» Chanel hopping
Jo heads to the big smoke to see and be seen at the London Chanel catwalk show
Naomi Campbell
Earlier this month saw the biggest fashion event London has seen for a good few years – it was of course the first ever UK catwalk show by Chanel designer, Karl Lagerfeld. My old pal JD (he’s French) had two tickets and asked me if I would like to join him – result!
But what to wear? I don’t own any Chanel (perfume doesn’t count) so I donned my best Banana Republic hounds-tooth frock and Primark boots! The rain was pouring down as we arrived at the venue – an old French school just a stone’s throw away from Victoria – but thankfully we were greeted at the door by a bevy of handsome men carrying Chanel umbrellas.
We were then ushered past the clamouring paparazzi into a pristine white anti-chamber where the Chanel hospitality began. We were served the most exquisite champagne, cocktails and canapés made in the shape of the famous interlocking Chanel Cs. JD and I challenged each other to talk to as many celebs as possible – he beat me hands down, he had interviewed most of them previously! We chatted to Lily Allen – looking resplendent in Chanel, spotted Emma Thompson, beautiful Harry Potter star Emma Watson, Rupert Everett, Naomi Campbell, Yasmin Le Bon, Jasmine Guiness – I could go on… All of course had one thing in common – yes you’ve guessed it they were all wearing the double C!
After eating more truffle dipped cheese straws than I really should have, we made our way into the huge show and were seated (opposite Natalie Imbruglia and Sharleen Spiteri) on gold chairs – the backs of which were fashioned into Chanel clothes hangers. The show began and was accompanied by live music from catwalk star and ex-girlfriend of Pete Doherty, Irina Lazareanu. After stepping into the limelight in a black evening gown and biker boots, she took to the microphone accompanied by Sean Lennon on the piano.
Top models including Agyness Deyn strode the runway in knee-length skirts or blouson culottes, tweed jackets, thick black tights, simple pea coats – all wearing the most amazing Chanel accessories.
Before we knew it the show had ended, and Karl did a lap of honour swapping kisses with the great and good. The lights then went down, DJ stepped up to the decks and the after-show went into full swing. We ate more food, drank more champagne, stared at the ridiculous height of Claudia Schiffer and left in a Chanel taxi clutching goody bags! Magnifique!
Jo Brooks is director of Brighton-based PR company JBPR Ltd
01273 622555, www.jb-pr.com
