Karl Lagerfeld took the French Mrs. Robinson—a.k.a. Léa de Lonval from the Colette novel Chéri, who has an affair with a younger man—as his inspiration for Chanel’s spring accessories catalogue. Starring in this high-end flyer sent only to Chanel clients? Jerry Hall, of course. In a FASHION exclusive, we chatted to Lagerfeld about his latest muse.
Why did you choose Jerry Hall to embody Léa de Lonval?
“I have known Jerry Hall since she was 15 and have always loved her sumptuous and generous side, her complexion, her hair, her overall allure.”
Is the affair between the older woman and her young lover that you captured on film scandalous or tragic?
“Oscar Wilde said: ‘I like men who have a future, and women who have a past’ (The Picture of Dorian Gray). It is this whole idea of seduction that is summarized here that appeals to me. One of a very young man fascinated and attracted by what a woman does: her wardrobe, her perfume, her movements, her allure.”
What was your starting point for the collection?
“The idea of essential accessories is reassuring today. In this uncertain time, products from brands with a high level of quality and savoir faire are of real importance. It is probably better to invest in products of real value, rather than in what is flashy.”
View more photos from the campaign in our FASHION Diaries blog.
First published in FASHION Magazine March 2009
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liz writes:
i do like the idea of a younger man with an older women it does sound intriging,but he does not have to be in highschool and her be as old his gra ndmother some age difference is ok within reason it does seems a little french this idea about a younger man and an older women,but i like it
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—posted February 16, 2009 at 1:51 p.m.
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