At he Chanel Fall 2016 Ready-to-Wear show, Karl Lagerfeld invited all his guests to sit in the front row. “People complain that they can’t see the clothes because they are too far away; this season everybody is front row,” he said. Pharrell Williams, Anna Mouglalis, Willow Smith, Isabelle Huppert and Taiwanese singer Jay Chou were all guests at the runway show.

The décor was reminiscent of the salons at 31 rue Cambon, where Gabrielle Chanel presented her designs.

For this collection, Karl Lagerfeld infused the emblematic codes of the House with a contemporary spirit: accumulations of long strings of pearls were worn like scarves over strict coats and men’s reefer jackets in wool.

Models walked down the runway in boots with horizontal lacing or loafers with heels that accentuated a modern attitude. Witty accessories such as cat cuffs, emoticon jewelry, and bobbin and coat-hanger handbags merrily punctuated the silhouette.

Tweeds were shown in black, grey pink, red and fuchsia. Whether classic, woven or sparkling, the iconic fabric featured gold, silver or bronze lamé lining, visible through zippered slits in skirts.

The classic Chanel jacket was reimagined in several ways: as a cropped bolero, with trompe-l’oeil jersey sleeves and a hood; or as a mix of denim and woven tweed with voluminous chiffon cuffs and a breast pocket transformed into a smartphone holder. Shortened and narrowed, the jacket was worn with bustier and poncho-like dresses.

For evening, the lightest of chiffon or tulle pleats contrasted with patent leather lacing on delicate gowns. Frayed lace and tulle ruffles in shades of cream came together over tiered dresses. Back bows and flat pleats embellished the little black dress. Fuchsia washed-satin dresses alternated with richly embroidered lamé dresses adorned with jeweled plastrons and beaded straps.

Go backstage to see the magic unfold.