NEW YORK, May 17, 2006 – Karl Lagerfeld has made a habit of turning his Chanel resort shows into spectacles. Last year, he loaded editors and retailers onto Paris buses, then paraded the models in and out at scheduled stops. On Wednesday, he continued the transportation theme, taking over Grand Central Terminal's Metrazur restaurant, and in the process, he gave Metro North riders the daily commute of their lives: Mischa Barton, Naomi Watts, Julianne Moore, and Maria Bello all made their way into the storied New York City train station.

As for the clothes, this was no couture extravaganza, but Lagerfeld hardly skimped on the details: Thin strings replaced button closures on jackets and coats, leather bomber dresses were backed with more-forgiving tweed, and black chiffon cocktail numbers came embroidered with Mademoiselle's beloved chain links. The collection included trusty Chanel hits—the lace twinset in dramatic black and demure cream, bouclé tweed suits shot with crystals or trailing silk streamers—as well as a few surprises. In a nod to the all-American venue, perhaps, he included wide-leg denim dungarees and a logo print that evoked subway-car graffiti.

All 58 looks were accessorized to the hilt; models sported armloads of bangles, shoulder-duster earrings, and ribbons in their hair. Knee-high gladiator sandals (worn with matching gauntlets) replaced fall's spectator boots, and Lagerfeld found an ingenious application for the house's signature quilting motif—a pattern on wedge heels. But it was the location that was truly inspired; where will he go next?

– Nicole Phelps