Karl Lagerfeld is Chanel from top to toe

HELMET-like fur hats and zippable leather leg sheaths were the stars of the show last night, as Paris celebrated a century of Chanel design.

For the winter 2013-14 collection, veteran creative director Karl Lagerfeld celebrated the fashion house’s success story at a glittering exhibition at the Grand Palais hall.

Models including Stella Tennant walked around a huge circular globe runway – signifying the brand’s international reach – sporting stylish winter concepts in tones of blue, grey, purple, pink and black.

“The spirit of the show was Chanel’s globalisation,” said Lagerfeld, who himself celebrated 30 years at Chanel.

Chained black biker boots were also on show, although the revamped classic skirt-suits ensured the core clientèle was not left behind.

“It’s romantic,” said Hollywood star Milla Jovovich. “It’s early 20th-century Coco, but he’s made it über-modern.”