Let There Be Light

How is it that you can capture light, wear it and have it walk down a runway?

According to Karl Lagerfeld who designed the Spring 2011 Haute Couture collection for Chanel...the structure of every piece was created "pearl by pearl, thread by thread".

I love that. Pearl by pearl, thread by thread.

I can relate to that.

The effect was dresses spun from gossamer thread -- and a luminescence that is hard to accomplish without looking heavy.

The answer is in the fabric...or the lack thereof...

Most of the designs were not made with fabric but with embroideries...

Now what does that mean...? It means that the pieces were not cut from pre-beaded fabric...But that each piece was embroidered and beaded specifically for that one design...It allows a great degree of control over the outcome but is so incredibly time-intensive that it's almost overwhelming. Yet...

The overall effect is Light.

Diaphanous...

Ethereal...

Light.

But, oh so...wearable?

Yes. Wearable. There were pants and tunics and real, wearable pieces in this collection.

But what made it couture was the beading, the embroidery, the exquisite craftsmanship...

Over 10 million beads were used in this collection.

And I know only too well the work it takes to embroider 10 million beads...

It's an extraordinary feat. And we should recognize it as such.

My only regret is not being able to get up close and really see the workmanship of these pieces. I would give anything for a chance to turn my macro lens to these embroideries.

That's how they should be viewed....up-close and personal. In museums...with a magnifier...as works of art.

Have an inspired day.

You can watch the entire show on the Chanel website here. Treat yourself.