Posts with tag Chanel

"Coco Avant Chanel" premiered in Paris in April and won't be released in the states until mid-September but it is definitely worth the wait.

At last night's fashion editor-heavy screening at Sony's New York HQ, Anne Fontaine's biopic, starring Audrey Tautou as the young designer-to-be, received a resounding (and very informal) thumbs up.

Coco Chanel's back story bears a similar resemblance to that of another French star Edith Piaf (although the designer's life was far less tragic in the end). She was orphaned at a young age, learns to sew (and sing), and finds her way into the arms of a man who cares for her and bankrolls her business.

Beautifully shot in Paris and Normandy, the film depicts Chanel's young life leading up to the empire. Tautou's spitfire impression is engaging and endearing. Much like Marion Cotillard's Piaf in "La Vie En Rose," I imagine it will earn her a whole new fan base in the U.S.

A FABULOUS FASHION WEEK IS COMING AFTER ALL
Speculation about a downgraded New York Fashion Week has been swirling due to recession woes. After news broke of the Met Costume Gala's scale back, LA fashion Week's lack of corporate sponsorship and Fall 2009's loss of major designers like Betsey Johnson and Vera Wang, the fate of the live catwalk show was in question. No need to fear, says organizers, it seems the posh production is shaping up just fine.
[The Cut]

FASHION BAILOUT: HOW WILL THE LACROIX DRAMA PLAY OUT?
Christian Lacroix has been making headlines concerning his flailing business, with many wondering if his Paris Couture Fall 2009-2010 show was his last. However, shortly after the close of his show, the celebrated couturier was spotted backstage greeting fellow designer Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy, sparking rumors of a partnership with LVMH, Givenchy's parent company.
[Fashion Week Daily]

SPEAKING "FASHION-EESE"
If words like "treggings" or "frugalista" have you scratching your head as to what language the fashion folk are speaking, look it up in the Collins English Dictionary. Apparently, if a word is documented and defined, its official diction.
[Fashionista]

KATE NEEDS TO MAKE SOME CALLS
Kate Moss fears the worst: a fashion faux pas. The lanky fashion icon warns Topshop boss Sir Philip Green that other girls better not show up at an event wearing the same outfit as the model herself.
[Digital Spy]

COCO ROCHA AND HER FATHER ARE LIKE YOU...THEY WALK LIKE YOU
She walks the runways of fashion's most famous names like Christian Lacroix, Chanel and Christian Dior. That doesn't mean the "it" model can't get a little silly. Check out this adorable video of Coco and her father, Trevor Haines, lip syncing a tune from Disney's "Jungle Book."
[Modelinia]

THE KAISER WILL TAKE THE HOUSE WITH HIM
New York Times critic, Cathryn Horyn, gets the facts on Karl Lagerfeld's rumored retirement from Chanel. Not so says the the desiger, "I will die here." He also mentions that Chanel may sell the company if he does decide to step down from his throne. Listen to the interview audio.
[On the Runway]

GATOR RAID!
Fernando and Humberto Campana, a design duo famous for kooky animal furniture, have teamed with Lacoste to create limited edition polos using the company's iconic reptile. The artists referenced the natural habits of live alligators, which is especially useful as camouflage if the wearer falls into a gator pit. Take a look at the cool creations here.
[Style Frizz]

A case of plastic surgery gone awry? Supermodel Karen Mulder has decided to take what may be botched surgery into her own hands by threatening her plastic surgeon!

Telegraph UK reports that the 39-year old supermodel is being held in police custody in Paris after being arrested for allegedly placing threatening phone calls to her plastic surgeon.

The detective on the case said that Mulder demanded that a previous operation be reversed and "'was screaming and shouting about the operation and became extremely threatening.'"

Known for her runway grace and stunning good looks, Mulder in her heyday modeled for the likes of Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent and was close friends with a pre-Sarkozy Carla Bruni.

