Chanel Fall 2017: When Karl Lagerfeld Took Us to the Stars

Hey chaiiis! Let’s take a moment to travel back to 2017 and talk about one of Chanel’s most iconic shows: the Fall/Winter collection where Karl Lagerfeld took us on a cosmic journey. It was the era of interstellar chic, and Karl, being the mastermind that he was, turned the Grand Palais into a full-blown Chanel space station. Yes, I’m talking about the one with the spaceship launch: an actual rocket on the runway. Let’s unpack why this show still has my heart.

The Setup: Chanel's Intergalactic Dream

First, let’s discuss the venue. The Grand Palais is already legendary, but Karl’s vision made it otherworldly. Picture this: an enormous rocket standing tall in the middle of the runway. The setup screamed innovation while staying true to Chanel’s timeless luxury. The fusion of science fiction and haute couture? Pure genius.

The lighting and ambiance made the entire space feel like you were on the verge of takeoff. It wasn’t just a runway; it was an experience. Lagerfeld’s ability to merge storytelling with fashion was unmatched, and this show was proof.

The Collection: Futuristic Elegance

Let’s talk clothes, because duh. Going along with the set, the collection itself was inspired by outer space. Futuristic metallic boots, spacesuit-printed dresses, space shawls, galactic prints, and more walked the runway. Karl celebrated futuristic vibes mixed with classic Chanel codes. But he didn’t just lean into sci-fi tropes; he redefined them. Every piece stayed wearable, proving that you could channel your inner astronaut while still being the chicest girl in the room.

One of my favorite details? The glittering silver accessories that looked like they came straight out of a galaxy far, far away. Headbands and quilted metallic bags took Chanel’s elegance to cosmic heights. And can we take a moment to appreciate the classic Chanel suits updated with shimmering fabrics? A perfect nod to the brand’s heritage while boldly stepping into the future.

The Beauty: Barbarella Meets Chanel

Here’s where it gets even more fun. If you’ve never seen Barbarella, it’s a 1968 science fiction movie starring a young Jane Fonda as a crime-fighting astronaut in the 41st century. And it was Fonda’s voluminous hair and ’60s smoky eye makeup that inspired the beauty look for the Chanel Fall 2017 show, according to hairstylist Sam McKnight. But this was Barbarella taken to the extreme or "Chanarella," as McKnight called it.

The bouffant hairstyle was all about gravity-defying volume, achieved with plenty of back-combing and McKnight’s Cool Girl Texturizing Spray and Modern Hairspray. Sixties-inspired headbands added to the retro-futuristic vibe, while the hair shapes made sure every model looked like she was ready to board the rocket.

For makeup, Tom Pecheux brought Barbarella vibes into orbit. He used metallic silver eyeshadow and combined two iconic ’60s beauty motifs: the la banane liner (a graphic line across the brow bone, curved like a banana) and clumpy lashes. The result? An out of this world eye look that could be seen all the way from the back row.

The Finale: The Rocket Launch

Now for the moment that left everyone’s jaws on the floor: the rocket launch. As the finale unfolded, the spaceship actually lifted off, complete with smoke and lights. It was theatrical, dramatic, and oh so Karl. This wasn’t just fashion; it was art, spectacle, and magic rolled into one.

Why It’s Still Relevant

Years later, the Fall 2017 show still feels groundbreaking. It wasn’t just about space; it was about innovation, pushing boundaries, and showing that Chanel could embrace the future without losing its identity. The collection continues to inspire from metallic trends to futuristic vibes and serves as a reminder that fashion is as much about dreaming as it is about design.

So, if you’re ever in need of a little inspiration to take your style out of this world, look no further than Chanel Fall 2017. It’s proof that with a little imagination (and a lot of Karl’s genius), even the sky isn’t the limit.

xo, Ina