Resort 2014 – Chanel Travels To Singapore

Karl Lagerfeld went all the way to Singapore to preview his Chanel Resort 2014 collection, and in so doing seems to have found his way back home. While he seems to have taken inspiration from some of the elements of Singapore culture – primarily, the traditional black-and-white woven curtains that adorn the island’s homes, lending the collection its graphic and black and white palette. Yet it’s in the details of his inspiration where you can detect what drew him back to the roots of “Chanel” – “I research with instinct. There are vague impressions of this part of the world only—except for one thing. I came across a photograph from the 1880s of a local fisherman wearing a four-pocket jacket and wide pants. Really quite Chanel, no?

Lagerfeld’s 80 look collection (which he clarified was not a pre-collection but a full fledged one) spanned the gamut of a woman’s cruise needs; from gamine day wear, to forward thinking beach and apres lounge wear, to sublime cocktail and elegant evening dresses.

It’s a collection where you can glimpse touches of the graceful thirties in elegantly cut mid-calf dresses, British crickit and Asian characteristics in the vaguely batik-patterned pieces. Yet, as Vogue surmised, “Really, though, this was “about” the eternal relevance of Gabrielle Chanel’s inventions for a summer wardrobe in Deauville. ” You could see it in the first three exits of the low-belted jersey tunics paired with wide-leg pants and multiple ropes of pearls, and Coco’s sailor-striped T-shirts and pants were transformed in to high-waisted, wide-leg trousers worn with a top in the silhouette of an over sized t-shirt made from white leather and tulle. One could easily picture the Deauville tourist, lounging with friends, in the one-piece bathing suit and cashmere duster as the sun sets over the ocean.

After all this is a Resort collection.

Chanel Resort 2014.

Paris Fashion Week – Alexander McQueen Plus More Favorites

“I don’t know what started it,” laughed Sarah Burton backstage before the show, “Maybe female worker bees, like all of us in the studio”. She is, of course, referring to the collection’s inspiration which, as she is the McQueen bee, very apt.

Another brilliant collection that was not only focused and intricate, but also oddly sexy. Burton emphasized that she’s more interested in “sensuality and the female form, and doing something light but not naked”. The hyper-exaggerated female silhouette was derived from the pinups of Alberto Vargas, and were displayed perfectly with wasp-waist corseted double-peplumed jackets made of gold-on-black honeycomb-patterned jackets, cagelike pannier dresses, and hard, tortoiseshell-resin harnesses and bras. The presentation culminated with the show stopping Bengalinesque gowns that had Scarlett donned them, Rhett Butler would have been brought to his knees much sooner.

I leave you with a few of my other favorites from Paris.

 

1st group of photos – Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2013.

2nd group – clockwise from top left: Isabel Marant, Balmain, Louis Vuitton, Haider Ackerman,Valentino, Chanel, Haider Ackerman, Miu Miu.

Resort 2013 — Bottega Veneta & Chanel

Resort 2013 collections kicked off last week in New York with Bottega Veneta (what  a brilliant choice Tomas Maier was to open Resort 2013). The very idea of resort brings to mind luxury, understated elegance and accessibility – everything that Bottega Veneta’s collection was. With a color palette consisting of shades of yellow, peach and pistachio it brought to mind the softer, feminine side of women. But don’t get me wrong, the Veneta women is no sap and Maier’s no-nonsense silhouettes have always spoken to a multifaceted women.

Thomas who explains,“I grew up in a house with a lot of women, so I am concerned with what they need,” specifically concentrated on what women want to wear on their days off for resort. His first looks, an athletic track suit, made from viscose jersey was the perfect answer. The track pant silhouette was also made in the aforementioned color palette, in head to toe chromatic looks, with matching cashmere jackets – double-breasted and trench styles. There were sporty tanks that topped printed skirts – many with a floral cardigan added – jersey dresses and simple yet elegant long evening looks studded with tiny dots and worn with strappy flat sandals.

Not only will women want to wear this collection on their days off, but each and every day in between. Maier says “Resort has to fulfill all functions.” Indeed it does!!

Karl Lagerfeld’s Resort 2013 collection for Chanel can best be described as Marie Antoinette meets MIA -a Lagerfeld hip-hop favorite. The show was beautifully staged at Louis Quatorze’s eighteenth-century court at Versailles, amid the gardens and three furiously spouting fountains for which Versailles is famous. One must touch upon the irony of using Versailles as a focal point – a period that history recognizes as France’s last Golden Age – just as present day France has ousted Sarkozy and replaced him with the left-wing socialist candidate, President-elect François Hollande.

