Friends of socialite Allison Sarofim were raising their eyebrows when Karl Lagerfeld showed off his latest Chanel collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Temple of Dendur.
Lagerfeld explained of his modern creations inspired by ancient Egypt: “Egyptian civilization has always fascinated me. I get inspired by an idea, which I make a reality.”
Sarofim’s friends pointed out that the social fixture had the idea first — at her starry annual Halloween party this year.
“She had the pop art, mummy thing going,” said a pal.
“As well as ‘Walk Like an Egyptian,’ which miraculously appeared at the Chanel show! The idea of melding pop culture with ancient Egypt was Allison’s. She had probably 25 texts and messages from friends” about the coincidence when Chanel’s collection debuted Dec. 4.
Sarofim’s theme was “Haring and Hieroglyphics,” according to an invite, — that we’re told was sent out in September — and her guests included André Balazs, Anh Duong, Jamie Tisch and Natalia Vodianova.
We’re not sure a whole fashion show — that featured models including Pharrell Williams, and required a temple to be booked — could be created in a month. Either way, Steve Martin can claim the mantle of initiating the trend, with his 1978 smash “King Tut.”