Chanel Knows How to Have Fun

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

Give Karl Lagerfeld a paintbrush and he’ll probably laugh at you. He doesn’t take art as serious as other designers are doing in their collections. In fact, he injects irony like he did at his Chanel spring 2014 collection; he took modern art and developed it into a chic fashion statement. The setting of the show – an art gallery - consisted of 75 fake art pieces Mr. Lagerfeld proudly stated he did them over the summer. Well, those oversized art pieces weren’t made by him, but you get the idea – he specifically instructed how he wanted it to be done. He must have been the only designer who had fun over the break, because these clothes were nothing but fun pieces of art that were wearable or fit for your salon.

Color was more than enough to satisfy any woman. He began with a series of iconic Chanel tweeds or vibrant lightweight bouclé in pink, navy, gray, and white. There were gorgeous knits, sleeveless and short dresses with insets of lace and cropped tops, relaxed leather-thin pants and t-shirts, and much more. He basically offered women all the trends that we’ve been seen from other designers in one whole show; punk, classic, or chic – you decide how you want to look.

The highlights of this presentation though were his finale of multicolor print dresses composed of pleated strips sewn together. You had to see these pieces up close to understand why Mr. Lagerfeld is such a genius. They weren’t just a rainbow of color strips splattered on them or taken into a heating device for pleats to come out perfect…………….they were done with superb intelligence (creativity) and sophistication as the Chanel lady implies. 

 Accessories – graffiti backpacks, creative canvas handbags, oversized pearls that resembled some cool headphones and bracelets, metallic chain phone cases, trompe de l’oeil shoes, and appearances of Lego purses – took the entire collection to a wonderful irony of masterpiece without letting go the Chanel essence. 

Only Karl can make an 89 piece collection look so non-boring and youthful than ever with a vast amount of amazing unique variety, color, and texture. We’d just wish we were part of the Karl/Chanel world; as a guy, I’d love to be the artist model, Marlon Texeira, ported down the art gallery. 

A male model wearing a multi-color printed shirt and washed pants at the Chanel Spring 2014 show.

At Valentino, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, were inspired by the world of theatre and opera that led to creating a modern day luxury collection. More descriptive would be the renaissance couture and romantic luxury that runs through the DNA of the house.
 Honestly, if you ever seen their previous collections, you’d find out they do just about the same types of dresses, but etched with different ideas. It gets boring besides their hot mini-dresses that are a hit every season, which next spring will come beautifully embroidered with prints and flirty peekaboo details; all the front row women looked sexy in the duo’s fall collection. 

I was intrigued this season though with their long-sleeved dresses – although always bell shaped – that looked more youthful and extremely luxurious with great amounts of Valentino’s signature renaissance prints and lace and tulle. They looked even more enticing for young conservative ladies when worn with sandals; it’ll work for the South. 

Pleasing were their knitwear or crochet sweatshirts, embroidered jackets, bow-tie shirts spliced semi-halfway and tailored shorts. It showed the designers are bringing more variety to the brand, or maybe it was just a pretty collection of prints that helped out. 

Alexander McQueen still keeps the beautiful couturier details stamped on its clothes with Sara Burton at the house. I find it hard to describe this collection, because you really have to dive deeply into these pieces to praise their glorious craftsmanship. 

Behind those accessories – helmets, gold and silver harnesses, and chokers – there were surprisingly a great amount of wearable clothes the average customer could wear this time: intricate printed, embroidered, and crocodile bra tops; perforated printed coats; fascinating laser-cut tops and kilts over pants (like a burgundy one pictured above); a white laser-cut dress that was invigorating to watch with diminutive red splashes of couture; and sumptuous flared skirts. 

While her finale of feather and fringed numbers may not have been ones to wear in real life for most of us, they did make a triumphant statement of the real work the McQueen label is so famous for. There is an intense amount of luxury and hours of work that goes into making one single piece of art come to life so magically.

