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Karl Lagerfeld looked to the skies for inspiration as Chanel's spring/summer 2012 couture show was staged in an elaborately decorated Chanel aircraft.

As part of its aviation theme, the range from the French fashion house adopted a glamorous 1960s touch and demonstrated a sophisticated way of dressing for travel.

Models paraded down an airline aisle, which served as their runway, as guests looked on from both sides of the plane.

The faux plane situated inside Paris' Grand Palais, named Air Chanel, took five days to build.

Embracing a palette of lilac blue, midnight blue and black, the range of garments in the collection exuded class and sophistication.

From full-length skirts made of silky chiffon to sequinned and embellished finishes, no detail was spared on the assorted garments.

The range also included short-sleeved, slim-fitting tweed dresses that sat at the knee, in block-colours and finished with neat necklines - a modern take on the classic airline uniform.

Pale blue, the colour of the sky on a good day, also featured strongly throughout the show, in which many of the outfits had been given a practical finish with the use of large pockets.

As a whole, the collection consisted of classic staple wardrobe items that reflect a timeless style - something Chanel has become renowned for.

The Chanel show follows the Christian Dior presentation and the week's opening by Versace.