Behind The Seams

Only a select few have access to glamorous Fashion Week soirées; even less get front row at the shows.

Milla Jovovich and Ever Anderson

But Chanel bestowed that exclusivity to all guests at its haute couture fall/winter 2016 collection showcase—they entered a precise recreation of the Maison’s historic and private atelier on Rue Cambon, complete with cutting tables, sewing machines, mirrors, pins, toiles and fabric.

Having Chanel’s petites mains walk the runway to rapturous applause was Karl Lagerfeld’s way of paying tribute to the artisans who have crafted some of the House’s greatest sartorial creations of all time.

As per tradition, the bride was the star of the night— dressed in a bustier and trousers fashioned from lace, satin and tulle—she gave Chanel ambassadors Vanessa Paradis, Willow Smith, Zhou Xun and Caroline de Maigret a run for their money.

The finale

Jessica Chastain

Willow and Will Smith

Karl Lagerfeld

Zhou Xun

Caroline de Maigret

Violette D’Urso

Naomi and Lisa-Kaindé Diaz