Here are some of my favorite looks from the show. The show took place on a 280 foot long barge on the Huangpu River with the skyline of Shanghai in the background. For the most part, I like Chanel's modernized approach in styling traditional Chinese garments. Chanel's combination of tweed, silk embroidery, jewels, and leather takes the already-refined cheongsam to an edgy new level of sophistication by integrating unexpected Western parts (the tweeds and leathers) into Chinese-inspired apparel.
I will admit that I hate Chanel's use of the coolie hat in its fashion show. Why is a French couture fashion house embracing this symbol of abject rural poverty? The coolie hat ruined some otherwise chic outfits in Chanel's pre-fall 2010 runway show. For reference, see image to the left.
Sybaritic note to self: I need the red sequined Chanel purse.
