As fashion week reached its final destination, the sartorial capital of the world was left with the daunting task of revitalizing the ailing recessionista who, this season, had touted the failsafe virtues of wearable sportswear with a kind of Puritanical fervor. Who was better fit for the job than the veritable king of haute couture? Karl Lagerfeld abandoned dependable practicality for unadulterated artistry with a magnificent espectacular that reminded us what fashion is truly about. 87 exquisitely handcrafted ensembles featured intricate embroidery, delicate beading, and dégradé fringe. Glossy feathers and tufts of rosettes in funereal black instilled a kind of soft but solemn beauty in the darkly ethereal collection. Despite the abundance of gothic elements, Lagerfeld deftly sidestepped the accompanying heaviness with tenuous layers of diaphanous tulle and interwoven metallic threads. Aside from stunning evening attire, Chanel's signature tweeds made their requisitory appearance, this time in muted pastel palettes. Lagerfeld added a few innovative tweaks in the form of mandarin collars and intriguing, slightly mismatched silhouettes. Buttoned-up bracelet sleeve jackets might prim-and-proper, but not when they were cheekily paired with diminutive metallic-trim hot shorts. Yet lest the clothes steal the spotlight, Lagerfeld piled on the accessories - metallic cutout booties, zippered fingerless gloves, and chains of layered necklaces. Stacks of glittery lucite bangles emblazoned with the trademark double C encircled both arms, while the classic quilted bag became an oversized clutch with a roll-top handle. More so than the accoutrements, however, Lagerfeld's mastery of proportion and texture made his latest endeavor exceptional.

all photos from style.com