Designer Karl Lagerfeld recently
unveiled his latest ‘Chanel Metiers d’Art’ Pre-Fall 2014 collection in
Dallas, Texas. Often taking his inspiration from world travel as well as
different eras throughout history, Lagerfeld’s cowboy-influence is very evident
throughout the extensive line which features both menswear and womenswear. The
famous designer even stirred up controversy by using some Native American
inspired items such as a feathered headdress. Declining to respond to the controversy
directly, Karl commented that his influences come from multi -sources and he
doesn’t intend for them to be worn as costume pieces:
"Chanel clothes are bought
all over the world, they can have a local ethic inspiration, but, at the same
time, they have to have a universal touch - otherwise it becomes limited. You
can wear these clothes and look normal. This isn't just for costume parties.”
He also didn’t want the designs to
be too obvious, so he tried not to link his collection with the stereotypical
Hollywood vision of cowboys:
“I tried to remove its
relationship from tough Hollywood films; you know with John Wayne."
Karl approached the look in a new way
that allowed him to create new pieces and show his ability to transform a
certain look into something fresh and new. He thanks his team for helping him
with this big task:
"It's a reinvention of
something in my mind. That’s my job. I have great people who work with me, I
couldn't do it alone. To work it out, you need great people."
