Chanel SS10 Hoedown Launch, Sydney

Chanel Australia recreated the setting of Karl Lagerfeld’s Paris show in the grounds of the Inglis Newmarket Stables, Randwick. A heritage-listed stable was used as the backdrop for this whimsical parade with a barn like setting, hay-strewn floor and hessian covered wooden benches to loosely depict the atmosphere of Marie Antoinette’s country cottage in the grounds of the Palais de Versailles. But rustic the collection was not; hailed as a triumph when it was unveiled last September the Australian parade had all the touches except Lily Allen performing live.

Each outfit was carefully selected and bought with the Australian customer in mind according to Ian Clark of Chanel Australia. Stand out pieces included nubbly tweed jackets and crinoline shaped skirts in a palette of monochromatic black and white, taupes and neutrals plus a splash of coral and soft pink. Beautiful hand knits had a quaint crafty feel whilst tactile fabrics including hemp and linen had a more rustic, country feel. Mixed with lighter feminine chiffon dresses what everyone really wanted to see were the now infamous clogs. Scouts favourites were the high wooden wedge heels in ecru, not so easy to walk in on hay and grass but for most customers in their urban runways these shoes are for more than just a romp in the hay.