Chanel's Singapore Spectacular

Karl Lagerfelds  latest Chanel  spectacular took place in Singapore last night and, by Karl's standards, was a decidedly pared-back affair. The pre-spring/summer 2014 collection was unveiled inside a disused former nutmeg plantation - all concrete floors, whitewashed walls and electric lighting - to give the air of "tropics before air-conditioning".

"I like the idea that it's not impeccable. There's a romantic charm that new things cannot always have," said Lagerfeld. "It's not [just] about the historical details, but also the mood."

Chanel

Guests such as Dakota Fanning, Anna Mouglalis and Carine Roitfeld watched as models including Cara Delevingne, Lindsey Wixson and Joan Smalls paraded a collection heavily influenced by its Southeast Asian setting, but with nods to the fashion house's heritage - specifically, Gabrielle Chanel's first store in Deauville in 1913 - with a touch of British sportsmanship thrown in for good measure. 

The opening of co-ordinating two-pieces, dresses over wide-leg trousers and cricket wear - complete with bats, V-neck jumpers and shin guards - made way for little lace playsuits, pleated silk dresses and dual-length skirts. Eveningwear came complete with shimmer, sequins, exaggerated appliqué and lashings of pearls - layered around the neck, wrapped around the waist and cuffing wrists - all in Lagerfeld's signature monochrome colour palette.

"It's a bit of Chanel's history and a bit of influence from this part of the world," Lagerfeld was quoted. "You don't get into the details, you reinvent the details."