You can always count on Chanel to put on a spectacle and this morning at Paris Fashion Week, the house did not disappoint. Transforming the Grand Palais into the ‘Data Centre Chanel’, creative director Karl Lagerfeld sent out an SS17 ready-to-wear collection themed around the idea of technology, staging a show that saw robot-like models take to the catwalk. Here’s what went down.

THE CATWALK WAS FULL OF LOOSE WIRES

At past shows, Chanel has turned the Grand Palais into an airport terminal (SS16), an art gallery (SS14) a brasserie (AW15), a casino (haute couture AW15) and a supermarket (AW14). This season, however, the house transformed the space into a data centre complete with lots of wires and flashing lights, as well as little trolleys containing bundles of cables – the invite even bore Chanel’s double-C logo made from USB cables.

THE SCI-FI HELMETS

Today, some models resembled something out of Star Wars – the first wore a VR headset-like helmet with her two-piece skirt suit, which made her look like a very chic Stormtrooper. 

THE CLOTHES

Other models didn’t look so sci-fi however, donning colourful iterations of Chanel’s signature tweed numbers accessorised with quilted baseball caps worn sideways, floral appliqués, pearl necklaces and little clutches shaped like robots.

THE MODELS

Several Dazed cover stars took to the catwalk – Binx Walton, Molly Bair, Rianne van Rompaey and Lineisy Montero – along with Chanel campaign star Soo-Joo Park, Victoria’s Secret Angels Taylor Hill and Jasmine Tookes (pictured), and runway favourites Anna Ewers, Edie Campbell, Lexi Boling and Mica Arganaraz.

THE GUESTS

Courtney Love and her daughter Frances Bean Cobain were at the show this morning, along with Dazed cover star Soko and Chanel ambassador Lily-Rose Depp. Usher was also in attendance, modelling a riff on Chanel’s trademark little black jacket – perhaps he’ll join Depp and fellow musicians Pharrell Williams and G-Dragon as an ambassador for the house?

Stay tuned for more photos and Susie Lau’s review.