A LAST LOOK AT THE KING OF POP'S WARDROBE
Michael Jackson's longtime costume designers (and "Smooth Criminal" shoe co-patent holders), Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush, were working on uber amplified versions of Jackson's iconic looks for his "This Is It" tour, which was set to kickoff later this month. "The" red leather jacket from "Thriller" was poised for a comeback, complete with a sewn-in, fiber-optic light show -- timed to the music, of course.
[People]

BETSEY JOHNSON'S FINAL CARTWHEEL?
The sixty-something, shaggy-haired creator of fun fashion is said to be bowing out as head designer of her namesake empire after her September show. And she already has a replacement in mind, whom she plans to "Betsey-fy," but don't expect Johnson to completely fade-out. She plans to stay on as "megaconsultant."
[TheCut]

CHANEL TELLS IT LIKE IT IS
A statement was released to fashion editors, advertisers, copywriters and all others who use the designer's name in print, declaring what is and what isn't CHANEL. If a piece doesn't include the fashion house's luxe label, then you need to leave the designer name out of it. Merci!
[FashionWeekDaily]

The lovely editors at ELLE magazine are sharing an exclusive preview of "Coco Before Chanel," a film by Anne Fontaine.

While French trailers have surfaced on the Internet, this is the first English-language teaser for the film, which is set to premiere in the U.S. in limited release on September 25.

French ingenue Audrey Tautou -- who most recently starred in CHANEL's short film "Train de Nuit" -- plays the fashion legend, and from what we've seen, she's just as talented and captivating as she was in "Amelie."

First "The September Issue," now "Coco Before Chanel"...September's gonna be one stylish movie month.

Check out the Coco sneak peek now!

MARC JACOBS AND LORENZO MARTONE'S PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
Marc Jacobs and Lorenzo Martone's big day is pushed back to August. As reported, the couple is still planning to wed in Provincetown, Mass. Jacobs' man, an emerging photographer, co-hosted a gay pride event called "I do. I Amsterdam" in hopes that New York will adopt similar same-sex marriage rights as the Dutch city. He also displayed one of his photos of a very famous couple in a PDA moment.
[WWD]

CHACE CRAWFORD VS. CHUCK BASS FOR MEN'S STYLE ICON TITLE
Gossip Girl's wealthy, light-eyed Nate Archibald chats about his front row seat at the Armani Men's Spring show. What does he think of fellow co-star Chuck Bass' style? Watch the video of 24 hours with the bachelor himself.
[Grazia]

MICHEAL KORS ON BROADWAY
Models Carmen Kass and Noah Mills return for Micheal Kors fall ad campaign, only this time they wont be lounging on yachts or stepping onto private jets. The designer of all American classic clothing sent his models to Broadway.
[WWD]

KARL, KARL, AND MORE KARL
Wearing his signature black tie, aviator shades, silver -haired ponytail, Karl Lagerfeld has got his fingerless-gloved hands in everything these days. He's inspired a tote, voiced a cartoon, designed tutus for the Ballet, and doubles as designer and photographer for Chanel's Fall 2009 ad campaign, shot where else? At his own Vermont homestead.
[Fashionologie]

WHATEVER LOLA WANTS
Madonna's mini-me spawn, Lourdes (only one name needed as well?) moves to New York City and brings her quirky-cool tween sense of style with her.
[NewYorkPost]

Models are turning out be a diverse bunch. First models turned designers, now model Sasha Pivovarova has turned illustrator!

Working with Chanel for the Paris-meets-Moscow illustration, Sasha, who shot to fame with her Prada then Tiffany & Co. campaigns, has been honing her artistic side. As it turns out, her art skills are nothing new. Sasha was studying at the St. Petersberg Art Institute before signing with IMG Models in NYC.

On her illustration for Chanel: "My drawings were inspired by the joy of seeing fairytale characters coming to life in one of the main theaters of Moscow, the city where I was born."

The drawing on brown paper features three glamorous women in various headdresses and Chanel ensembles in front of a Russian-inspired backdrop.

The 24-year old model with baby blue cat eyes has also been seen sketching backstage at runway shows to kill time, and told Interview magazine earlier this year that she is working on a book of drawings for Prada. Not too shabby!

Modeling was never known for its longevity, so sounds like Sasha is planting the seeds for a post-modeling career! Beauty and brains.

Sea of Shoes blogger Jane Aldridge may only be 17, but she's already gained a cult following and created quite a name for herself in the fashion blogosphere.