Lagerfeld, who style.com has dubbed ” the master of the high-low hybrid “, used formal eighteenth-century details, like panniers and fichus, re-creating them in casual twenty-first-century fabrics—chambray, tech denims, even plastics— some dressed up with frothy lace ruffles and cuffs, and then dressed down with gold platform trainers. No doubt there were tweed suits – one  glazed in gold, another sequined in pale blue – a delightful tiny sundress embroidered with gold bullion and exquisite, pristine white dresses – detailed at the waists with rich imperial red or purple embroidery, that will leave an indelible mark in Chanel fans everywhere. But one does have to wonder how accessible this collection will be to Chanel clients overall?  Lagerfeld said he wanted something floating and frivolous. “Frivolity is a healthy attitude,” he said after the show. “I know people who were saved by frivolity.” Only time will tell.

Top group of photos – Bottega Veneta Resort 2013. Bottom group – Chanel Resort 2013

Paris Fall/Winter 2012 Collections

For this year’s Alexander McQueen spring collection Sarah Burton gave us colors of the sea – beautiful blues and corals. For Fall 2012 Burton takes us far into the sea and gives us various anemones disguised as fashion. Sarah’s visions for fall were encased with thoughts of ” a beautiful future, positivity and optimism”. Like an under water dream, designs made from organza, marabou feathers and layers upon layer of tulle floated down the runway.

The beginning consisted of “pods”, short shaped skirts, with decoration embedded in the fabric which turned into “doilies” of laser-cut ponyskin mounted on leather, and finally fur pompoms. Then the pods exploded, like puffballs, into extravagantly shaggy shapes in goat fur, ostrich feather, or Mongolian lamb. Referring to a show that didn’t delineate a rational working wardrobe for fall, Burton said, “I think it’s the icing on the cake of what we do, you want something magical”. Magical it was.

But Burton is not one to leave any stone unturned. She delivered, at the temporary Paris atelier, racks of the practical, wearable commercial collection which reflected the ideas that glided down the runway — everything from jeans to floral knitted sheath dresses, pastel tailoring, and curvaceous coats and jackets.

Besides McQueen, Haider Ackerman is a designer that has always delivered for me and his fall 2012 collection was no exception. More body conscious than spring — note the wide, molded leather belts that cinched in the waist — the collection was dominated by full-bodied Melton wools, Mikado shantung, satins and rough-textured leather which Ackerman molded into very sexy and modern ensembles. The master of draping and color didn’t disappoint, there was a paprika satin blouse and mustard peplum worn with a berry-brown wool jacket and skirt that was divine, and an eggplant shantung 7/8 coat with smoke-gray satin pants and a chestnut blouse flourished with a bois-de-rose scarf to die for. His folds and drapes were those that could only be made by a master technician, they seem so natural and easy as if that was how nature would have them fall.

Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri have come into their own at Valentino this fall.  The overall concept for their fall collection, according to the designers, was “folk, but in a modern, faceted way.” They have been modernizing their sweetly feminine silhouettes — black leather gave the duo’s by-now familiar dresses and jumpsuits a new edge — and are designing for a more natural less perscriptive kind of beauty. I look forward to their future envisions for the Valentino woman.

The following are a few of my other favorite looks from Paris.

First group of 4 photos – ALexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2012. Second group of 4 photos – Haider Ackermann Fall/Winter 2012. Third group of 4 photos – Valentino Fall/Winter 2012.

Second Group – clockwise from top left: Lanvin, Lanvin, Balmain, Givenchy, Dries Van Noten, Veronique Leroy, Chanel, Balmain — all from Fall/Winter 2012.

The Top Spring/Summer 2012 Trends

1. Modest Ab Fab                            2 The Roaring Twenties – Art Deco

3 The 50′s silhouette                      4. Colors & Motifs of the Sea.

5. Pastels.                                         6. Head to Toe Print

7. The Peplum                                 8.Chic Sport

Get prepared to be in-style this Spring with these dynamite top 8 trends for the new season. Abs will be flaunted in a demure fashion – belly button covered. Take a trip back to the roaring twenties – Art Deco is on trend in Ready-to Wear and accessories -or visit the 50′s and try on one of their silhouettes. Neon colors are gone and while bright colors are still popular, look for the colors of the sea and pastels everywhere. Peplums are popping up on dresses, skirt suits and separate jackets alike — sport this trend for a smart chic way to jazz up your wardrobe. Prints are showing up in head to toe pant ensembles that when done right looks fresh and modern, when done wrong it looks as if you’re venturing out in your favorite pair of pj’s. Lastly, if you are into sport themed clothes they’re in a whole new ball game — this season their sophistication level rises up a notch to become Chic Sport.

