FASHION Magazine

By Laura deCarufel

It was always going to be major, the kind of major that connotes italics and inspires emails with the subject line “OMG”—or, more accurately, “Oh mon Dieu.” Last night’s Chanel Cruise 2012 show was a heavenly—and très French—affair.

For starters, the location: The fabled Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, perched on a cliff in the south of France, has the vibe of a continental Gatsby mansion, complete with cream hue, palm trees, and a pathway-cum-runway leading from the terraced steps down to a rock wall overlooking an infinity pool.

Tables with striped umbrellas were set up along the runway so that everyone had a front row seat. Waiting for the show to begin, I sipped chilled Perrier-Jouet and watched the other guests smoke and double-kiss. Most of them were wearing Chanel, and all of them were wearing it differently. A French reporter dressed up a pair of jeans with a black lace dress accessorized only with a cigarette. Princess Caroline of Monaco chose a monochromatic ivory look (satin blouse and trousers), while screen stars Anna Mouglalis and Vanessa Paradis were chic in classic black.

It’s the afternoon after the Chanel cruise show and the party animals are just beginning to stir.

In true St. Tropez form, Karl Lagerfeld threw a bash that went on into the wee hours, with free-flowing champagne, lots of Lady Gaga on the soundtrack, and models in full celebration mode (and flats) to fête Chanel makeup creative director Peter Phillips‘ birthday.

Call it the Chanel invasion of St. Tropez. Hundreds of models, fashion editors and Chanel groupies have descended on this chic port town for the unveiling of the Chanel Cruise collection.

Last night guests battled it out in a petanque tournament [Ed: basically lawn bowling played on gravel] in the main square, Place des Lice, that followed a screening of a short film by Karl Lagerfeld.