Paris Fashion Week 2012 day 7: clean energy charms at Chanel

Karl Lagerfeld acknowledges the public after the Chanel collection. Patrick Kovarik / AFP Photo

Waiting for the seasonal treat that is Karl Lagerfeld's set for the Chanel show was made even more tantalising this week with so many shows at the beautiful Grand Palais, ensuring we walked past the blocked-off space again and again, wondering what could be behind the hoardings.

The answer was an incredible, modern set featuring giant wind turbines and a solar-panel-like floor, and the clothes were just as contemporary – a fresh, high-tech reboot. All the signatures were there, of course, but the shapes and finishes were neat and girlish, with fitted bodices, cropped sleeves and bell-shaped skirts, and a light, airy palette.

To a crystalline soundtrack by a live band, that included Kate Bush's gorgeous, resilient Running Up That Hill, the models zigzagged across the massive catwalk on lovely, wearable platform sandals, some carrying Sevillano-style hats with clear plastic brims. Huge clustered pearl necklaces looked like atom models, and bags were reshaped into circular frames, including one giant hula-hoop-sized bag worn with a swimming costume.

All the signatures were there for Chanel, of course, but the shapes and finishes were neat and girlish, with fitted bodices, cropped sleeves and bell-shaped skirts, and a light, airy palette. Martin Bureau / AFP Photo

For evening black chiffon was densely appliquéd with sprays of patterned-fabric leaves, and white strapless bandeau columns were scattered with appliquéd flowers. With the introduction of cobalt blue, coral and a leafy green, the collection justified its billing as offering a new, clean energy.

There was an incredible, modern set featuring giant wind turbines and a solar-panel-like floor, and the clothes were just as contemporary.

For more information you can visit Mode à Paris

More from Paris Fashion Week

Day one: moody romanticism from Van Noten and Rochas Day two: Arora, Copping, Lanvin – a season to be contrary Day three: grown-up glamour at Dior, Anne-Valérie Hash, Roland Mouret – and rainbows at Issey Miyake In pictures: Backstage at Viktor & Rolf Day four-five: Power play at Jean Paul Gaultier, Loewe and Andrew Gn Day six: graphic Hermès, glamorous Giambattista Valli and the black and blues at Saint Laurent Picture special: Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dior seen, and re-seen Final day: Elie Saab and Louis Vuitton shine as the curtain falls like the rain in Paris

The National’s fashion correspondent Gemma Champ will be writing every day from Paris Fashion Week. She has previously blogged from London Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week.