|
Classic Chanel style underscores updated accessories
June 3, 1997
Web posted at: 5:38 a.m. EDT (0938 GMT)PARIS (CNN) -- Chanel accessories take on a fresh new lightness for spring.
There's a glamour and sexiness in everything from shiny hologram jewelry to handbags made out of baubles to terry-cloth shoes.
Gilles Dufour, who did the accessories collection with Karl Lagerfeld for the line, says they keep the spirit of Coco Chanel alive when they work.
"It's fun to do that, because she was such an inspiration for everybody that it's not difficult to catch a glimpse of her genius," Dufour says.
 |
 |
 |
While always keeping in mind the chains and bows that Coco Chanel made famous, the designers kept the focus on holograms this season.
"We use this wonderful plastic and paper holograms to do bracelets, camellias and necklaces," Dufour says.
The inspiration for the colorful porcelain flowers came directly from Coco Chanel, Dufour says. He and Lagerfeld took a flower Coco designed in the '60s and used it to create different shapes and colors. The end results were "huge earrings," brooches and hair accessories.
Classic chains
Chains are always an important Chanel accessory, Dufour says. This season they're simple.
"No clasp. It's plain, like a snake," he says.
Shoes are also big this season.
 |
 |
 |
"We did these printed terry-cloth shoes on high heels, and they were made like the shoes you go the beach (with), but with big heels and all made out of terry-cloth," Dufour explains.
The spring handbag still has the quilted look, but it is different from past seasons.
"We did a trompe l'oeil bag," he says. "They're made out of pearls or out of plastic (with) a frame of iron or gold. We did the quilting effect by crossing this plastic or these pearls."
Dufour says the one piece of advice he would give a woman when choosing accessories is not to force it.
"Nothing should be contrived. Everything should be done for the right time of day," he says. "I think brooches are nice for day, but at night they are a bit too much. But mostly it depends on the personality of the person."
 |
 |
 |
Sound off on our message boards
Tell us what you think!
You said it...
© 1997 Cable News Network, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.