When Karl Lagerfeld passed away in 2019, the fashion world collectively mourned one of the most prolific designers of our time. Lagerfeld, who joined the House of Chanel in 1983, was more than just an incredibly talented designer; he was—and will forever be—a celebrated pop-culture icon and one of the most well-respected creatives of our time.
Ever the storyteller, Lagerfeld loved a theme, often transforming the Grand Palais—home to Chanel’s runway shows since 2005—into immersive environments on show day in a way few other creative directors could achieve.
Chanel Takes Flight: Revisiting Spring 2016
Over the years, there’s been no shortage of notable set designs, with some of Lagerfeld’s most elaborate themes pairing back to bags that would go on to become coveted limited editions (who can forget Chanel’s XXL Shopping Basket for Fall/Winter 2014).
In 2016, Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld wowed once again when they turned the Grand Palais into a Chanel-themed airport terminal, and this season marks its 10th anniversary. Today, on Throwback Thursday, we’re paying homage to Chanel Spring 2016.
Let’s take a look back!
When guests walked into the show space, it was immediately clear that this collection would be travel-themed, as they were transported into a very real concourse complete with an information board, gate agents, and boarding queues.
A Look Back at the Bags of Chanel’s Jet-Set Spring 2016 Collection
As expected, the collection included very literal odes to airport travel, like roller suitcases with smaller handbags on top, much like the most fashionable among us navigate the airport.
Because of the theme, Lagerfeld peppered the collection with more fabric than usual, like nylon and canvas. Vanity cases were on theme, and of course, in true Lagerfeld fashion, there was a suitcase-inspired minaudiere, later named by Chanel as the Evening In The Air Trolley Minaudière.
Other bags included Chanel signatures, intricately textured flap bags, Boy Bags with neon trim—that now feel so 2016—crystallized flap bags, backpacks, and more.
Take a look at the Spring 2016 bags below. Do you remember this iconic Chanel collection? Do you own any of these bags?
Images via Vogue Runway
The clothes and accessories are lovely but the real treasure is the mise-en-scène.