chanel ss 18 name of the collection | Chanel haute couture suit

The world of Chanel is a universe of timeless elegance, iconic designs, and unwavering innovation. While the fashion house releases a remarkable six collections each year, each with its unique identity and story, some collections resonate more powerfully, capturing the zeitgeist and setting trends that echo for seasons to come. The Chanel Spring/Summer 2018 collection, commonly referred to as Chanel SS 18, is undeniably one such collection.

This article embarks on a comprehensive journey through the Chanel SS 18 collection, exploring its themes, key pieces, runway presentation, and enduring impact. To fully appreciate the significance of this collection, we will also contextualize it within Chanel's broader collection strategy, including a brief look at other collections such as those from 2022 and the Haute Couture lines. This will offer a broader understanding of how Chanel operates within the fashion landscape.

Understanding Chanel's Collection Calendar

Before diving into the specifics of SS 18, it's crucial to understand Chanel's distinct approach to collections. Unlike many fashion houses that typically present four collections a year (Spring/Summer, Autumn/Winter, Pre-Fall, and Cruise), Chanel releases six:

* Spring/Summer (S/S): Presented during Paris Fashion Week in the fall (e.g., SS 2024 is typically shown in September/October of 2023).

* Fall/Winter (A/W or F/W): Presented during Paris Fashion Week in the spring (e.g., AW 2023 is shown in February/March of 2023).

* Cruise (also known as Resort): Shown in May, often in exotic locations. This collection is designed for clients traveling during the winter months.

* Métiers d'Art: Shown in December, celebrating the craftsmanship and expertise of the artisans Chanel works with.

* Haute Couture Spring/Summer (HC S/S): Presented in January during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week.

* Haute Couture Fall/Winter (HC A/W): Presented in July during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week.

Each collection is identified by the year and a letter corresponding to the season (e.g., 23C – Cruise Collection 2023 released in November of 2022). This meticulous schedule allows Chanel to consistently deliver fresh and exciting designs to its discerning clientele, ensuring relevance and maintaining its position at the forefront of the industry.

Chanel SS 18: A Return to Waterfalls and Nature

The Chanel SS 18 collection, presented in the Grand Palais in Paris, was a breathtaking spectacle of nature-inspired beauty. Karl Lagerfeld, then at the helm of Chanel, transformed the iconic venue into a lush, verdant landscape complete with a cascading waterfall, rocky terrain, and abundant foliage. This immersive environment set the stage for a collection that celebrated the power and serenity of nature, reflecting a desire for escape and connection with the natural world.

Key Themes and Inspirations:

* Nature's Embrace: The most prominent theme was the celebration of nature's beauty. The waterfall, a central element of the runway set, symbolized purity, renewal, and the constant flow of life. The clothing echoed this theme with its fluid silhouettes, natural fabrics, and earthy color palettes.

* Transparency and Lightness: Many pieces featured sheer fabrics, delicate lace, and intricate embellishments that created a sense of lightness and ethereal beauty. This transparency allowed the natural beauty of the wearer to shine through, further emphasizing the connection between fashion and nature.chanel ss 18 name of the collection

* Modernity and Femininity: While drawing inspiration from nature, the collection remained firmly rooted in Chanel's signature aesthetic of modern femininity. Classic Chanel silhouettes were reinterpreted with contemporary details, creating a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation.

* Water and its forms: The color palette was inspired by various aspects of water and nature, from the blue of the sky reflected on the water, the green of the grass and trees growing on the river banks, the light brown of the sand and small pebbles.

Key Pieces and Design Elements:

The Chanel SS 18 collection featured a diverse range of pieces, each showcasing Lagerfeld's mastery of design and craftsmanship. Some standout elements included:

* The Iconic Tweed Suit, Reimagined: The classic Chanel tweed suit, a cornerstone of the brand's identity, was reinterpreted in a variety of ways. Some suits featured frayed edges and deconstructed silhouettes, giving them a more relaxed and contemporary feel. Others were adorned with intricate embellishments, such as floral embroidery and shimmering sequins, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication. The color palettes varied from classic black and white to vibrant shades of blue, green, and pink, reflecting the collection's nature-inspired theme.