Chanel creates a snow-covered winter wonderland for Karl Lagerfeld's last show

Chanel welcomed guests into a winter wonderland for Karl Lagerfeld's final show at the Grand Palais in Paris. Attendees and models, which included Cara Delevingne, Kristen Stewart and Penelope Cruz, all observed a minute's silence in memory of the legendary designer, who died on 19 February aged 85.

He was known for his catwalk spectaculars which spanned underwater kingdoms, enchanted forests and free-flowing waterfalls. Lagerfeld was too ill to attend the most recent couture show in January, which was set against the backdrop of the stately 'Villa Chanel'.

Karl Lagerfeld's final Chanel show

For the autumn/winter 2019 show this morning (5 March), the brand failed to disappoint. Editors, influencers and celebrities walked into a snow-covered winter village surrounded by mountains. Bare branches and fir trees were coated with snow, while guests sat on wooden benches outside alpine chalets.

No detail was too small - Chanel skis, which were first launched to much fanfare in 2006, poked out of mounds of snow and faux smoke blew out of the chalet chimneys.

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REX

REX

Guests were each given a keepsake that paid to tribute to the visionary, influential Lagerfeld. An illustrated version of the designer, decked in his signature ponytail, sunglasses and suit, alongside Coco Chanel in a hat and tweed suit, appeared alongside the words "The beat goes on".

As an emotional finale took place to the soundtrack of David Bowie's jubilant Heroes, two models were seen crying as they walked alongside Delevingne on the runway. But tears turned into cheers as Cara led the charge, making peace signs to the cameras. The audience offered a unanimous standing ovation for a man whose fashion legacy will never be forgotten.

IAN LANGSDON/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

Lagerfeld's long-standing right-hand woman, Virginie Viard, has been appointed as his Chanel successor.

Karl Lagerfeld: life in pictures

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