The celebration of material wealth that a luxury fashion show like Chanel represents sparked some uncomfortable discussions about the growing gap between the rich and poor in Cuba. One student told Reuters it was an event “for very few people” since Chanel’s products are so expensive, and at present the company does no business in Cuba. Many ordinary Cubans were unable to see the show. According to the AP, hundreds of security agents kept ordinary Cubans blocks away.

A model presents a creation by German designer Karl Lagerfeld as part of his latest inter-seasonal Cruise collection for fashion house Chanel at the Paseo del Prado street in Havana, Cuba, May 3, 2016. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini - RTX2CPXG
Image: Reuters/Alexandre Meneghini

But others warmly welcomed Chanel, waving from the dilapidated balconies overlooking the street. ”Just because I can’t afford it doesn’t mean I want to deny others that luxury,” another woman told Reuters. “And who knows, maybe one day. It’s important to dream.”

Chanel may be the first luxury fashion label to show in Cuba, but it isn’t the first to find Cuban inspiration since US relations have thawed. A few Cuba-themed collections have appeared, including Castro and Che Guevara lookalikes. Chanel winked at Guevara, too, with berets that recalled the revolutionary leader and the hat’s French roots.

A model presents a creation by German designer Karl Lagerfeld as part of his latest inter-seasonal Cruise collection for fashion house Chanel at the Paseo del Prado street in Havana, Cuba, May 3, 2016. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini - RTX2CPXQ
Nice beret.
Image: Reuters/Alexandre Meneghini

Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel’s creative director, is apparently a huge fan of Latin music and was once a competitive cha-cha and tango champion (paywall). That love was clear as models clad in dresses costing thousands of dollars danced with Cuban musicians at the end of the show. The times, they are a-changing.

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