Lagerfeld backs French gay marriage with Chanel catwalk finale

Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld sent two models dressed as brides alongside his tiny godson down the catwalk in a public show of support for French government plans to legalize same-sex marriage and adoption.

The models and Lagerfeld's four-year-old godson took the final bow at the German designer's Chanel haute couture show before Lagerfeld gave voice to his opinions on the subject in an interview after the show.

"I do not understand why people who live together cannot have the same security as those bourgeois who are married," said one of the fashion world's most successful designers, who is also renowned for his controversial comments on everything from politics to celebrity personalities.

"Two women getting married, I find that natural, and having two mothers is a good thing."

The French government's proposals have divided opinion and sparked huge protests both in favor and against.

Earlier this month, roughly half a million people marched through Paris demanding that President Francois Hollande withdraw the reform bill and hold a national debate on the issue.

However, the government said it remained determined to submit the legislation to parliament and pass it by June.

Lagerfeld's show was held as usual in the cavernous Grand Palais, which was transformed into a gigantic forest with towering pine trees surrounding a wooden amphitheatre where models strutted in white sand.

The nature-inspired collection featuring embroidered tulle and sequined flowers echoed the garden-themed show presented on Monday by Belgian designer Raf Simons for Christian Dior.

Tulips, roses, camellias and birds of paradise took centre stage at Chanel, embroidered on sequined tulle dresses which took more than 1,000 hours to make, Lagerfeld said.

Models paraded in long-lace boots with open toes and shiny heels that gave their silhouettes a romantic and modern touch.

"As nature is threatened, might as well celebrate it," Lagerfeld said.