Karl Lagerfeld goes ironic and employs fur?believe it or not?for an environmentally correct collection
PARIS?THE POlar-chic that characterized the Chanel A/H 2010/2011 show was very apt, what with the sub-zero weather outside.

That was, as if the world needed to be reminded to practice eco-friendly lifestyle as each winter becomes even more freezing than the last! No matter, Chanel unleashed bears and gorillas on the catwalk.

Yes, Chanel is hairier than Neanderthals, and so bloody chic.

The irony is clear; tons of fake fur says Chanel knows the issues. But fashion remains fashion: fur pants, fur hats, fur Chewbacca boots, fur in classic Chanel tweed, and a giant imported iceberg.

One wonders about dèfilés with crows and spray paint, especially when Karl Lagerfeld addresses global warming by transforming the quilted purse into a clutch that looks like ice out of a mold. Or when one sees the little double C?s melting very, very cutely.

The heel and toe of a pair of white boots seemed as if they had been dipped in mud, or grease, or maybe toxic waste? but this being in the larger context of a theme, the environment, global warming?the style turns into relevance.

Such products may not be in any way off-the-wall to creative designers?but herein of course is part of the brand?s greatness: It can do almost anything and sell it.

Some looks seemed inspired by the global nomad: necklaces one might have bought on a trip to El Salvador?almost, but not quite ?ethnic??paired with deep brown jackets trimmed with fur; unfinished ?yarn? on a dress reminiscent of Igorot attire; a few sweaters with Scandinavian-ish patterns; some with British schoolboy charm; and a whimsical round fur ball of a bag.

There were no Russian papakha hats?perhaps too literal ?but instead a lush cape that looked like half a dead coconut in gray, enough of a fortress for unbearably cold winds.

The weaves were beautiful in white dresses with what looked like ombré/degradé of light blues. Little white dresses of lace and wool were coy, sweet and pretty.

Many concur that Karl Lagerfeld is great, that Chanel is chic but not so chic that it hurts, and that Chanel can even be witty. Will this collection sell? Outlandish as it may be in our warm shores, it still is, Chanel.

The author is based in Paris where she took up masteral studies in luxury brand management.