Karl Lagerfeld is known for his extravagant Chanel shows. There was that time he showed in Havana, Cuba, that time he created an indoor beach and that time he built a replica of the Eiffel Tower inside Paris’ Grand Palais (to name just a few). For his latest extravaganza, Chanel’s Pre-Fall 2019 (aka Métiers d’Art) was held in the Temple of Dendur at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City for the brand’s Egyptian-inspired collection.
Lagerfeld tells WWD that he has always been captivated by ancient Egypt’s imagery and culture: “There’s a timelessness to it. I always was interested in the old Egypt, from 3,000 years before Jesus Christ. And then I said it would be great to show it in the Met, but I never thought it was possible. And then it was possible.”
The show paid homage and respect to the culture of ancient Egypt, not just in the designs of the clothes but also with the makeup, hairstyles and accessories, some of which were inspired by Nefertiti’s crown and Egyptian necklace collars.
It wouldn’t be Chanel without singer and brand ambassador Pharrell Williams, but this time he made a special appearance on the runway instead of in the front row. He wore an all-gold ensemble with a broad neck collar to give the look a pop of color. Following the Egyptian theme, Williams also donned the Egyptian eye makeup.
See more from the Chanel Pre-Fall 2019 show here.
