CHANEL F/W 14-15

On Tuesday March 4 2014, Karl Lagerfeld transformed Paris’ Grand Palais into un grand magasin – a giant Chanel supermarket.

Showcasing an epic celebration of consumerism, Lagerfeld ensured the store shelves were fully stocked with everyday products that had been recoded in pure Chanel speak. From soda and potato chips to chic black cotton buds sold as bâtonnets élégants; 2.55 bags sealed in cling film; and, best of all, a hardware department that featured a chain saw with yes, a real Chanel chain.

But, the extravaganza didn’t stop at the set. Chanel’s signature tweed fabrics were entwined into models’ hair as dreadlocks.

“I exaggerated a simple pony and blew it up in proportion and detail, incorporating crimped extensions, braided hair in multicoloured Chanel tweed rags, lace and pearls,” says hairstylist Sam McKnight, who created the look backstage. “I used Fudge Salt Spray to create a dry volume which was then crimped randomly, woven and braided with Chanel fabrics, and then fastened at the base with one of the woven braids.”

In a bid to prove more really is more, the makeup was also exaggerated but in true Chanel style, also refined.

Models’ skin was perfected with Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet (a new foundation launching in April) and then airbrushed out with Chanel Eclat Lumiere Highlighter Pen, Chanel Correcteur Perfection Concealerand Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Loose Powder.

On the eyelids, flat tints of pink, green, orange and dark red were painted on using Chanel Brushes in N°13 and N°15.

Cheeks were contoured and sculpted with precision using Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Canaille (available June 2014) while lips were left dewy and stains thanks to a mix of the Chanel Rouge Hydrating Creme Lip Colour in Cheri and Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Charmeuse and Conquise.

The finishing touch to the beauty look were made with signature shade, Chanel Le Vernis in Ballerina on nails.

 Photos: Vincent Lappartient (courtesy of Chanel)

Backstage Défilé Prêt-à-Porter Automne-Hiver 2014-15 Maquillage CHANEL