FASHION NEWS

REBECCA TAY

China, Here We Come

The biggest event this month in fashion—post all the fashion weeks, of course—was the first ever runway show on the Great Wall of China, courtesy of Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld. FashionWireDaily.com reported that in the spectacular showing, the luxury label’s double “F” logo shone on the hills surrounding a fifth-century section of the Wall, where it twists north of Beijing. The logo also covered velvet hand warmers given to editors and celebrities in attendance, which included Kate Bosworth and Thandie Newton.

Why such a large presence of the logo? According to Lagerfeld, “I first drew it 40 years ago, when I wanted to inject in some humour, and it meant Fun Furs . I never dreamt that one day it would illuminate miles of the Great Wall.”

The show, with 88 models walking down the wall, featured primarily Chinese beauties and youthful Russians showcasing many of the Spring 2008 looks unveiled in October during Milan Fashion Week. Only one new look was added: a Last Emperor –style cocktail dress in black — “an homage to Madame Chiang Kai-shek,” said Lagerfeld. The weekend spectacle is estimated to have cost Fendi €7 million.