Thanks to Chanel’s recent Cruise 2017 fashion show in Havana, Cuba, it’s official! The fashion world is truly fascinated with the beautiful and mysterious island nation of Cuba.

Karl Lagerfeld in Cuba. Photo Credit: Jezebel

From gorgeous architecture to free healthcare, Cuba is a country that is definitely top of mind right now.  And the Chanel Cruise collection gleaned inspiration from “Cuba’s cultural richness, traditional guayaberas, and Tropicana-influenced bouclé separates, ruffle skirts, fedoras, and berets.”

Chanel models taking over the Paseo del Prado street in Havana. Photo Credit: Rex

And with a country that boasts a 99.8% literacy rate, not to mention the first ever lung cancer vaccine, the Chanel showcase is a history-making event that Karl Lagerfeld once thought would be never happen. “It was like a private joke because I thought it was impossible,” Lagerfeld told Women’s Wear Daily.

According to Yahoo!, the showcase involved 700 models, editors, and celebrities, including Gisele Bündchen, Tilda Swinton, Vin Diesel, and more.

These lucky ducks were transported to the Caribbean island via cruise ship from Miami. How amazing!

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Another scene from Chanel carnival that followed the showcase. Photo Credit: @SarahMower_

“I think that [Chanel is] taking advantage of this moment in which Cuba is in view on a worldwide scale,” Glensy Palay Alonso, a psychology student at the University of Havana, tells Refinery 29.

“Suddenly, Cuba is the most talked-about thing in the world, and we’re the first with fashion.” Karl Lagerfeld tells Yahoo!. To the legendary designer, Cuba is unlike any other place in the world that possesses an identity he loves. He adds, “I always wanted to go, but I needed a professional reason.”

More street fiesta! 

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And even though Chanel is not sold in Cuba, the event has been monumental for the country.  “The Cuban system is based on social needs and values and does not put emphasis on fashion, trends or anything of its kind,” Clandestina’s Leire Fernández, tells WWD.

However, it seems as thought the culture in Cuba is warming up to the idea of Western fashion. “It is not bad to like luxurious things or expensive things,” Palay Alonso tells Refinery 29. “What would be bad would be treating people [differently] based on what you’re wearing.”

Watch Lagerfeld, a former professional Latin-style dancer, break it down on the dance floor like a boss. 

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