Chanel ditches stilettos for sneakers at its Paris haute couture show

German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld acknowledges the public along with his godson Hudson Kroening and British model Cara Delevingne.  Source: AFP

MODELS ditched the traditional, ill-fitting sample shoes with hazardously high heels for pastel running shoes at the Chanel haute couture show in Paris yesterday.

The surprisingly casual move by revered designer Karl Lagerfeld set the mood for a collection of relaxed silhouettes including dropped-waist full-length gowns, cropped bouclé jackets with T-shirt sleeves, A-line skirts and boater-style cropped jackets.

Sparkles meet sporty on the Chanel runway. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

Despite the casual reinterpretation of Chanel's classic silhouettes, designs were rich in decorative detail from silk appliqué flowers and glass beading to lurex thread and peacock feathers.

Of all the 65 models to shun stilettos for sneakers, Brit "It" girl and skateboarding fan Cara Delevingne looked most comfortable in the contemporary collection.

On the run! Peacock feathers featured in Lagerfeld’s latest collection. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

Cementing her position as queen of the couture label, the kooky model stole the sartorial spotlight in the starring role of the dazzling finale.

Clad in a beaded, sheer white bridal gown with extravagant feather headdress and lashings of spangled silver eyeliner, Delevingne was joined by Lagerfeld and his godson Hudson Kroening cast as page boy to close the show at the Grand Palais.

Runaway bride British “It” girl Cara Delevingne in the show-stopper with Karl Lagerfeld's godson Hudson Kroening cast as page boy in a mock wedding. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

It will be interesting to see if celebrities, who use the couture catwalks as a catalogue for choosing their Oscar gowns, will be inspired by Chanel's casual approach to the season.

British actor and star of Saving Mr Banks Emma Thompson was praised by fashion and couch critics alike at the Screen Actors Guild Awards last week for ditching heels in favour of flats.

Emma Thompson in her flats at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

The drop waist is back in a more casual collection from Chanel. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

Mermaid in trainers, match made in evening wear heaven for Chanel. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

Model of the moment Cara Delevingne was most comfy with the new-look casual collection. Picture: AFP Source: AFP