The collection was inspired by Empress Theodora and the lost culture of Byzantium. Karl Lagerfeld said that Theodora was a circus artist who became empress, like Chanel, who was a little singer and became a fashion empress. In other words, the collection mostly came from Coco’s Byzantine-inspired Gripoix jewelry.

Chanel Pre-Fall 2011 Gold Color Gorgeous Evening Dress

Chanel Pre-Fall 2011 Blue-Navy Blue Maxi Dress

Chanel Pre-Fall 2011 Sofie Roelens

Chanel Pre-Fall 2011 Maxi Dress

Chanel Pre-Fall 2011 Model Milana Keller