Paris Haute Couture A/W 2013: Lagerfeld balances the fine line between vintage and new at Chanel

It seems that this week in Paris, there is an understated beauty in revisiting the origins of a fashion powerhouse and what made it great to begin with. We saw it first at when debut head designer Raf Simons channelled classic chic at Dior, and now it is Karl Lagerfeld showcasing the timeless elegance of Chanel in a throwback to the designs of Coco herself. After all, the collection was titled New Vintage; the oxymoron reminding us that true Chanel style is timeless. (As if we could ever forget!) A dreamy aesthetic consisting of soft pinks, dove grey, oyster and splashes of black dominated the collection, seamlessly bringing together the ultimate girly-glam couture in the form of gowns, skirts, wide trousers and of course the tweed jackets that the most devoted of fashion followers covet.

Now, perhaps we’re biased towards any creation that has the Lagerfeld stamp, but like its predecessors, this collection did not disappoint. The designs seemed to almost jump between decades, with 1920s French style gowns before delicate Peter Pan inspired double-breasted ensembles reminding us of something a fashion savvy lady of the 1950s might have donned, while other shimmering creations adorned with tulle and embellishments were perhaps Lagerfeld’s version of 1970s rock glam chic.

And it wasn’t just the fashion we were lusting after- guests at the show were treated to treats of macaroons and scones while sitting on white wicker chairs. High tea and Chanel couture? Magnifique!

Video: Chanel Couture Autumn/Winter 2013