The First Wave
What sets reality apart from fantasy, in fashion? Amy Yasmine sheds light on the industry’s pre-collections, as Chanel gears itself up for Pre-Spring ’19.
There’s something quite exhilarating about the first drop of the season. For some, it’s comparable to the curl of a wave, elegantly poising itself before breaking into the ocean. But in the world of fashion, and more specifically, retail, pre-collections set the tone for the season ahead. The deep breath, before the plunge.
Unlike its more dramatic ready-towear cousin, pre-collections set reality apart from fantasy, banking on commercial success rather than theatrical ruses. In a report by The Independent, precollections make up roughly 70 percent of a designers’ income, while another 30 percent is composed of sales based on the conventional Spring/Summer and Autumn/ Winter collections. Grounds for wearability have also paved the way for designers to innovate and reinvent signature classics, and this Pre-Spring ’19 at Chanel, the maison has indeed levelled up.
In the eyes of Karl Lagerfeld, this called for a reinvention of the maison’s classics; an elevated approach to everyday dressing, where naturally elegant lines take centre stage. Picking up where Chanel Cruise ’19 left off, and a precursor to its French Riviera-esque Spring/Summer ’19 collection, Pre-Spring ’19 saw sleek suits cleverly disguised as jumpsuits, worn under a blazer, or iridescent tweeds exalting quilted leathers, crafted into a sophisticated jacket. Elsewhere, sports luxe added an unexpected athletic spirit—evident via Chanel’s patrimony jacket in rugged denims, or a utilitarian parka in pearlised coated fabric. Accessories take this proposition further. Take the Boy Chanel bag for example; this time as a long saddlebag in springtime pastels, interlaced with layers of chains and topstitched tone-on-tone. Not one for subtleties, the 11.12 bag returned more precious than ever, swathed in gold sequins, while fishnet booties introduced drama with an arresting sense of practicality—with low heels and elongated pointed toes that go from AM to PM.
For the French maison’s loyalists, this means stocking up on updated favourites that transcend trends, going beyond the fashion calendar. After all, Mademoiselle Chanel once said, “Fashion changes, but style endures.” Chanel, G06-07 & 105, Ground & First Floor, Suria KLCC. Tel: 03 2726 1818. www.chanel.com