Evanescent Metamorphoses

Karl Lagerfeld is one of the greatest people in fashion.  Out of all the designers in the world, he produces the highest number of collections per year, and even at the age of 77, there's nothing the Kaiser can't do.  It's well-known that Karl often makes his own films to go along with his collections, and I would like to bring one of these films to your attention.  I don't often watch fashion films, but this film that accompanies Chanel's Pre-Fall 2012 collection, called Evanescent Metamorphoses, is able to, in two short minutes, capture the essence of Chanel.  In the film, model Kristina Salinovic transforms from androgynous to feminine in a series of dream-like metamorphoses.



Despite the stark contrast of the first masculine look with the last ladylike look, every single outfit featured in the film is true to the image of Chanel.  Coco Chanel revolutionized fashion with her masculine suits, and this is demonstrated in the first half of the transformation with biker look that Karl has integrated into Chanel, and the classic Chanel tweed jackets.  And although Chanel's fashions took inspiration from menswear, there continued to be a certain feminine sophistication in her designs.  This is seen in the second half of the film with the jewelry, sheer fabric, and ruffles.  The Chanel woman has always been about these two opposites, and Karl effectively gives life to this in the film.  Aside from being a designer, Karl Lagerfeld is an artist, a celebrity, a photographer, a director...and the list goes on.  He might not know it, but he's constantly going through his own metamorphosis.

Video Source: Youtube