‘ALMODÓVAR Girl’ Penélope Cruz’s catwalk debut at Paris Fashion Week saw her modelling the last-ever collection by the late Karl Lagerfeld, who has recently died from pancreatic cancer aged 85.
Chanel, the fashion house to which the German designer known as ‘The Kaiser’ was linked – in addition to producing creations in his own name – launched a fairytale-like scene with snowy mountains, Tyrolean chalets and smoking chimneys, a winter paradise on the catwalk to honour Lagerfeld’s posthumous collection.
Tears and applause were widespread in the Grand Palais on the last morning of the show in the French capital, a city which had been Lagerfeld’s main source of inspiration and, of course, the birthplace of Coco Chanel herself.
An emotional minute’s silence, culminated by the presence of Cara Delavigne sporting a remake of the classic Chanel tweed suit – Karl Lagerfeld’s trademark piece – was followed by a string of celebrities modelling the creations ‘The Kaiser’ did not get to see hitting the world’s most prestigious runways.
Cindy Crawford’s daughter Kaia Gerber and Madrid-born modern Hollywood legend Penélope Cruz were the first to walk after Cara Delavigne, the latter in a cocktail dress with a skirt designed to resemble a snowball and carrying a white rose, to the backing music of the late David Bowie’s Heroes.
Penélope, a close friend and muse of Lagerfeld’s and ambassador for Chanel, was one of thousands of celebrities who posted a tribute to him on social media.
On her Instagram page, after learning of the designer’s death two weeks ago, Penélope wrote in English: “There will always be a place in my heart for you, my dear Karl. I will never forget your kindness, your generosity and how much we laughed together. I will truly treasure those moments forever. You have inspired us in so many ways! Thank you, Maestro. I love you.”
She also wrote in Spanish: “My dearest Karl, I’ll never forget the love and respect you’ve always treated me with, your generosity, your brilliant mind and all the times you’ve made me laugh. All those moments shared with you from the day I met you are a treasure that I will keep in my heart forever. Thank you for inspiring us with your art throughout all these years. Thank you, Maestro. I love you very much.”
Several of Lagerfeld’s muses, including Kristen Stewart, Janelle Monáe, Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer, watched the designer’s final legacy to the fashion world from the front row.
Lagerfeld worked hard to create a Chanel that would be able to survive his absence once he had passed, since he had had time to prepare for his own death, and his designs will help inspire the new creative director of the maison, Virginie Viard, who is set to take over shortly.
A manuscript penned by Karl Lagerfeld himself before his death, which was handed out to all guests at Paris Fashion Week, concluded with his words: “The show must go on.”
Second picture: Penélope Cruz on Instagram (penelopecruzoficial)
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