Chanel Meets Bombay for Pre-Fall 2012

First of all, I want to apologize for my lack of posting.  The last few months of my life have been beyond hectic, but I want to make a conscious effort to get back into the swing of things this month.  I know I never got around to posting all my favorite Spring 2012 looks, but I think at this point, it's best to jump into Pre-Fall, which is exactly what I am going to do, and I am going to start with Chanel.

Can Chanel throw a fashion show or what?  I adored the Bombay theme and the heavy eye liner and eye shadow that made the model's eyes pop even with the decadent head ornaments on.  I also thought the last 10 dresses or so were absolutely stunning.  Overall, I think the show had an awesome feel to it, and I loved the idea of India meeting Paris.

My only major issues are, as always, PLEASE STOP putting the models in those hideous boots.  It kills me that Lagerfeld consistently has put his models in the weird pants/boots for the last three seasons.  Also, why was Lindsey Wixson, one of the most popular and versatile models right now, put in some of the most unflattering outfits?  Compared with Daphne Groeneveld, Wixson looked almost frumpy.  However, aside from my two complaints, the show as gorgeous, decadent and definitely a work of art in and of itself.

OBSESSED: V Magazine's backstage photos from fall 2011 couture

Hope these photos from Fall 2011 Couture get you excited for the upcoming NYFW shows, they are absolutely stunning!

Armani

LOVE: Lace Masks

I think this is the perfect trend for a costume party where you would rather look sexy and mysterious than wear a big mask on your face.  Sofia Coppola made use of them in "Marie Antoinette," and Karl Lagerfeld decked his models out with lace masks for the fall 2011 couture shows.  So what do you think, hot or not?

Front row at Chanel Haute Couture Fall 2011

Fall 2011 Couture: Chanel

Although Chanel focused a lot on the iconic tweed suit for it's couture collection and continues to put their models in those darn knee-high boots, there were moments of glory in the collection that came in the form of the lace masks, shoes that light up, and the collared dresses with flowers and feathers.  I also enjoyed the shapes Lagerfeld played with in the tweed suits, I just sometimes feel like it's a little redundant to constantly start the collection off with suits.

Chanel Resort 2012 Video

So, if like me you thought Chanel's collection was a little lackluster, I highly suggest watching this video.  For some reason, seeing the clothes go down the runway really sold me as opposed to just seeing the pictures.  Let me know if it has the same/opposite effect on you!

Chanel Resort 2012

OK, first of all the fact that this season is called "Resort 2012" freaks me out!  Are we that close to the end of the world that Karl Lagerfeld thinks he can keep trying to make the pants under skirts trend work?

In all seriousness though, what were those sandals?  For a few seasons Lagerfeld has clearly been experimenting with putting pants under dresses, and personally, I think it ruins a lot of his looks, but maybe others feel differently, I just think it's a very unflattering look even on models.

Anyway, there were some definite high points like Kristen McMenamy in her swimsuit and some gorgeous gowns.  Enjoy!

Behind the scenes: Chanel Spring Campaign

More photos from Chanel Fall 2011

Chanel Fall 2011

Chanel went dark and semi-gothic this season, playing with a dark color palette on tweed suits and coats.  The dresses are gorgeous with the lace and brocade details, not to mention the boots that are to die for.  I like that Lagerfeld tried something different this season, it's dark, versatile and wearable, plus the runway was amazing (I'll post photos later).

Blake Lively for Chanel Mademoiselle Campaign

Favorite looks from the Oscars

Here's a list of my top 10 favorite looks from the Oscars on Sunday.  I'm not going to lie, I wasn't too impressed with the show or the style.  

However, there were some high notes like Hailee Steinfeld, Cate Blanchett and Penelope Cruz, and when Anne Hathway put on the metalic blue Armani Prive dress during one of her many outfit changes.

Natalie Portman looked great although I thought her dress was rather lackluster for Rodarte.  I wish there had been more bright colors like we've been seeing on the streets in the major fashion cities, but most went for either nude tans, pinks or whites.

What did you think?

1.  Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa

V Magazine's Spring 2011 Couture Photos

Here's a collection of my favorite photos from V Magazine's coverage of the couture shows.  The photos are from Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier and Valentino.  I always love when V covers fashion shows because their photos are alway so soft and different from other magazine's coverage.

Chanel Couture Spring 2011

Chanel's spring couture show was simple yet elegant. 

Lagerfeld played with new shapes and made gorgeous flowy beaded gowns.  It never fails to amaze me how Lagerfeld can go from the Paris Byzance show to the collection that was displayed at the couture show.

It seems no matter what the theme is, he can make the iconic Chanel suit different and still beautiful, and make gowns that aren't for the every day woman but for those who are willing to take a risk.

Click below to see the photos from the show.

A look into couture fitting rooms

I found an article on AnOther magazine's website and I thought it was super interesting because it showed 10 famous couture house's fitting rooms.

Here's a look into some beautifully designed spaces ranging from Chanel to Giorgio Armani.

I would say my favorites have to be Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier and Chanel.

Anne Valerie Hash

Interview with Karl Lagerfeld for Spring 2011 Couture

Today starts the glorious Haute Couture shows and here's a glimpse of what you can expect from Chanel (who will have their show on Jan. 25).  Looks like lots of lace, white and black chokers and details.

I am beyond obsessed with Karl Lagerfeld, the man truly is a genius.

Top six models of 2010: Number Three

My third favorite model of the year started as my number one, but slowly she was outdone by a newcomer and a model who caused a lot of controversy this year (try to guess who they are!)

Abbey Lee Kershaw is my third favorite model of the year for her outrageous photo shoots and her obvious lack of self consciousness when it comes to posing nude.

I also love the transformation she went through from brownish-blonde to icy blonde.  Abbey Lee has been one of my favorite models for a long time, and for that reason, she makes it to my number three spot.

She was featured in almost every Chanel related thing along with Freja Beha Erichsen.  She starred in the Mulberry campaign.  She was in the Pirelli calendar for 2010 and 2011, she's the face of the Alexander Wang campaign and she was in numerous editorial shoots and scored at least four covers.

Rock on, Abbey Lee.  I hope 2011 brings just as much success for you as 2010!

Chanel Pre-Fall Collection

Leave it to Chanel to pull out all the stops for a pre-fall collection.

I am obsessed with the purple dress in the pictures below.  It is so gorgeous, and I hope somebody rocks it on the red carpet because it really deserves a moment.

Chanel Fitting for the Paris-Byzance show

Photos from a fitting for Chanel's Paris-Byzance show for Pre-Fall 2011.  These photos give you a look at the beautiful details on the clothes.

Keira Knightley cuts her hair...

...and of course she looks amazing.

Keira Knightley at Chanel Spring 2011

(photo from vogue.com)