Lagerfeld still top of his game with blooming 2018 Chanel collection

Flowers were ever-present at summer 2018 Paris show, where designer revealed a new look

In politics, a rose garden strategy refers to an incumbent candidate using the trappings of office to project an aura of power for the purpose of re-election. Karl Lagerfeld, who has presided over Chanel with an air of kingly invincibility since 1983, has been using the method for years.

The awe-inspiring catwalk shows he stages for Chanel each fashion week – think space rockets that actually take off, full-size replicas of the Eiffel Tower, real icebergs – have successfully quelled any desire for change by inspiring shock, awe and simple devotion.