Oct 12

Oct 12 Lagerfeld and his Petites Mains

For his recent haute couture show for Chanel last spring, Karl Lagerfeld transported his entire staff from the house's Rue Cambon atelier to the Grand Palais, who served as a backdrop for his Fall 2016 haute couture runway show, together with their sewing machines, cutting tables, fabrics, embroidery tools, and other sewing materials that they use on a daily basis. As per Lagerfeld's direction, they worked while the models walked the runway. Where Mademoiselle Chanel used to bring the crowd to her atelier for fashion shows, Monsieur Lagerfeld brought the atelier to the audience.

Karl Lagerfeld is known for his admiration and close relationship with his staff, or his petites mains ("little hands"), referencing the skilled and talented artisans who work on haute couture garments.

Vogue UK's Scarlett Conlon inquired into this highly revered staff--who they are, how they operate, and how much schooling/experience is needed before one can be accepted to work professionally in the atelier.

Click here for the full story and photo gallery on vogue.co.uk

Click here to view Chanel Fall 2016 Haute Couture runway show on vogue.com