CHANEL Spring 2009 Haute-Couture Show

Karl Lagerfield"s latest inspiration for the luxury house of Chanel is monochromatic, but in white, a hue on the opposite end of the spectrum from every fashionista's favorite, black.

According to Lagerfield, white represents a new page to begin on. He says, "A white page, a linear and timeless graphic interpretation. It's like a starting point for the story of this new era, for which all the details still need to be written. That is why I chose paper as the theme for the couture collection this season. It's also the fabric that I prefer most-I love paper! Everything begins on paper. Without paper I would be lost!"
Because of the monochrome color scheme, details in texture, accessories and fabric choice is what makes each piece of clothing stand out. Floral themes are presented in embroideries and tiny details, including the hairpieces by Japanese artist Katsuya Kamo.

The paper theme of the clothes was also set off by the show's stage at the Cambon-Capucines pavilion, which was designed to look like a pop-up book. Paper flowers and floral arrangements were placed around the columns and railings in the space as well at the table set up for guests.

Guests at the show were an international array of modern fashion icons including Keira Knightley, Olga Kurylenko, Kanye West and more.

The modern collection is a tribute to Coco Chanel's wise words, "Women think about all colors, except the absence of color. For me black has everything. So does white. They are absolute beauty. They are the perfect match. Dress a woman in white or in black and all eyes will be upon her.