway was lit with yellowish bulbs that made everything look sepia-toned, much like Lagerfeld’s latest Chanel film (also, Marc Jacobs’ golden-tinged spring 2012 show  in New York). In keeping with the colonialist setting, many of Lagerfeld’s designs were cricket-inspired, complete with knee-pads and bats. As usual, the designer waved off questions about dull matters like historical references: “You don’t get into the details, you reinvent the details,” he told WWD.

In addition to guests Dakota Fanning and Carine Roitfeld, the show’s star model, “powder”-scandal-survivor and new Chanel face Cara Delevingne, had come straight off an 18-hour flight following Monday night’s Met Gala. But no matter! Jetlag is nothing compared to a giant feathery cape with matching fingerless gloves. Click through our slideshow for a selection of looks from the show.

See the full Chanel Resort 2014 collection.