WORLD NEWS

PARIS: For his signature label's fall-winter 2010-11 ready-to-wear collection, Chanel and Fendi designer Karl Lagerfeld went deep sea diving, layering high-necked coats in dense wools that resembled neoprene over latex leggings.

The tops were cut close to the body like scuba suits and had inserts of shiny vinyl panels. The models also wore wide vinyl headbands in their windswept bouffants. Even the evening looks, beaded dresses fitted with bodice belts, were worn with the vinyl leggings - which fitted over glossy stiletto heels.

As per usual at Lagerfeld, the collection was mostly black on black, with a handful of looks in rich chocolate tones.

Highlights of the collection included a high-necked, cap-sleeved shirt worn with a black vinyl pencil skirt and leggings and a tunic in shimmery material with fancy origami folds at the neckline and a nipped waist.

Beth Ditto, singer of the U.S. band Gossip and a frequent guest at Lagerfeld's shows, called the collection "amazing," though she quickly added, "but I don't want to talk like someone who knows something about fashion because I really have no idea."