The genius of Karl Lagerfeld knows no boundaries. The major talent of the permanent creative director of Chanel is his unique ability to capture the spirit of the times and to transform all the actuality of our planet into fashion directives for its inhabitants.

The Cruise collection of the entrusted to him fashion house, along with the first after 40 years of political blockade American tourist liner moored in the port of Havana, became a symbol of reconciliation between the USA and Cuba. As usual, Karl “played for high stakes”: the fashion show, organized on the central promenade – Paseo del Prado – in the old part of the Cuban capital by the end turned into a real carnival of youth and freedom, where models in Chanel dresses together with high-society guests and numerous locals have merged in a passionate dance of Latin American rhythms. Even prudish fashion editors, first-rowedon carved colonial benches backgrounded by Buicks and other vintage cabriolets parked along the impromptu catwalk, couldn’t resist the move.

Though, having a good chance to enter into the history (and not just of fashion) the location didn’t detract from the collection itself, which opened a series of “off-site” summer shows held by trend-setter houses (Gucci, Dior, LV). Deliberately relaxed, summer light, bright as Latin America, nonchalant as France, it effortlessly blends Cuban clichés with Parisian classics in a fervent cosmopolitan cocktail.

Slacks in vertical stripes; layered sheer skirts, flaring at walk in the spirit of the 50s; short sequin embroidered dresses from 60s; knitted ankle length dresses; bright prints of vintage Cuban cars convertibles; laces, painted in colorful palm leaves; high-waisted shorts – an unprecedented variety of textures and cut, assembled in one collection, offers to every one her unique look.

Hits of the coming summer will undoubtedly be COCO Viva Cuba Libra! t-shirts, worn under an iconic tweed jacket; panamas with the brand’s signature camellias on a hatband; berets à la Che Guevara and flip-flops, embroidered with pearls.

Breaking in tatters recent rumors about a possible depart from Chanel because of “retirement”, the visionary Karl makes the history himself, inspiring the creation of more and more new masterpieces. The secret, as he said in one of his interview, is the work, without which “he cannot survive.” We are looking forward to the continuation of the extravaganza at the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week!

Photo credits: CHANEL