From Bombay to Paris: Chanel stages Indian-inspired fashion show as guests dine on opulent 'runway' feast fit for royalty

By MAYSA RAWI



Fashion feast: The Grand Palais in Paris was transformed into an Indian-themed dinner party for the Chanel Metiers d'Art show today



While the rest of the world suffers from the economic downturn, Karl Lagerfeld appeared to spare no expense for the latest Chanel extravaganza.

The Metiers d'Art show, launched in 2003 as a homage to the label's workshop, saw the Grand Palais in Paris transformed into an Indian-themed dinner party today.

Guests sat at banquet tables, which doubled as a runway, compete with chandeliers, opulent candle-sticks - and a feast fit for a king.



Tribute: The Metiers d'Art show was launched in 2003 as a homage to the French label's workshop



They dined using gold-plated cutlery and were served by waiters throughout the show - a far cry from the champagne and canapes usually served.

But the event was tinged with a touch of sadness as couturier Francois Lesage, head of the renowned embroidery atelier acquired by Chanel in 2002, died last week, aged 83.

But as usual, the show must go on - and go on it did.



White out: The pre-fall 2012 collection features a combination of white and gold



Extravaganza: Models are greeted with a round of applause as guests dine on the runway



Models, adorned with accessories including head-jewellery and turbans - also for men - walked the epic runway sporting the 2012 pre-fall collection.

Creative director Lagerfeld often looks abroad for inspiration.

Previous shows have been named Paris-Byzance, Paris-Shanghai and Paris-Moscow.



Accessories all areas: Head jewellery and turbans were the order of the day



This time, stunning embroidered fabrics featured embellishments teamed with the usual Chanel trademarks such as tweed and pearls.

Models wore ethnic-inspired sandals made of leather.

Stella Tennant, who was voted model of the year at the British Fashion Awards recently, was the star of the show as she accompanied the designer down the runway.



Eastern magic: Fabrics featured lace embroidery and gold motifs, inspired by Indian textiles



East meets west: The show carried all the Chanel trademarks - including tweed and pearls



And there is no break for Karl, who is so obsessed with his work, he doesn't even plan on taking time off for Christmas.

The designer told Style.com: 'Everyone I know is leaving [Paris], but I stay home because it's the only moment I can work on the Couture quietly, sketch, and take care of my books and houses - all the things I never have time to do the rest of the year.

'For me the ultimate luxury is to be alone, to have time for myself, not look at my watch, and do whatever I want, whenever I want.'



Grand Finale: British model Stella Tennant accompanies designer Karl Lagerfeld to mark the end of the show



source: dailymail