If you didn’t know that Chanel’s Métiers d’Art was taking place at in Texas last night — at Dallas' Fair Park, to be specific — then you must live under a rather unfashionable rock. Texas has been anxiously awaiting Karl Lagerfeld’s fashion extravaganza for months since he declared his love for our fair state to Women’s Wear Daily back in January.
Nearly 1,000 fortuitous people received the most coveted ticket in town for the once-a-year runway show that pays homage to its artisans. Since 2002, it has taken place in such select cities as London, Tokyo and Shanghai.
The Paris-Dallas themed evening played out in three parts, beginning with a drive-in style premiere — popcorn, corn dogs and candy included — of Lagerfeld’s latest short film, The Return, which reflects on Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s turbulent comeback in the ’50s. The late Stanley Marcus was one of the first to recognize her return by granting Madame Chanel with the Neiman Marcus award for Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion 56 years ago. On December 11, Anna Wintour presented Lagerfeld with the same award at the flagship Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas.
VIPs — including Kristen Stewart (the new face of Chanel), Dakota Fanning, Lauren Hutton, Alexa Chung, Lily Collins, Georgina Chaplin, Hamish Bowles, Nina Garcia and Stefano Tonchi — sat in vintage cars to watch the film. Wintour, Andre Leon Talley and Lagerfeld snuggled up in a 1940s Caddy convertible.
Following the film, guests shuffled through the cold to Centennial Hall, which was transformed into a barn, where giant chandeliers fashioned of Texas and French flags hung over the hay-slung runway. Internationally recognized models, including Dallas’ Erin Wasson, marched out decked in denim, gold-starred, fringed, leathered and feathered looks that were said to be inspired by Houston socialite Lynn Wyatt — who was in attendance along with many other Texans, including Ken Downing, Gene Jones, Cindy and Howard Rachofsky, James Cope, Nancy Rogers, Jackie Bolin, Brian Bolke, Capera Ryan, Ceron, Todd Fiscus, and Becca Cason Thrash.
Chanel pulled out all the stops to turn the adjoining space into a Billy Bob’s-esque saloon complete with mechanical bull, gambling, pool tables — and Lone Star, of course. As attendees took in the action, chef Tim Love and team doled out tacos, tamales, Frito pie in a bag, mixed meats, charred Brussels sprouts, corn on the cob and venison jerky. Iconic Texas tunes, played by local DJ Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, along with Dolly Python’s Gretchen Bell, had models and company line dancing before the big act, British band Hot Chip, mixed it up for the crowd.
Lagerfeld watched from a cowhide-covered perch near the stage, getting up to capture a few snaps of those taking a turn on the bull. Stewart was supremely herself, playing pool in a corner, no trace of a smile on her face.
It was an international affair to remember. Merci beaucoup to Chanel for choosing our fine city to host this remarkable event.
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Check out the window displays featuring the Metiers d'Art collection at Neiman Marcus downtown. You can watch the film on Chanel.com.
Karl Lagerfeld
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