Chanel’s 2012 spring/summer ready-to-wear collection takes its inspiration from the underwater world. Tropical fish, coral, seaweed and pearly sponges all take on an abstract quality.

The Chanel look is redefined with an androgynous fronted silhouette that flares from behind. The suit is a deconstructed jacket-blouson hybrid, with sleeves cut short or the back cut out.

On a re-proportioned dress, sleeves puff out with volume. Prints adorn a petite raincoat in clear PVC. Micro shorts and jeans are plastic-coated, skirts are in creased muslin or waffle silk.

Other materials, natural or manmade, showcase in porcelain pink, pearly white, coral and sea blue hues.

A gleaming silk puff dress is embroidered with black seaweed lace. A beaded lace jacket is enhanced with silicon; a top bedecked in frayed slivers of organza resembles a sea anemone.

Stylised waves can be spotted in the geometric inlay of black braid on tweed and the edges of a jacket imitate the tentacles of a jellyfish.

Black-and-white boots, silver flip-flops laced high up the ankle, pearly resin seashell clutches, exotic leather clutches edged with pearls, tiny jellyfish purses in embroidered silicon are also featured in the collection.

Chanel’s quilted leather is transformed into a package, bundled up in a chain, like a treasure that has risen to the surface.

The look is dripping with pearls: around the neck and along the spine.

Used as buttons or taking the place of a chain belt, pearls punctuate and highlight the fresh new look of the spring/summer ready-to-wear collection.