Chanel Cruise 2015 Show in Dubai Cover

Those who have been following me on instagram have got already an impression how fabulous my trip to Dubai was this week. Karl Lagerfeld had chosen the Emirates destination as the place to present the Chanel Cruise 2015 collection. You would imagine that past presentations in St. Tropez, Dallas and the Palais de Versailles among others would be hard to top. Think again. It’s Karl Lagerfeld. It was a feast for the eyes, an amazing experience, like the fairytale of One Thousand and One Nights.

Invite Chanel Cruise Dubai

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Chanel Cruise Dubai by Boat

The guests, among them celebrities such as Dakota Fanning, Vanessa Paradis, Freida Pinto and Tilda Swinton, were brought by junks to a manmade island off the coast of Dubai where an enormous golden hangar covered in an interlocking double C’s lattice awaited us. From far away it looked like traditional Islamic fretwork.

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Chanel Cruise Dubai Ambiance 3

Sandra Bauknecht Chanel Cruise Dubai 2

We were asked to wear flat shoes (even that flats are trending at the moment, this was a challenge for me) as we walked through the sand. With an outdoor temperature of around 36°C, it felt like a beautiful evening in the desert. We were greeted in the souk tents with refreshing lemonades and Arabic coffee while enjoying the Dubai skyline.

Chanel Cruise Dubai - Take Away

Inside Chanel Cruise Dubai 2

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Chanel Cruise Dubai-Sandra Bauknecht

Inside comfy, cushioned seating around the catwalk, yummy hors d’oeuvres, champagne and gigantic fake palm trees awaited us.

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Food Chanel Cruise Dubai

In the middle of the location, the food was on display that we enjoyed after the show, from mini pita-shawarmas and falafel with date chutney to pistachio baklava.

Chanel Cruise Dubai-The Show

The show was beautiful, Karl Lagerfeld dreamed up his “idea of a romantic, modern Orient, a new One Thousand and One Nights.” He mixed precious and costume jewelry and played with the sickle-moon motif. Those pearl crescent-moon hair pieces and Bedouin-inspired cuffs are divine. Aladdin’s slippers, harem pants, ghutra-pattern-inspired jackets, mosaiced skirts, necklines and embroidered leather camellias bring the Arabian culture into the Chanel style in a respectful and culturally sensitive way.

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It wouldn’t be Karl Lagerfeld though if he didn’t add some humor to his collection. I adore the tunic tops hemmed in a sequined version of the Dubai skyline and the golden jerrycan bag will surely be on many shopping lists.

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The Party Chanel Dubai Cruise

After the dinner, we enjoyed a private concert by Janelle Monáe.

Janelle Monae Chanel

Karl lagerfeld, Vanessa Paradis, Tilda party

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Vanessa Paradis - Sandra Bauknecht

Vanessa Paradis with me after the show

Sandra Bauknecht - Dakota Fanning

Sweet Dakota Fanning

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Tilda Swinton giving an interview outdoors

Walk Chanel Cruise Dubai

When we walked back to the boats through the candle-lit sandy path, it felt like a million-and-one Arabian nights. Thank you, Chanel, for this beautiful night. In the September issue of L’Officiel Switzerland, you will find an exclusive report and some amazing pictures. Stay tuned!

While you are reading this, I am already on my way to the next adventure. For one evening, I fly to Shanghai with Omega for an exceptional dinner with George Clooney.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Chanel