This Is How Chanel Kicks It In Austria (Pre-Fall 2015)

Austria is famous for many things — Mozart, Arnold Schwarzenegger, wiener schnitzel — but fashion isn’t really one of them. That may change, thanks to Karl Lagerfeld and his merry band of chicsters. Today, the German designer debuted his latest Métiers d’Art collection for Chanel in Salzburg at the Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron, an 18th century Rococo palace best known for its cameo in The Sound of Music. There, he showed an 80-look Pre-Fall 2015 collection that oozed all the pomp and circumstance you’d expect from modern royalty, minus most of the kitsch (Heidi-braid ear muffs notwithstanding). 

Chanel Pre-Fall 2015; Image: Chanel Instagram

To wit, 17th century breeches were reimagined in denim or suede shorties, embroidered in the style of lederhosen, and worn with kicky knee-high boots and cashmere tights; lace blouses with delicate mid-century ruffs were paired with elegant capelette jackets accented with gilded braids or embroidered florals; and for evening, a dramatic, floor-sweeping cape came festooned with turquoise feathers. On the accessories circuit, glinting brooches, velvet chokers and plumed hats by Maison Michel helped Lagerfeld bring the Austrian mystic into the 21st century. To this we say, “Noch, noch!” That’s encore for all you Rosetta Stone flunkies.

View the full collection below.