Tireless great Karl, whose talents do not fit within the five annual shows of the “mother” house Chanel plus two as a guest designer for Fendi, not for the first time creates an “inter-seasonal” themed collection. After a fashion trip to Moscow in 2008, Shanghai in 2009 and Mumbai in 2011, the designer invited the fortunate few to the fabulous Scotland. Castle Linlithgow, which hosted the defile, is located near Edinburgh and served as one of the royal residences of the independence-loving proud Scots. In its walls in the XVI century was born the future Queen Mary Stuart, who had a right for the throne of England, and therefore was executed by a prudent Elizabeth I.

The show titled “Métiers d’Art” aimed to pay tribute to craftsmen houses that Chanel is actively cooperating with in creating its collections. Lesage and Desrues, Lemarié and Michel, Massaro and Goussens, Guillet, Causse and Montex. The only “Newcomer” on the list is a recently acquired by the group Scottish brand Barrie Knitwear, which for more than a century is known for quality manufactured cashmere.

Magician Karl takes enchanted audience to Scotland of the Renaissance. In the inner courtyard, under the snowflakes circling in the light of the fires, pass images of the severe rigorous fashionista Queen Mary and her retinue. Scottish checks – tartan – and soft plaids, in which one wants to wrap up, cozy scarves and sweaters, neck bows – lavallière, jabots and exaggerated sleeves, berets with pom-poms and sporrans (pouch belt bag), flat shoes and tall hairstyles: Northern severity meets elegance of court life, as violence of the Middle Ages gives way to a more humane and enlightened Renaissance.

White dress close the show. Unusually sensitive and delicate, as if symbolizing the triumph of the innocence and purity over the court’s intrigues and slander.

Photo credits: CHANEL