By line and left to right: 1 Ab Fab – Roland Mouret and Band of Outsiders. 2 Art Deco – Ralph Lauren and Etro. 3  50′s silhouette – Carven and Dries Van Noten. 4 Colors and Motifs of the Sea – Alexander McQueen and Haider Ackermann, .5 Pastels – 3.1 Phillip Lim and Louis Vuitton. 6 Head to Toe Print – Camilla & Marc and Proenzo Schouler. 7 The Peplum – Celine and Chanel. 8 Chic Sport – Akris and Victoria Beckham.

Haute Couture Spring 2012 Part 2

The Spring 2012 couture shows wrapped up last Thursday with Valentino closing the collections. They brought to a close 4 days of perfection, brought to us via yards of organza, a bevy of beads and acres of lace, all made with highest of skilled artisans and designers who know no boundaries to imagination.

Jean Paul Gaultier’s collection, which was an ode to Amy Winehouse complete with over-the-top beehives, seemed a touch scattered and could have benefitted from an edit or two. Still his imagination and the craftsmanship to bring them to life are in full force — like the pinstripe suit jacket that fell away to a shawl on one side. There was a delectable edge, with necklines draping asymmetrically, jackets slipping off shoulders, and bosoms bursting ripely forth which always makes his couture collections a feast for the eyes.

While Gaultier sought inspiration in the 21st century, Valentino heralded back to the days of  Marie Antoinette (a different kind of bad girl) role-playing in her little farm on the grounds of Versailles amongst a breath of cool country air. Sprigged flower prints, blured floral chaine or pure, delicate lace and organza made up most of the dresses with a lucid ivory wool rounding out the collection. Yet it still maintained a modern ambience, the flat shoes worn with the just-above-the-knee dresses and the deep pockets on the gowns conjured up images of the modern-day Alexa Chung. Having seen the collection first hand, Style.com said, “Examined up close in the atelier, the workmanship defied comprehension. The stitching was so fine it was invisible. It signaled the heart-stopping delicacy that distinguished the collection.”  Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri’s most exquisite collection to date.

From Giorgio Armani’s first exit it was clear that this was a collection based on the idea of pythons, serpents, the textures and patterns of the reptile world. He focused in on one color: green—poison green, teal, deep green, chartreuse. Armani’s jackets –his signature and strength — were emphasized with the use of simple bottoms, pencil skirts (with added folds in the front) and a clean narrow pant. The jackets became more modern with swooped-up shoulders, nipped waists, and peplums, with one stand-out jacket in super-luxe crocodile. Armani’s other strength, evening wear, with its full circle skirt silhouettes and long lean column dresses gave the collection a current, strong vibe. One we hope is infused in his collections to come.

Like Armani, Lagerfeld focused on one color, his being the shade of blue — 154 shades of it. Backstage Lagerfeld told Vogue magazine ““It’s the most becoming color. And I’m bored with the red carpet—so why not a blue carpet?” The collection spoke for itself — from the simple, chic color-blocked dresses, to the treatments of Chanel tweeds, to the long, skinny dresses—with one beguiling dress after another sent down the runway.

Givenchy, wanting to explore the more conventional haute-couture embellishments, called this his “sparkle collection”. But how Givenchy defines sparkle his not like his fellow ateliers. There isn’t the essence of lightness and air that envelops other heavily beaded collections. He drew inspiration from the 20′s but not the Fitzgerald art deco 20′s, but instead from Fritz Lang’s 1927 masterpiece Metropolis version.

In order to weld the embellishments firmly to his own powerful, far from conventional, vision of a woman, Ricardo Tisci mixed them with exotic skins. In one lavish gown, crocodile skin was cut scale by scale, carefully numbered, and then reassembled in correct formation and embroidered on fine silk tulle to create a sinuous evening dress that caresses the body (a process that takes 350 hours), while crocodile swallow-tailed jackets are embellished with three-dimensional Soviet stars and angelic wings.

By now, the celebrities have left Paris and the town is gearing up to welcome the next ready-to-wear season (fall 2012) -  Paris is a never-ending runway of fashion.

