Chanel runway pokes fun at world's tech reliance

Models present a tech upgrade on the classic Chanel tweed that the brand is known for. Photo:...
Models present a tech upgrade on the classic Chanel tweed that the brand is known for. Photo: Reuters
Johnny Depp's daughter actress Lily-Rose Depp poses during a photocall before the Chanel show....
Johnny Depp's daughter actress Lily-Rose Depp poses during a photocall before the Chanel show. Photo: Reuters
Models present the Spring/Summer collection after walking out of the 'Chanel data centre'. Photo:...
Models present the Spring/Summer collection after walking out of the 'Chanel data centre'. Photo: Reuters
German designer Karl Lagerfeld appears at the end of his Chanel show which poked fun of the world...
German designer Karl Lagerfeld appears at the end of his Chanel show which poked fun of the world's reliance on technology. Photo: Reuters

Chanel made fun of how much technology was part of people's lives by producing a fashion show at Paris' Grand Palais dedicated to wires, cables and black data boxes.

Greeted by a huge sign that said "Chanel data centre", designer Karl Lagerfeld presented guests with a collection complete with blinking handbags, iridescent tweeds and fluorescent rays of colour splashed on flowing dresses and caps.

The show opened with an all-white tweed suit with a round plastic helmet and boots reminiscent of Star Wars warriors.

"We all depend on it," Lagerfeld (83) told Reuters TV after the show, referring to technology. "Imagine your life without the telephone and the next step will be artificial intelligence and robots."

Models walking alongside rows of computer hardware wore classic Chanel tweed suits and jackets completed with metallic ballerina shoes.

Accessories included a small black handbag that was effectively a plastic robot with blinking square eyes.

Chanel, which is privately owned, traditionally organises some of the most striking shows during Paris Fashion Week. The events help the brand preserve its image which is crucial for retaining customers and wooing new ones.

According to figures filed with the Amsterdam exchange, the French luxury goods maker was hit hard by the luxury spending slump last year

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