2012 was a fantastic year for Cara Delevingne, who was crowned Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards. But proving that her success is far from a flash in the pan, the 20-year-old is continuing to reign in the modelling industry, walking on Monday for one of the most high profile brands in the world – Chanel. All eyes were on Cara as she stepped out onto the runway, set in an enchanted forest that had been dreamed up by fashion maestro Karl Lagerfeld in the dome of the Grand Palais in central Paris. Modelling a bridal-esque, ivory gown that featured dramatic feathered shoulders and sporting gothic eye make-up, she was breathtaking as she glided down the stage.
And emphasis on the shoulders seemed to be the order of the morning, with stole-like affixations, off-the-shoulder dresses and trapeze shapes descending from the shoulders dominating the show. Peep-toe boots were paired with each look that Karl's 'edgy fairies' – including Stella Tennant, who opened the show – modelled in silver leather and lace, they peeked out from under tweed coats and dresses in a neutral colour palette of pale pink and ivory. In terms of structure, bell shapes reigned. Skirts were stiff and stood away from the body. Evening gowns, meanwhile, were adorned with cascading white feathers, and black white sequins. A gothic twist in the tale came through in the models' theatrical make-up. Heavy, smudged black eye shadow lent an eerie feel, with winged shadowed shapes replacing lashes for a seriously dramatic effect.
As usual, the hotly anticipated show had attracted a starry front row, with Rita Ora turning up to support her best friend Cara. Rita looked typically edgy in a white dress teamed with a red leather jacket and matching lips as she posed for the cameras with her fashion pal after the presentation. In typical Karl Lagerfeld style, the show was rounded off on a controversial note. The veteran couturier took his show as an opportunity to support a divisive French gay marriage law by sending two brides together down the catwalk.
The two models donned couture bridal gowns as they walked the aisle littered with leaves and flowers, joined by Karl's four-year-old godson, who was acting as pageboy. Speaking about the statement he was making, the 79-year-old said after the show: "I don't even understand the debate. Since 1904 (in France) the church and state have been separate. He continued: "If (those against) want a sacred religious union, (they can) in the church, temple, cathedral, synagogue or mosque."