Chanel Ink: Les trompe-l’oeil de Chanel

What comes to your mind when you think barn, hay and straw – Chanel by any chance? No, I haven’t gone all cuckoo. I’m referring to last September when Karl Lagerfeld reminded us of his genius-ness, cleverly mixing wheat grains, peasant prints, chiffons and lace and creating high fashion in their Spring 2010 show. Also let’s not forget the return of the clogs (I have been desperately trying to resist but after seeing these Kurt Geiger beauties I have to raise my flag in defeat). The models frolicking in the hay made for quite a charming show and emphasized that girl-next-door feel.
In keeping with the theme of the show Creative Director of Chanel makeup Peter Philips designed a set of temporary tattoos to capture that ethereal essence. The girls had chains and pearls wrapped around their wrists or thighs with the double-C charms hanging, or two birds holding a sautoir necklace delicately over a décolleté. There were also wild flowers helped to emphasize the country look and a pendant in the shape of a cross. My personal favourite ones are the pearls as I think the iridescent of the white looks amazing on darker skin tones.

Chanel RTW Spring 2010

A special barn-like boutique is now open on exclusively at Selfridges allowing you to buy a set of these temporary tattoos and have one of the Chanel ladies apply one for you in store. Each pack has 55 individual tattoos, which can be mixed and matched to allow individual expression, and is priced at £49. I had mine done on Friday and for someone who’s not making a conscious effort to look after it, it’s keeping pretty well. Besides temporary tattoos are perfect for the inner rebel, you know the one who wants to get a tattoo but knows her mum will kill her if she does. Having said that, mum and dad haven’t even noticed this one…do you reckon I’ll get away with a real one? If they ever ask I’ll just say ‘it’s Chanel, dahhling’.