From My Closet To Yours – Styling Tips By Kristin

  Favorite Resort 2012 Looks

It’s a new year and a time to look forward towards new beginnings, and what better to start us on our journey than the prelude to spring – Resort 2012. These our my 21 favorite looks from the Resort 2012 collections, the ones I would die to add to my wardrobe (hopefully a few of them will). But even the ones that don’t make it into my closet will make for great inspiration while I am planning my spring wardrobe and updating my style.

I recommend going over to Style.com and perusing the Resort and Spring 2012 collections to get your inspiration. It’s a wealth of imagery that will inspire many ideas. Which designer is your favorite? Whose collection resonates with you? Do you see a style that “says you” or maybe there’s a designer whose “look” you’ve been wanting to try?

Whether you want to fine tune your style or do a total overhaul – a fresh, new beginning – this is a great time to start! Let me know who inspires you this season.

Happy Shopping!!

Clockwise from top left: 3.1 Phillip Lim, A.L.C, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Helmet Lang, Gucci, Givenchy, Balmain and Celine – all Resort 2012.

Group 2 – Clockwise from top left: Jenni Kayne, Johnathan Saunders, Lanvin, Peter Pilotto, Theyskens’ Theory, Zac Posen, Vionnet, Valentino,Preen, Matthew Williamson, Nina Ricci, Rachel Zoe – All Resort 2012

Trend Report: Resort 2012 Colors

Resort 2012 has hit stores and the collections are more a herald of the next season than a continuation of the former, a new beginning of sorts. Designers integrate the main elements of Spring into their Resort collections so their trends cannot be ignored. For Resort 2012 bright color is still chic but the neon hues have taken a back seat to bold, vibrant colors and their pastel cousins.

The five color trends for  Resort 2012:

Naturals – Almond to Avocado Green, the slightly muted, “natural” is in.  Worn in soft oatmeals, browns and tan neutral tones they’re perfect one on top of the other, for a layered multi-dimensional effect. From left to right: Rag & Bone, Alexander McQueen, Valentino – all Resort 2012.

Pastels – Girly shades like Blush Pink, Mint Green and Butter Yellow are the cousins to their bold, in trend, counterparts. They pair perfectly with naturals and when worn with black they unexpectedly POP! From left to right: Bottega Venatta, The Row, Prabal Gurung -  all Resort 2012.

Yellow -  Bright Aurora yellow will become the theme of next season. Look for it in most designer collections. Be sure to add this sunny hue to your wardrobe and if you feel as if it’s not for you, try a pop of yellow via accessories. From left to right: Chanel, Stella McCartney, Christopher Kane  – all Resort 2012.

Orange - Tangerine Tango is Pantone’s color of 2012, this radiant color has already cut its way into designer psyches, popping up everywhere. From left to right: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Diane Von Furstenberg – all Resort 2012.

Teal -  A new shade of blue has taken center stage. Teal is the perfect complement to the other trend colors in the resort collections – mixed with yellow or orange it makes a bold statement that isn’t overdone. Try mixing it with the natural hues for a toned down yet fresh, rich look. From left to right: Vionnet, Richard Chai, Emanuel Ungaro – all Resort 2012.

Paris Fashion Week – Sarah Reigns Supreme At Alexander McQueen & The Last of Spring Summer 2012

We’ve said it before but it bears repeating, We LOVE what Sarah Burton has done with Alexander McQueen. It is such a remarkable fusion of the late predecessor’s vision and Sarah’s own unique talent and individuality. It’s almost as if she has been channeling Alexander when standing in front of her mannequins, ready to design.  If anything, Sarah’s womanly touch has brought the line a little more accessibility.

Burton, along with Chanel and Givenchy, chose an aquatic theme but her creatures of the sea were much more like Goddesses than the others. “It’s all about Gaia, the wonder of nature, the sea.” said Sarah as dresses constructed of encrustations of beading and mother-of-pearl, rivulets of microscopic pleats, filigrees of leather, cascades of ruffles, and miles of lace were painstakingly peeled off models by a phalanx of dressers.

The collection’s quality has not slipped one iota from the days when Alexander was at its helm. In fact, this show, with all its allusions to coral, sea anemones, barnacles, frondy seaweed, silvery mother-of-pearl, and bone-white seashell, was practically at the level of a Parisian couturier.

