In true Karl Lagerfeld style Chanel took its 2017 cruise show to the Communist-ruled island of Cuba. In an a beautifully open-air tree coved setting, the streets of Havana were transformed into a runways, as the house showed a collection inspired by Cuban based styles reminiscent of those once worn by wealthy Americans who would escape to the Caribbean to avoid the winter. Several models were even seen smoking Cuban cigars.

Lagerfeld said he hit upon the idea to do a show in Cuba long before visits by Pope Francis, President Obama and The Rolling Stones — all potent symbols of an isolated, stagnating nation slowly opening up to the world, reports WWD.

“It was like a private joke because I thought it was impossible,” the designer said. “Suddenly, Cuba is the most talked-about thing in the world and we’re the first with fashion.”

Guests were escorted to and from the show in vintage vividly colored convertibles. Also as rumors have been swirling rapidly around the fashion world that Hedi Slimane would be joining the French house, might have been solidified as, Lagerfeld was seen sporting a Saint Laurent jacket designed by Slimane down the runway. www.chanel.com