The giddy chatter among attendees exiting yesterday’s Chanel show at the Grand Palais focused on the strange fun of the barnyard-themed collection. It wasn’t your typical Chanel show, to say the least.

While we’ve grown accustomed to the Karl Lagerfeld’s grandiose stage settings, this hay-strewn platform forced models to navigate the stage in sky-high clogs. The intent, presumably, was to introduce a grounded, more pastoral Chanel woman who wouldn’t shriek in a country setting—but the execution was a bit of a head scratcher.

The theme was most obvious in the sober hay colored boucles, basketweave separates, peasant print dresses and kerchief tied head. And yet, this alternate Chanel woman seemed to be dressed curiously similar to her city dwelling counterpart in black sheer cocktail dresses, frilly blouses, smart suit combinations from the elongated jacket worn with mini-skirt in sober cream or room commanding red with Victorian-esque sleeves. Despite the shift, the society ladies in attendance were visibly pleased.

—Jason Campbell