This funny story says a lot of how adored Sarah Burton is in the fashion world – after the show, only her 3rd solo collection, Emmanuelle Alt, editor of French Vogue, first backstage—ahead of a 200-strong throng of congratulators—went down on her knees and pawed the ground in front of Sarah Burton, laughing, “Thank you!” Indeed, the props were well deserved.

Givenchy, another designer with an aquatic theme for his Spring/Summer collection, claimed surfers and mermaids as influences, but we’ve never  known any of either species to be as chic and sexy as Givenchy’s models were. There was no denying the sex appeal of Riccardo Tisci’s  jackets that were sharp and soft at the same time, with strong, confident shoulders, and, for contrast, suggestive, undulating lapels and come-hither peplums trimmed not in leather but eel skin, shark, or stingray. The high low of many of his skirts showed much of the models legs while maintaining the length. Leaving the viewer to decide whether the silhouette was naughty or nice.

The collection’s overall impression of strength was balanced with a femininity that came from the play of softly fluted volumes in peplumed jackets and intricately pieced dresses made of white lace and chiffon.

Marc Jacob’s Spring/Summer collection for Louis Vuitton was the first time we could seriously see him replacing John Galliano at Christian Dior (as the rumor mill has it). His technique and craftsmanship has never looked stronger,and it seems he has developed a devotion to them.

Broderie anglaise was used for exaggerated Vandyke collars, and as insets replacing the alternate diamonds on an Argyle knit. It perforated stiff little faille skirt suits and separates made from leather treated to look like scrunched-up sheets of cartridge paper. Matte crocodile coats were painstakingly hand-pieced together so that the scales match and an eggshell lacquer bag made with the assistance of the last man in Paris still in command of the 1920′s technique will be in high demand.

Jacobs captured the mood of ironically exaggerated femininity that has swept the runways perfectly. There was an abundant use of eyelet lace forming fields of daisies and to soften the effect even more, these pieces were veiled in sugar-almond-colored organza layers or misted with shaded ostrich-feather fronds.

The last of the models has walked the catwalk for Spring/Summer 2012 and we will leave you with these last parting shots as we prepare to shift our gears back to Fall/Winter 2011.

Top section: Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012.

Middle section clock wise from top left: 1-3 Givenchy Spring Summer 2012, 4-6 Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2012

Bottom section: Row 1 – Dries Van Noten Spring/Summer 2012, Row 2 – Yves St. Laurent Spring/Summer 2012, Row 3 – Chanel Spring/Summer 2012.

The Real Real – The Luxury Online Consignment Storeomail.com

There are a lot of great consignment stores in every major city, but when it comes to shopping online the selection narrows quite a bit. Thank God for The Real Real.com, a new luxury designer resale store that opened (online) this past July, and is the first one to offer stylist-selected, amazingly priced designer luxury items as flash sales.

RealReal was started by Marcy Carmack and Julie Wainwright, both who are San Francisco based.  After moving to San Francisco, Marcy launched her west coast styling business in 2003 and was soon voted Best of the Bay by San Francisco magazine. Marcy does personal styling, for both men and women, styles fashion shows, photo shoots and does large-scale costuming for parties. Ms. Wainwright has over 25 years of consumer and deep consumer internet experience. She founded Pet.com in 1995 and is recognized by various media sources as a leader and pioneer in the Internet.

There are 2 types of memberships at RealReal, The first look membership, which is for the serious shopper who loves a fabulous deal and the perk of early access. As an exclusive member, sales are available 24 hours in advance starting on Sunday at 10am PST and continuing throughout the week for only $5 per month. The General membership is for those who love a great deal, and who doesn’t. Daily sales become available starting Monday at 10am PST and membership is free. Enjoy both memberships and customize your experience with style profile to receive personal messages have sizes and styles.

The RealReal carries over 100 top designers and their stylists comb some of the world’s most fashionable closets to bring you their well curated selection of previously-owned jewelry, accessories, and clothing–from Hermes and Louis Vuitton to Balenciaga and Chanel–at up to 90 percent off retail price.

Marcy and Julia are as devoted to quality, style, and fantastic deals as they are to charitable organizations and environmental causes; each make the world a happier, healthier place. Expect to see future fundraising events on the site.

For all you insomniacs, you can now cruise the network 24/7 for designer goodies with out spending a fortune. The best of both worlds.

Go to realreal.com to sign up now!

Clockwise from top left: Chanel Military Jacket $350.00, D & G Asymetrical Print Top $75.00, Current Elliot Skinny Jean $45.00, Sergio Rossi Suede Heel Boot $ 125.00,