The legendary fashion house Chanel took to the streets of Havana, Cuba as a runway for their Cruise 2017 collection fashion show.
But although Paseo del Prado, one of the Cuban capital's central streets, was closed to traffic for the event, this did not stop curious Cubans from admiring the fashion show, since the balconies of surrounding buildings were crowded with onlookers.
And who could blame them?
Chanel goodies cannot be found or bought on the entire island. And even if they were, with an average wage of a little over €20 a month, not many Cubans could afford such luxury.
Who am I kidding? Neither could I.
According to Chanel's inimitable front man Karl Lagerfeld, the Cruise collection's pieces were inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Cuba.
A burst of colours from the Cuban flag and the classic American cars of the 1950s, a signature of Cuba, were patterned on the men's suits paraded in the capital of a country which until just days ago was closed off to Americans.
The show was playful and fun, something uncharacteristic to the otherwise very formal and elegant Chanel. The celebration even got Lagerfeld, who is usually only seen in black and white, to loosen up and throw on a shimmery sequin jacket. He looked as fabulous as ever.
Besides the unusually colorful clothes, the event was historical in many senses. The Chanel show was the first international fashion event since the 1959 communist revolution. According to Chanel's press release, "the opening up of Cuba" was a source of inspiration.
Earlier that week, a cruise ship sailed from Florida, docking in Havana harbour - the first such sail in more than 50 years.
Cuba may be opening up to American tourists, but it will take a long time until Cubans, and myself - a Finn, can walk down the road with Chanel shirts declaring "Viva Coco Libre!"
Model Gisele Bundchen posed on an antique car before the start of the show. Photo: Reuters
Curious bystanders. Photo: Reuters
Colours of the Cuban flag were seen on the runway. Photo: Reuters
Models dancing on the runway after the show. Photo: Chanel
Shirts with the print "Viva Coco Libre!" Photo: Chanel
Classic 1950's American cars on the street of Havana. Photo: Reuters
Karl Lagerfeld in his shimmering sequing jacket. Photo: mavie0911