Chanel takes Paris on a fairground ride

The Chanel carousel whirled into Paris yesterday and it was just as big, gold and bold as might be expected of this, still debatably France's most famous status label.

In place of bobbing fairground horses were the brand's most iconic pieces: the quilted 2.55 bag, named after its date of birth of February 1955, and the boxy, bouclé wool cardigan jacket. A classic two-tone pump on wheels would be quite the most glamorous toy car a child has ever had the pleasure of driving. Or how about mounting a scaled-up bottle of Chanel No 5 for a spin?

In the end, only the world's most beautiful models were privileged enough for a ride. They came out in all the staples including, of course, the little black dress – it looked most modern short with pinafore straps and worn over a cream silk blouse – and the tweedy skirt suit, for autumn/winter 2008, gently waisted in subdued colours and paired with matching straight skirts.

In a season that has been dominated by a dark mood, Karl Lagerfeld, creative director of the label, appeared to be on more upbeat form. Delicate chiffon pieces in neutral shades looked light as a feather and will suit a younger customer down to the ground as will faded, distressed denim micro-miniskirts and oversized black rib-knit sweaters.

Lagerfeld is a man who knows his craft more than most others and whether his offering is in line with the twists and turns that characterise designer fashion or not, his customer will return season after season to enjoy just that level of expertise. Above all, safe in the knowledge that these days it is the accessories that reach the broadest audience, there were plenty to choose, from tights that were lacy at the front, black and opaque from behind, to pretty jewelled pins gracing everything from the collars of shirts to jaunty black berets.

Award for 'Independent' photographer

The Independent photographer David Sandison has won an award for his work at London Fashion Week. Canon UK ran the competition for all photographers covering the week.