If you didn’t know that Chanel’s Métiers d’Art was taking place at Dallas' Fair Park Tuesday night, then you must live under a rather unfashionable rock. The city's fashion faithful have been anxiously awaiting Karl Lagerfeld’s fashion extravaganza for months since he declared his love for Texas to Women’s Wear Daily back in January.
Nearly 1,000 fortuitous people received the most coveted ticket in town for the once-a-year runway show that pays homage to its artisans. Since 2002, it has taken place in select cities such as London, Tokyo and Shanghai.
Internationally recognized models, including Dallas’ own Erin Wasson, marched out decked in denim, gold-starred, fringed, leathered and feathered looks inspired by Lynn Wyatt.
The Paris-Dallas themed evening played out in three parts, beginning with a drive-in style premiere — popcorn, corn dogs and candy included — of Lagerfeld’s latest short film, The Return that reflects on Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s turbulent comeback in the ’50s. The late Stanley Marcus was one of the first to recognize her return by granting Madame Chanel with the Neiman Marcus award for Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion 56 years ago. Today, Anna Wintour presents Lagerfeld with the same award at the flagship Neiman Marcus downtown.
VIP’s — including Kristen Stewart (the new face of Chanel), Dakota Fanning, Lauren Hutton (also spotted at CBD Provisions at The Joule Monday night), Alexa Chung, Lily Collins, Georgina Chaplin, Hamish Bowles, Nina Garcia and Stefano Tonchi — sat in vintage cars to watch the flick. Wintour, André Leon Talley and Lagerfeld snuggled up in a 1940s Caddy convertible.
Following the film, guests shuffled through the cold to Centennial Hall, which was transformed into a barn, where giant chandeliers fashioned of Texas and French flags hung over the hay-slung runway. Internationally recognized models, including Dallas’ own Erin Wasson, marched out decked in denim, gold-starred, fringed, leathered and feathered looks inspired by Houston jetsetter Lynn Wyatt — who was in attendance.
“For me, she is the Texas woman,” Lagerfeld told Women's Wear Daily. “There is nothing better.”
Other Texans at the fashion hoedown included Diane Lokey Farb, Neiman Marcus CEO Karen Katz and senior vice president and fashion director Ken Downing, Gene Jones, Cindy and Howard Rachofsky, James Cope, Nancy Rogers, Jackie Bolin, Brian Bolke, Capera Ryan, Ceron, Todd Fiscus, and Becca Cason Thrash.
“(The collection is) going to make a fortune for Chanel because there are so many people who have ranches and country homes,” Thrash told Women's Wear Daily. “I wanted like 99 percent of it.”
Chanel pulled out all the stops to turn the adjoining space into a Billy Bob’s-esque saloon complete with mechanical bull, gambling, pool tables — and Lone Star, of course. As attendees took in the action, chef Tim Love and team doled out tacos, tamales, Frito pie in a bag, mixed meats, charred Brussels sprouts, corn on the cob and venison jerky. Iconic Texas tunes, played by local DJ Horseshoes & Hand Grenades along with Dolly Python’s Gretchen Bell, had models and company line dancing before the big act, British band Hot Chip, mixed it up for the crowd.
Lagerfeld watched on from a cowhide-covered perch near the stage, getting up to capture a few snaps of those taking a turn on the bull. Stewart was so supremely herself, playing pool in a corner, no trace of a smile on her face.
It was an international affair to remember.
Karl Lagerfeld
Select runway couture and past collection pieces headline Chloe Dao’s 25-Year Anniversary Clean-Out Event.Photo courtesy of Chloe Dao