Amazing Grace ... Chanel Pre-Fall 2007

Monte Carlo is the epitome of luxurious European lifestyle. What was once a seaside fishing town is now a cosmopolitan city by the magnificent Côte D'Azure.

Seaside villas perching on the cliffs, pristine beaches horded by crowds with celebrity status and also a playground to the rich gamblers who are trying to seduce Lady Luck.

The city's classic aura and flourishing opulence too played muse and the source of inspiration to Karl Lagerfeld's latest Pre-Fall 2007 collection for Parisian fashion house Chanel.

Combining the sumptuous and tasteful spirit in everything lavish of late Gabrielle Coco Chanel with Monte Carlo's elegance and grace, the winning amalgamation resulted a spectacular collection of ready-to-wear and accessories that breathes out the city's spirit of extravagance.

Shot within the comfort of late Chanel's apartment just above her Rue Cambon boutique, the pre-Fall collection embodies the elements that makes out a Chanel and Monte Carlo woman. From richly sequined dress with short ruffled sleeves and neckline in raven black to crocheted dress in beige with ruffled fabric details on neckline, sleeves and placket plus self ribbon belt, the pre-collection reflects much to some of Coco Chanel and Lagerfeld's early works.

Emulate the taste of a French heiress with an ensemble of black blouse with crystal details on front, a matching skirt, and top it all with a black fur cape that sure will turn Paris Hilton or the Traina sisters green in envy!

For men, Lagerfeld designed an ensemble of black wool cardigan with contrast collars and wide piping details on pockets, sleeves and hem in white, a white shirt and woolen long pants, which I like the most.

The highlight of this collection is the dramatic accessories that consists of extensive amber necklace set on gold with matching bracelets (shown on top) that resembles to one of signature Chanel Fine Jewelry pieces. The necklace is only available through special orders.

Other accessories include cuff with encrusted interlocking C's, bejewelled headband, bejeweled belt adorned with floral motif in gold and jet, and black pumps with ribbon detail on the vamp just to name a few. If you are into boots, and since the boots have become the Fall/Winter staple, the calfskin high boot with bejeweled strass buckle is a must have for you.

My personal pick of the crop is the halter neck plissé chiffon dress with gathered boidce and pleated hem. This astonishing dress has a close resemblance to one of Lagerfeld's haute couture creations that he designed a few years back. The gathered bodice works really well with the fabric and the layers that flows fluidly accentuates a subtle yet gentle effect.

Best off all, the dress requires needs no extra bedecking as the black bow tied on the neck completes the look. Pre-Fall will never look the same again in this dress.

The new Pre-Fall 2007 ready-to-wear and accessories will be available at all Chanel stores this August. By the end of this year, Chanel will unveil its first flagship store in Jakarta at the Grand Indonesia Shopping Town and it will carry a complete selection of Chanel merchandises. The Indonesian store will be managed and operated by PT. Prima Utama Indonesia International.

*Photos courtesy of Chanel.

Chanel - Ground Floor, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, 50800 Kuala Lumpur.