Chanel Models Cha-Chaed Down the Runway in Cuba

Models dancing in the streets after the runway presentation at the Paseo del Prado street in Havana, Cuba. (Photo: Rex)
Models dancing in the streets after the Chanel runway presentation at the Paseo del Prado street in Havana. (Photo: Rex)

Karl Lagerfeld has shown Chanel’s cruise collections all around the world: Dubai, New York, Seoul, Salzburg, and Venice, to name a few locations. On Monday, though, he brought the traveling runway to its most exotic location yet — Havana.

Gisele Bundchen fans herself prior to the fashion show. (Photo: AP)
Gisele Bündchen fans herself prior to the fashion show. (Photo: AP)

About 700 models, editors, and celebrities, including Gisele Bündchen, Tilda Swinton, Vin Diesel, and more, were transported to the Caribbean island via cruise ship from Miami. And with the boat’s docking — where VIPs were greeted by classic cars — the Paris-based brand symbolically broke a significant cultural barrier between the Communist country and the surrounding fashion world.

The only way to ride in Havana …. 🌴😎🚗 #chanelcruisecuba @chanelofficial

A photo posted by Nina Garcia (@ninagarcia) on May 3, 2016 at 10:56pm PDT

While fashion brands have been inspired by Cuba for decades, and more so now that the trade embargo has been lifted and travel restrictions loosened, the Chanel show marks the first time that a major company has staged such a massive production here. “It was like a private joke because I thought it was impossible,” Lagerfeld told Women’s Wear Daily. “Suddenly, Cuba is the most talked-about thing in the world, and we’re the first with fashion.” He added that Cuba is like nothing else in the world because “it has an identity I love, and I always wanted to go, but I need a professional reason.”

A model in a green and black ensemble and sequin beret makes her way down the runway. (Photo: AP)
A model in a green and black ensemble and sequin beret makes her way down the runway. (Photo: AP)

The new line, which was inspired by Cuba’s “cultural richness,” features bright prints, traditional guayaberas,beach-themed slogans on T-shirts, lightweight black and white suits, Tropicana-inspired bouclé separates, ruffle skirts, fedoras, and berets.

Antonio Castro spotted prior to the show. (Photo: Reuters)
Antonio Castro spotted prior to the show. (Photo: Reuters)

Stella Tenant opened the show, held on one of Havana’s main boulevards, the historic Paseo del Prado, and other top models, including Lindsay Wixon and Binx Walton, also walked. But probably the most notable participant was Antonio Castro, the grandson of former president Fidel Castro. “It is an honor for all Cubans for this big event to take place here,” the 17-year-old said.

Vin Diesel posing before the show. (Photo: Reuters)
Vin Diesel posing before the show. (Photo: Reuters)

Some Cubans were critical, though, with many noting that Chanel isn’t even sold on the island and a majority of the population could never even dream of wearing one of the designs (approximately 70 percent of Cuban workers are employed by the state and have an average salary of $25 per month).

Chanel Cruise 2017 finale!! #ChanelCruiseCuba #cococuba Via @ellesingapore

A video posted by Anna Barroso (@it_girls) on May 3, 2016 at 8:07pm PDT

Lagerfeld, who actually used to dance the cha-cha and tango professionally and is a huge fan of Latin music, took his bow with his godson Hudson Kroenig by his side and was subsequently joined by musicians and models for a dance party in the street.

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