Karl Lagerfeld's Passionate Flowers

Rumor has it that the [very un-sexy] pipe organ was the inspiration behind the tube-like detailing of Chanel's Spring 2009 collection. When the models hit the runway in Paris yesterday, the lavish collection was accompanied by ominous organ music, strangely fitting given the pipe organ's divine connection to the passion flower (which I will explain in a second).

The passion flower (actually named for the passion -- or suffering -- of Christ, not amorous love) was discovered by Spanish Christian missionaries in the 15th century. It is said that they adopted its unique physical structures as symbols of the Crucifixion (e.g. the radial filaments as a representation of the Crown of Thorns) and as heavenly validation that their overseas quests were sanctioned by God.

Throughout the collection, tendrils, filaments, and tube-like structures crept in and out of each design. Again, very fitting given Lagerfeld's commandment from God himself to turn out amazing couture creations season after season. (Wow, I suddenly feel like a preacher's daughter!)