A model for Chanel
© AFP Francois Guillot

PARIS (AFP) - Sticking largely to black and white, the German designer sent out sequinned hot pants and sporty separates, as well as his latest take on Chanel staples such as three-quarter sleeve jackets and tweed ensembles.

And he often sheathed the look in sheer wispy black in a return to layering, even over white, such as pairing a transparent black shirt over a glittery short white dress.

Black and white also coloured the minimalist decor of Japanese-style screens which were slid back at the end to offer the audience a rare peek of the backstage clothes rails and dressers.

Victoria Beckham
© AFP Francois Guillot

Victoria Beckham and Lenny Kravitz added star power to the front-row of guests seated relatively close to the catwalk in a bid, the designer said, to better see the clothing's details.

"It's the Chanel heritage in the world of today," the white-haired, pony-tailed designer said of his ready-to-wear collection after the show.

The hundreds of guests had to show their passport or another form of identity with their invitation to get into the show, one of the most anticipated on the eight-day catwalk calendar.

Although Lagerfeld refrained from very fancy embellishment, he did place fine chains to line the waist or draped down the front, add thick same-colour sequins or details such as buttons.

A model for Chanel
© AFP Francois Guillot

And he chose to punctuate the look with bold accessories, such as several thick gold bangles worn together, long pearls or thick and thin chain necklaces, and belts.

Models wore simple chiffon scarves in their pony tails.

The show's opening passage of pristine white front-tied coat-dresses with just the iconic interlocking Cs embroidered on the breast seemed to say 'just look at the shoes'. You could hardly not, as they were see-thru platform wedges with a glittery heel and sole.

Stripes offered a much more casual look, especially the comfortable sporty tops whose arms stretched up over the head for a chic new take on the hoodie, and little tunic dresses.

A model for Chanel
© AFP Francois Guillot

The designer also threw in a few outfits for men that mirrored his women's wear such as in denim, with narrow jeans and a waistcoat. He wrapped denim in organza to give it a sheen.

Paris fasion week continues later Friday with shows by France's Christian Lacroix and British designer Alexander McQueen. The eight-day style extravaganza wraps up on Sunday.

©AFP