From shipping in Scandinavian icebergs, to recreating the gardens of Versailles, nothing is too much to project the fantasy of Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld onto the catwalk - and the magical underwater world created to showcase his S/S12 collection was pure fashion fairytale.
As Florence Welch emerged from a giant shell, serenading the front row with her siren song, futuristic mermaids shimmered down the runway in parachute silk metallics and opalescent chiffons, scattered with pearls, shells and crystals. But the underwater love story didn't end at Chanel. Armani, McQueen and Versace all dived to the bottom of the ocean for inspiration, capturing the imagination of a shoal of Hollywood's very own little mermaids in the process.
With fishtail gowns, scale-like sequins and the most beautiful inhabitants of the big blue making an indelible impression upon this season's red carpets, a voyage to the bottom of the sea is every fashionista's 2012 vacay must.
How to wear the look
- Think literal, not lateral. Dismiss all thoughts of Ariel, The Little Mermaid, from your mind - waist-lenth Disney-style waves and scallop shell bikini tops are not getting any underwater love from the style set this summer.
- Look for shimmering, iridescent fabrics, or soft ocean shades of green, blue, coral and cream in silk, jersey or matt satin for under-the-sea sophistication.
- Sequins are having an out-of-party-season eveningwear resurgence. Steer clear of bright tones and look for muted pastel shades, matt metallics and opalescent tones. Offset with simple hair (sleek and wet-look reigned on the catwalk) and a slightly shimmering eye for siren style.
- Don't rock this look from top to toe with obvious underwater motifs. If you are wearing a shimmering fishtail gown, do not wear seahorse earrings or a coral necklace - you'll look like a caricature. Use one ocean-inspired piece as a starting point, such as a shell-shaped bag, and pair with tonal garments, working with an elegant silhouette or complimentary fabric to gently embrace the marine theme.
- Seashore prints are a fun way to wear the trend. Offset with soft metallics or neutral accessories so as not to vie for the eye line.
