Karl Lagerfeld Puts the Emphasis on Wearability For Chanel Fall '16

With a nod to Coco Chanel's salon, Karl Lagerfeld traded his grandiose runways for a throwback catwalk for Fall '16. But don't let the pared-down presentation fool you — the clothes themselves were not. Lagerfeld crafted a collection that pays homage to Chanel's quintessential look while always forging ahead. To that point, he opened with a lineup of hot-pink and denim separates that, while maybe dreamed up with '80s or '90s references, felt distinctly new. Later, tweed suiting, day dresses, and coats were paired with flat, knee-high riding boots — all of which came with subtle lacing at the ankle and some that came in plaid, denim, and gold-flecked finishes — making Fall's must-have boot undoubtedly practical.

There was an emphasis on layering and on ease. Proportions fell past the knee, while scarves, capes, sweaters, and necklaces were piled on, giving every outfit the sense that it could really be worn, styled and layered and thrown on as women do. Noticeable were the soft floral prints and the casual lace-up and hardware-laden knits that beg for a younger customer, though it was the parade of finale dresses — the black and white palette, layers of lace, embellished tweed, and piles of pearls — that really wowed, showing just how Karl continues to balance tradition but bring newness, always.