The much anticipated Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2010 Paris-Shanghai collection was shown today in Shanghai and like past Métiers D’Art collections, Karl Lagerfeld took us on a journey to another time and place. It turns out the silent film he wrote and directed did indeed give us a glimpse of some of the time periods in China’s history that inspired some pieces, namely the 20s, 30s, 40s, 60s and traditional imagery from the Imperial Court.

The collection featured Chinoiserie at its best with borrowed elements including the utilitarian military looks of Communist China, cheongsam gowns, Coolie straw hats, and accents of red and yellow. The collection was very luxurious with pendant earrings and hair pieces, camelia leather leggings, sculptural coats and shaggy furs. It wouldn’t be a Chanel show without the usual suspects: camelias galore, the iconic 2.55 handbag, and the signature tweed suit.

The collection is beautiful and I can’t wait to see detail shots of the accessories and nail colors. My favorite item in the collection by far are the leather camelia leggings – they are sexy, feminine and so necessary in my closet! More images from the collection below, as well as a video of the runway show set against the backdrop of the beauty of Shanghai on La Chanelphile.

Giorgio Armani’s Armani Privé Spring 2009 couture collection was chinoiserie meets the 1940s silhouette. From pagoda shoulders to Coromandel-print dresses, to skirt suits and trousers, it all looked like something I would see in some classic film noir. The scene stealer for me was the graphic eyeliner and angular bobs – the haircut I always wanted but could never have! Read the full story to see more photos.

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