Karl Lagerfeld’s Most Unforgettable Chanel Runway Shows

Atika Jamaluddin

Explore fashion maestro Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic Chanel runways, where fashion became an immersive world of grandeur and storytelling.

The Man Who Brought Chanel Back to Life

In the 1980s, Karl Lagerfeld’s revived Chanel from the brink, transforming it from a fading legacy into a global powerhouse. Taking over couture in 1983, he redefined the brand with bold, modern twists while honoring its heritage. By incorporating the iconic interlocked CC monogram into Chanel’s signature aesthetic, he cemented its status as the epitome of timeless luxury.

Karl Lagerfeld didn’t just design clothes—he created worlds. His Chanel runways were the epitome of theatrical grandeur transforming fashion into a multisensory experience. From turning the Grand Palais into a Parisian street protest (Spring/Summer 2015) to launching a life-sized Chanel rocket (Fall/Winter 2017) and staging an ethereal beach scene with real waves (Spring/Summer 2019), Lagerfeld elevated the concept of a fashion show to an art form.

1. Chanel Fall/Winter 2017 : Space-age futurism

Chanel’s Fall/Winter 2017 show at the Grand Palais was a spectacle of space-age futurism, featuring a 35-meter life-sized rocket as its centerpiece. Designed by Karl Lagerfeld, the runway embraced outer space and 1960s sci-fi aesthetics with astronaut prints, metallic boots and space blanket-inspired designs. The grand finale saw the rocket “blast off” 33 feet into the air to Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” creating an unforgettable moment. Celebrities like Cara Delevingne, Lily-Rose Depp, Pharrell Williams and Kendall Jenner were among the A-list attendees.

2. Chanel Fall/Winter 2018: Karl Lagerfeld’s Enchanted Forest

Karl Lagerfeld transformed the Grand Palais into an autumnal wonderland for Chanel FW18 with towering trees and golden leaves setting a breathtaking scene. The collection embraced earthy tones, textured knits, and floor-length coats, blending classic Chanel tweed with modern silhouettes. Accessories like fingerless gloves and bold boots added an edge, while monochrome finale looks brought signature sophistication. Lily-Rose Depp, Vanessa Paradis, and Keira Knightley watched as Lagerfeld’s vision of Parisian elegance meets nature’s beauty came to life. Chanel FW18 wasn’t just fashion—it was a poetic tribute to the changing seasons.

3. Chanel Spring/Summer 2019: Karl Lagerfeld’s Beachside Dream

Karl Lagerfeld turned the Grand Palais into a stunning beach complete with sand and rolling waves. Models walked barefoot in pastel tweeds, breezy kaftans and oversized sun hats. Blending Chanel’s signature elegance with effortless seaside charm— think flowing silhouettes, seashell accessories and straw totes that felt both luxurious and relaxed.

4. Chanel Couture Spring/Summer 2015: Blooming Masterpiece

The Grand Palais was transformed into an enchanting glass-enclosed greenhouse for Chanel Haute Couture SS15, where fashion met botanical artistry. Models walked through a dreamlike garden of handcrafted oversized flowers, slowly “blooming” as the show unfolded. The collection was a fresh take on Chanel couture blending delicate florals, structured silhouettes and intricate embroidery. Soft pastel hues, cropped jackets, voluminous skirts and exquisite lace details redefined modern femininity.

5. Chanel Pre-Fall 2016 Collection: Métiers d’Art

Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2016 collection was brought to Rome’s legendary Cinecittà studio blending Parisian elegance with Italian cinematic glamour. The show’s set, an atmospheric recreation of a Parisian street at night. Infused with noir romance, intricate craftsmanship and vintage allure—The collection fused delicate lace, rich tweeds and flowing capes exuding vintage glamour with a modern Chanel touch. Accessories like chain-detailed boots and veiled fascinators elevated the drama, celebrating the craftsmanship at the heart of Chanel.