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Details:

From Left: Valentino, a black lace and embroidered mini-dress; Alexander McQueen, a colorful embroidered and laser-cut sleeveless dress; Chanel, a multi-color dress created with layers of pleats and strips sewn in.

The Fall 2013 Couture | Chanel, Valentino, and More

Chanel is one of the few - maybe the only one - brands who can produce 68 looks without appearing it was rushed at all. Karl Lagerfeld's team has become perfectly comfortable with couture, that by know it's as easy as stealing a piece of candy from a kid. Effortless and chic are their iconic Chanel suits - presented each season in newer designs - you would forget these are the true suits, made entirely by hand. 

There is always a question for others who are familiar with Chanel's collection though. Don't the other ready-to-wear suits and jackets have just about the same designs as the couture ones, but separated because one is handmade? Not exactly. 

Chanel's couture jackets are what keep couture alive momentarily. Even though these pieces may retail around $10,000+ for each, they do sell like hot pancakes. You would think such ridiculous price tag would exempt some one from purchasing these beauties, but it is the idea that a Chanel suit would fit perfectly like a glove (based on your body measurements) and embroidered with such impeccable details the main factor that would lead to a mass demand. 

Karl Lagerfeld in general seems to stay in his comfort zone, upgrading newer versions of his Chanel suits that's not hard to in love with. Yes, there is a dramatic detail effect in Lagerfeld's couture suits that drive their prices up. One dark gray suit and skirt ensemble was actually stitched with small silver-ly strips to achieve its lustrous effect, while another white suit jacket (pictured above) appeared to have been hand braided throughout the sides - something only Chanel has mastered. Dresses were pleasing to watch as well, but would have been much more beautiful without Mr. Lagerfeld's sumptuous skirts anyone could rock if money weren't the blockade. 

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli of Valentino were feeling the beauty of nature. For this, they decided to begin their show with a series of nature prints that didn't work too well to say the least. There were some that were intriguing, but others were too much in your face; it could make someone dizzy. 

Even though their choice of prints may have not been a winning factor as were their extraordinary crepe pipings last couture season, there was an effort put into those designs. There lace and embroidered dresses were the definition of high luxury here. There couldn't be woman who wouldn't think twice at least in trying on a black laced dress (pictured above) that would portray the refined classical woman Valentino is.

We know they are also perfect at making a great cape and overcoat - present in here - but what brought a doubt here was one specific look. It was the only look that was the most different of them all and infused somewhat of a vintage Valentino. A light brown deep cut dress (pictured above) seemed quite provocative compared to what we have been used to seeing Chiuri and Piccioli show at Valentino. This dress could make the younger girls of today go desperate for something like this; a favorite of mine. It indeed maintained a classic sophistication with the correct color choice, but the question is could Valentino soon be moving to another new chapter? If the question were yes, I believe most of us would be in favor. The duo is doing excellent introducing new elements in their menswear line, so why not shift some major things around in their womenswear line?

Elie Saab can best be recognized on the red carpet for his signature embroideries and beadwork. They have become a favorite among celebrities to wear on the red carpet, and it wouldn't be surprising to see a dress from this collection appear soon at a premiere. 

His colors - burgundy, blue paillettes, light gray, emerald, and violet, - were a big triumph for Elie Saab. It may have been Mr.  Saab's strongest couture collection compared to previous seasons, because just like his burgundy numbers, imbued seductive authority. His jumpsuits, like one light gray embroidered look, was feminine and elegant - appropriate to wear for a gala besides a dress. Overall, there were various options of colors and cuts to choose from. This doesn't mean it was bad, it just means choosing something to wear from this fall 2013 couture collection will be harder to decide. Good Luck. In your dreams.

Alexis Mabille loves to create drama in his couture collections, for which being couture most of us have to view as a form of art. But his fall 2013 collection had somewhat of a less drama; surprising. Of course not all was about taking away drama as were his dresses - finished with exaggerated shoulders and more structures. He included several pants - hand painted, embroidered, and simply satin pastels - that weren't as unappealing for a couture standard. The only drama in his pants could have been they were high-waisted.

