The Chanel Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Haute Couture show at the Grand Palais was a grand spectacle complete with a forty-foot lion.  But even the lioness could not outshine the clothing and accessories that Uncle Karl designed.

The overall silhouette was a play on layers, length and shoulders.  Strong shoulders have been popular for a few seasons now, but the Chanel strong shoulder was different.  It’s very soft and round, but strong in the sense that it is exaggerated.  Almost all of the looks had the rounded, sculptural shoulder paired with a 3/4 length sleeve.  The looks that didn’t have the rounded shoulder were sleeveless and the models’ bare shoulders were reminiscent of the roundness of the sleeved jackets.

Lagerfeld also played with length in this collection.  From 3/4 sleeve jackets, to long blouses paired with cropped jackets, to-the-knee skirts and dresses to calf-length dresses and skirts.  Most of the hemlines were on the short side – even the formal dresses.

The color palette is one suited for fall – rich jewel tones like garnet, topaz, and sapphire paired with rich browns, camel and black.  Lush fabrics like warm tweeds paired with luxe fur; brocade fabric with rich beading and embroidery, dresses embellished with strings of pearls.  The overall look is very luxurious and rich – think ladies who lunch.

I must confess, the clothing was not my favorite this season.  I wasn’t a very big fan of the big rounded shoulders.  What stole the show for me was the accessories.  These boots were definitely made for walking – slouchy, ruched, metallic, beaded, and with the iconic black toe cap – every look had an ankle boot to match.

The accessories that had me drooling were the large chunky bangle bracelets – bejeweled with chains hanging and layered – the bracelets were the perfect match for the 3/4 sleeve and sleeveless looks.  Brooches and belt buckles had similar looks with chains dripping from them with lion heads at the center.  A collection certainly made to make you roar!