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.

Karl Lagerfeld's Impulse Macy's Collection

Here's the lookbook to Karl Lagerfeld's Macy's Collection that will hit stores Aug. 31.  I think the collection might be slanted more toward the working 20 something girl, which is not really my style, but you can bet I'll be getting one of the Lagerfeld T-shirts just because they're awesome and happen to be the most reasonable in the collection that ranges from $50 to $170.  However, I am all about that Peter Pan collared black and white dress, just to go on the record.  Hopefully the collection will live up to its lookbook when it hits stores.  What do you think?

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

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.

Designers dish out the sketches for Kate Middleton's big day

So, the announcements have been made, the pictures have been taken, the venue (Westminister Abbey) may or may not have been decided on, but what everyone is wondering is what is Kate Middleton going to wear?

WWD posted 30 looks designers have drawn for Kate, and they range from extravagant to bare bones.

Now, Kate has thrown fashionistas off in the past two weeks because in the photos below she opted to wear a look from last year and do her own makeup even though she probably had tons of gorgeous clothes at her disposal.  Her knack for staying true to herself is going to throw designers off a little, and God forbid, a future princess pull a Carrie Bradshaw.  I don't think the royal family is going to want "the bride to wear a dress by no one."

However, in all seriousness, I wouldn't be surprised if Kate went ultra simple because Diana went ultra extravagant, and let's face it, no one can beat Diana's train (nor does Kate probably want to).

Out of all the designs below here's my top 5 not in any particular order:

1.  Badgley Mischka

2.  Monique Lhuillier

3.  Gucci

4.  J. Crew

5.  Tory Burch

(If I thought Kate would be going for opulence, I'd pick Valentino hands down, and Prabal Gurung and Jason Wu's designs are stunning in a not over the top way as well)

Regardless, I'm sure Kate will make the right decision and will look beautiful (especially in any one of these designs) on her wedding day. 

What designs make your top 5??

Karl Lagerfeld brings elegance to the Pirelli Calendar

Karl Lagerfeld creates some dazzling images for the 2011 Pirelli Calendar.  Check out the video below to hear Abbey Lee Kershaw describe Lagerfeld as the "Einstein of high fashion," and to see numerous models portraying Greek gods.

Warning: nudity

Designer Tarot Cards

A new exhibit at the National Arts Club called "Contemporary Magic" features 78 images of tarot cards designed by big names in the fashion and art world including Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Terry Richardson and Vivienne Westwood.

Preview: Chanel Spring 2011

I can't wait to see the entire collection that Karl Lagerfeld presented this morning.  From the photos below, it looks like it was, as always, quite the show.

Lagerfeld showed his collection in the Grand Palais, and much like the other shows that have been presented there, (think imported icebergs and huge gold lions) this show seems to have been quite the spectacle.

Oh Chanel, you can do no wrong.

Couture by Night by Karl Lagerfeld

Natasha Poly for Numero #116

(photos from fashiongonerogue.com)

Making of the lion in the Chanel Haute Couture 2010 Show

When I was in Paris I got to see the Grand Palais where Chanel had their infamous Couture fashion show with the lion and the Fall show with the iceberg.

I was pretty amazed at how they transformed the place for the fashion show.  Here's a video of the making of the lion and a picture of what the Grand Palais looks like when Karl Lagerfeld isn't showcasing his genius in it...

From this to..

this.

You can view more pictures of the fashion show in my previous post here.

(pictures and video from chanel-news.com)

Chanel Haute Couture 2010

Let me count the ways I love Karl Lagerfeld and his over the top shows.

First, I saw the clothes, then I saw the shoes, and I thought the collection was pretty great.  THEN I saw the great lion in the background and it felt good to know that Lagerfeld hadn't lost his touch from the Fall 2010 iceberg centerpiece show.

(photos from style.com and chanel-news.com)

Karl Lagerfeld's New Short Film

Lagerfeld's new video features Dree Hemingway, Abbey Lee Kershaw and Baptiste Giabiconi in the Pre-Fall Chanel designs.  

Check out "Shopping Fever" below.

Chanel Fall 2010 Campaign Preview

Oooh I'm excited to see these, it's been awhile since Lagerfeld was in New York shooting Abbey Lee Kershaw and Freja Beha Erichsen.

Here's a preview of Abbey Lee in the campaign. Can't wait to see the rest!

(photos from fashiongonerogue.com)

Chanel Cruise 2011

Karl Lagerfeld put on quite a show in St. Tropez for Chanel's Cruise 2011 collection.

According to WWD, "The models disembarked from a boat and strolled barefoot in tunics, jumpsuits and loose trousers with a yacht-stuffed harbor as the backdrop, evoking the hedonistic, holiday spirit of this legendary town."

Crystal Renn and Georgia May Jagger walked in the show. Having Crystal Renn in the show is a big step for Lagerfeld, and also suggests that curves might be here to stay if even Lagerfeld is willing to cast plus-size models in his show.

I wasn't crazy about all the fishnet looks, but overall, I think Lagerfeld did a great job combining elegance with casual resort wear. What do you think?

To see the complete collection click here.

(photos from www.wwd.com and www.fashionologie.com)