A semi-draped pink satin dress stitched with an embroidered top was an interesting technique coming from Mabille. Compared to his other dresses, one black embroidered dress with a 3-dimensional purple flower was appealing, and had Mabille's signature in a much more refined (modern) manner.

 Someone searching for a little dose of couture drama could definitely find something of their wish in these collection. If Mabille would want to reach a much wider audience, his precision in dramatic effects while still managing to tone his obsession for drama, could put him on the map of a designer who can offer very special treasures.

Gisele Bundchen's Supermodel Powers

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

It seems beauty, Gisele Bundchen may have some sort of magical powers we hope it'll never go away. Her super powers? Hypnotizing us with her striking looks and poses. I had not become familiar with this mega supermodel until I completely indulged into the world of fashion around the age of 11. After getting more familiar with several fashion designers, I became to understand that models were everything to this industry. Being chosen to be on the cover of such an important magazine like Vogue has always been a dream to any model. But it's not who you choose to be on a cover of a magazine, it's who you choose to have that single person hypnotize anyone who walks by the magazine stands, take a few seconds to stare at it, and purchase it just for the simple fact of being stroked by a beauty or work of art. This is what Vogue Italia's latest June cover has done in my opinion, chosen the perfect model to do the work.

Gisele Bundchen became the first model I became quite aware of who she was before I even knew who Kate Moss was as well. Yes, I know, quite a shame I wasn't familiar with another pure beauty, but it didn't take long to familiarize with her either later. 

Mrs. Bundchen (Brady) has become a perfection at everything she does. Her catwalk simply speaks about her confident authority towards fashion. Have you seen the repeats of her Balenciaga Spring 2011 catwalk video, Colcci, or any other hypnotic walks she performs? I don't know about you, but I have to rewind to catch again her graceful walk. And let's talk about her editorial and ad campaigns. Well let's not, because I will never finish talking about her works on many fashion magazines to her appearances for ads such as Dior, Versace, YSL (Saint Laurent), Chanel, BLK DNM, etc. The list goes on and on. 

While her recent Chanel for Beauty Campaign was to portray her beautiful and feminine skin, and David Yurman to see how beautiful you can also look in his jewelry, BLK DNM went the total opposite. It was as if they thought shooting a picture with her back facing the camera would make a great advertisement. If BLK DNM wanted to make it a very sexy campaign with a model checking her car engine in jeans, they nailed it. Her Vogue Brazil cover created quite a buzz in women, knowing that she had shot the cover just after giving birth two months later. Envy or not, who cares, she looks great. All I know is that the season has just started to heat up, and Mrs. Bundchen seems to be making again, a powerful return to this season's fashion. One thing I hope is for her to make another huge surprise on any designer's ad campaign for fall 2013. Will it happen? I don't know for sure, but I at least would wish to see her appearing from time to time on some cover of a magazine editorial. Oh, and I have to get this specific Vogue Italia June edition ASAP. I live in the United States, but my nearest bookstore, Barnes & Nobles, apparently doesn't put their international magazine editions until next month (July). So, that means I'll have to be wait desperately to get it and frame it on my wall of iconic photos.

See Gisele Bundchen's most recent appearances for magazines and ad campaigns below.

Gisele Bundchen on the cover of Vanity Fair Italy April 2013.

Gisele Bundchen on the cover of June's Vogue Brazil after giving birth two months later.

Gisele Bundchen in David Yurman's Spring/Summer 2013 Campaign.

Gisele Bundchen for Chanel Beauty Campaign S/S 2013.

Gisele Bundchen for BLK DNM S/S 2013 Campaign.

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.

One of the advertisements that caught our attention was the one with the accessories scattered over the room. It reminded us of a real life behavior some would be familiar with, which from time to time organization can become stressful. This may not have been the best campaign ever, but it definitely was a clever marketing game. Do you think Chanel’s new perspective describes who you are? 

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.

An image of  the new Chanel Lego handbag.

Chanel's inspired hula-hoop handbag at Chanel's Spring/Summer 2013 collection.

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