The latest venue in the list of spectacular locations for the annual Metiers d’Art by Chanel is the ruined castle of Linlithgow, Edinburgh in Scotland. The former home of the Stuart line of royals until the untimely demise of Mary Queen of Scots and the subsequent reign of Elizabeth the first, the castle formed a theatrical background for the distinctly Scottish flavour of the 2013 pre-fall collection by Karl Lagerfeld.
Scottish tweeds and rich tartans in warm shades of blue, red, green and black were worn as skirts, coats, capes and pants for all occasions. Beautiful knitwear in lambswool and cashmere worn with argyle stockings and boots, sporran shaped leather bags and sumptuous full length gowns, a Parisian interpretation of the best of Celtic style. Pride of place was held by the accessories, bespoke creations in feathers, fur, leather and jewels by the exclusive group of 10 artisan ateliers acquired by Chanel, the most recent of which being the Barrie knitwear company. The organisation which employs 180 people, have supplied the fashion house with their iconic cashmere twinsets for the past 25 years, was saved from closure by the timely purchase of Chanel.
In spite of the flurries of snow and the freezing temperatures, the audience sat enthralled huddled under Chanel blankets and soaked up the magic of Karl Lagerfeld to a background of fire baskets and bagpipes!
