Chanel Knows How to Have Fun

A review from Chanel, Valentino, and Alexander McQueen Spring 2014 Collections.

The Fall 2013 Couture | Chanel, Valentino, and More

Gisele Bundchen's Supermodel Powers

Gisele Bundchen, like the supermodel queen in Vogue Italia's June 2013 cover.

Chanel Cruise 2014: Punk and Pearls

Chanel's Cruise 2014 collection had a little bit for everyone - punk and pearls.

Karl Lagerfeld presented this week Chanel's cruise 2014 collection in Singapore; what a trip. This is what most cruise shows are all about - creating a laid-back, and comfortable collection most clients can connect to for their summer vacation looks. When it comes to Chanel's show, such as this one, clothes may appear relaxed, but details are what execute a perfect cruise collection fit for a luxury customer. It is no doubt that Chanel is the best of the best in turning something simple into the most detailed and luxurious garment you've ever seen.

Chanel's Cruise 2014 wide-leg trousers were one of the best made trousers.

There were quite a variety of punk elements mixed into this collection - faux hawks, chokers, eyeliners, latex, leather gloves - that brought me a curiosity as if Mr. Lagerfeld still had some inspiration left from the recent Met Gala's Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibition. And while punk seemed to be the "it" accessories, pearls came in the way as well - almost bathed in them. Who would've though pearls and punk faux hawks would look so good? Chanel demonstrated just how hot pearls can get along with any personality so well it could become the next must have accessory for any woman.

Besides the semi punk theme look, Lagerfeld emphasized other aspects of its founder Coco Chanel some wouldn't think of. Modern interpretations of Chanel's wide-leg trousers - crisp white, cream, and denim - brought the rebellious side of Coco from the 20s paired with oversize t-shirts - created luxuriously well compared to your so thought gangster shirt. Tweed jackets were not surprisingly another main iconic piece, which were upgraded. All these elements made the plot of the sailor story more enjoyable.

Lace and knitwear were very pleasing at Chanel's Cruise 2014 collection.

What was surprising here, were Karl's lace numbers - fresh, young, and full of life. I never think of Chanel as a lace type of brand, but these were one good selection of treasures that are sure to sell out. It's crochet pieces were another to take a closer look at. One to have died for was the short knitted dress - in leather? colors - that would look great for your beachwear attire.

Overall, it is only Karl Lagerfeld who can make an 80 piece collection seem non-boring. In fact, you'd wish there were more pieces available together with the rest of the collection ready to be bought fresh out of the runway. He always manages to keep the flow of the brand with just a little twist here and there without hesitation. And we (I) love him for that.

PFW Review | Who Runs The World? Chanel!

It was clear that Chanel, under Karl Lagerfeld, will still be the dominator of fashion. I mean, who in the world doesn’t know what Chanel is; at least Chanel No.5. Chanel is literally one of the best shows in town when it comes to a fashion show.  If anything you should be impressed by when viewing a Chanel presentation, it should be its setting –  a merry go round, a barn, sea creatures, crystal glaziers, wind turbines, and now………The World. 

It may seem that after so many years that Karl Lagerfeld has been designing for Chanel it gets boring. In my opinion, designing for Chanel four times a year, you’d think you may run out of ideas; not for Karl. Each collection just gets better. Karl has made Chanel his own world we all want to live in. And for his fall collection it was stated clear – if you want to be with him, you must reach the top of the world.

When I judge something, especially a runway show, I have to view a video of the show in order to give my opinion; from what I am able to observe. I am obsessed when it comes to the movement of the garments. The way something moves is a key fundamental part of a designer’s presentation; no movement, no interest. And let’s get to the point. Mr. Lagerfeld scored a huge win here. If you have not seen the show, you must go watch it now (after this).

Coats stole my heart in this show. The silhouettes were simply impeccable – strong, energetic, and extremely confident for the Chanel customer. Coats were slightly loose in such a way, they created a swag for the model wearing them; so sick when paired with those chained shoes. When closed, they appeared as if they were a one-piece suit – skirt and suit all in one – which were very deceiving and rewarding. Texture definitely appeared crafted a la Chanel. I wish I could have seen it closer in person.

Unzipped skirts. Let’s talk secretly sensual. Another deceiving and mind thoughtful idea ……until you realized there was a second layer hidden underneath. Too bad for those guys who thought there was something occurring under there.

Accessories were very pleasing. I loved the idea of those colored fur haircut hats. Shoes, as I stated previously – sick. Handbags were colorful and youthful. Everything was mastered with perfection; no complaints as always.

Who wants to be part of the Chanel world? 

Watch the Show Here.

   

Chanel Spring/Summer 2013 Ad Campaign - Relaxed with Style

Chanel Spring/Summer 2013 Ad Campaign shot by Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld, as usual, was the photographer in charge of setting the scenes of the Chanel spring/summer 2013 ad campaign. Chanel ads are probably one of the best advertisements in the fashion marketing side, delivering not only clothes, but a story told behind every shot. For spring, it seemed Karl wanted to portray an everyday woman who sometimes wants to feel beautiful without having to depend on the codes of society. The setting was fresh and youthful, letting all the attention focus on the models unusual poses than the actual background scenario. Models Ondria Hardin and Yumi Lambert were one of the freshest models who brought a different perspective to the brand. They were the girls in charge of exposing the slouchier yet relaxed Chanel lady we wouldn't think of, which sure did appear fine. Stella Tennant felt like the mother setting minimum restrictions on the poise of a lady, letting her body do all the talking.

Chanel's Sassy Lego Purses

New Chanel Lego clutch presented at Chanel's Spring/Summer 2013 collection.

Karl Lagerfeld always manages to be on top of his game when it comes to imagination. His imagination and creativity is what has earned him the respect that many of us have had towards him. Chanel is about the only brand in my opinion who can deliver a presentation of over 80 designs without disappointing us. Its Spring/Summer 2013 collection was no different. Its iconic tweed jackets were upgraded to what I like to call it ‘Oversize Me!’ Pearls were the main attraction of the show, and as we knew it, and upgrade to the jacket also had to come with another treat….one of a kind bags. I honestly don’t know where else you could find a Lego clutch or hula-hoop inspired handbag. Only Chanel is the place to seek for those one of a kind treats.

Top 10 Fall/Winter 2012 Trends - 9. Black

Calvin Klein Fall/Winter 2012

Black was probably a trend you were surprise it had not been posted yet. There are times when we wouldn’t like to mention black as a trend, for a trend is something occurring during a particular season which later fades. We would consider black to be a style statement more than a trend, but for most of the fashion world, it is described as the must have trend of the season. We can’t argue about this, because we do appreciate articles of black gemstones in our wardrobe from time to time. Don’t we?

Yves Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2012

Chanel Fall/Winter 2012

Jil Sander Fall/Winter 2012