Karl Lagerfeld 's final collection for Chanel before his death last month at the age of 85 was always going to be emotional, but with tears and tributes aplenty, the AW19 show will go down in fashion history.
There has been an outpouring of adoration for the legendary (and often controversial) German designer since his passing on 19th February. Lagerfeld turned catwalk shows into million-dollar, Insta-bait spectacles, and his productions as creative director of Chanel were nothing short of astonishing. From a space rocket to a sandy beach, an enchanted forest to a Havana street party, no expense was spared when creating the immersive Chanel world.
As editors, celebrities and models watched Lagerfeld's final collection come down the catwalk, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. These were the most emotional moments of Chanel's AW19 show...
The Grand Palais – Lagerfeld's favourite show space, which he's transformed a number of times to create a magical world for showgoers – was revamped once again this season. Guests entered a winter wonderland, with alpine chalets, a snow-covered catwalk, and mountain range background.
Photo: CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images
Guests were greeted with illustrations of both Lagerfeld and Coco Chanel on seats, accompanied by the simple words "the beat goes on..." Models emerged onto the catwalk to join in a minute's silence for the adored designer, before Cara opened the show in a monochrome houndstooth look.
Photo: Dominique Charriau/WireImage
Karl's favourite muses were all there, from Naomi Campbell, Kristen Stewart, Janelle Monáe and Claudia Schiffer, who sat front row wearing Karl's designs, to Penélope Cruz and Kaia Gerber, who also walked the catwalk.
Photo: Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images
The finale was understandably highly emotional, and will no doubt make the fashion history books. Models shed tears and walked arm-in-arm to a standing ovation, all soundtracked by David Bowie's moving hit "Heroes". A tribute Lagerfeld would have wanted, we're sure.
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