And now, the Texas high school senior can add "designer" to her college applications -- she's launching a shoe collection in collaboration with Urban Outfitters!

To liven up the school uniform Aldridge wears 5 days a week, she opts for killer shoes, wearing everything from Chanel booties to Margiela clogs. Recently, the Dallas teen went all-out luxe in a pair of YSL cage sandals. Okay, now we're jealous. She's 17!

ED WESTWICK DISHES HIS CELEBRITY CRUSH
Chuck Bass serves up some British charm while judging a dance-off for K-Swiss. What married starlet is "Gossip Girl"'s suave star feeling for? Watch the video!
[Nylon]

SIZING UP MARILYN MONROE... AGAIN
After many weighty discussions, the debate over the iconic blonde bombshell's dress size is laid to rest, unofficially. Was she really a size 16?
[Jezebel]

HOUSE OF HARLOW 1960 LEAPS INTO CLOTHING AND SHOES
Nicole Richie's highly successful jewelry line was inspired by the fashion-forward mom's vintage finds. For her second collection, she will launch old English, equestrian-influenced goodies and will expand into apparel and footwear.
[Grazia]

CRITICIZING KARL'S BALANCING ACT
Ballet Critics blame Chanel's ponytailed costumer for ruining the ballerinas' lovely lines. Karl Lagerfeld's tutus for the English National Ballet's "The Dying Swan" fall flat.
[TheIndependent]

THE DEVIL REALLY DOES WEAR PRADA
The "September Issue," a documentary about the making of Vogue magazine's massive fashion bible is premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Does Anna Wintour deserve such nicknames as "nuclear" and "the devil?"
[TelegraphUK]

CREATE YOUR OWN MUSE
London-based artist "I Love Mel" takes fashionistas back to childhood with paper dolls featuring waify-wonder Kate Moss and the pixie-haired Agyness Deyn. For those who prefer not to cut along the dotted line, there's the option to shade in Kate with the "Color Me Good" coloring book.
[Pipeline]

BARBIE AND KLUM
In more chic toy and blonde icon news, Heidi Klum becomes a doll for the new Barbie Blonde Ambition Collection. Which other golden-haired stars will be cast in plastic?
[MyFashionLife]

Marion Cotillard turns up the heat in the July issue of GQ, and we have to admit, there's a bit of a girl crush going on.

Really, now. Is there anyone chicer or sexier than the French actress? We think not.

Cotillard details the highs and lows of starring opposite Johnny Depp, who plays John Dillinger, in the upcoming film "Public Enemies." (From the sound of it, there weren't any lows...)

POSH LOSES SOME SPICE
Victoria Beckham allegedly underwent breast reduction surgery to deflate her double Ds. Does David Beckham think less is more?
[DailyMailUK]

JIMMY CHOO PARTNERS WITH H&M
Designer of the most coveted shoe, Jimmy Choo, is collaborating with the discount chain to bring luxury footwear to the masses, but it doesn't end there. What else will be in store may surprise you.
[GraziaDaily]

ISABEL TOLEDO SENDS MRS. O BACK TO SCHOOL
Thanks to Isabel Toledo, designer of the First Lady's Inauguration Day ensemble, Michelle Obama's now-famous lemongrass look will be on display at The Museum at FIT.
[Pipeline]

GISELE IS STILL SCIENTIFICALLY ATTRACTIVE
Yes, an actual study was done and there's proof that supermodel Gisele Bündchen is still hot, so why did her Harper's Bazaar and Vanity Fair covers tank?
[TheCut]

CHANEL GOES GREEN
The much buzzed about mint green nail color from Chanel's Fall '09 collection has gone into production.
[Style.com]

GET YOUR CHUCK BASS FASHION FIX
If you cant get enough of Ed Westwick's "Gossip Girl" fashions, no fear. Bad boy Bass' stylish ways have been captured in K-Swiss ads and a new GQ spread.
[PeopleStyleWatch]

Karl Lagerfeld is at it again! His first Heidi Klum diss appeared in February's German GQ, where the Chanel designer said "I don't know Heidi Klum. She was never known in France. Claudia Schiffer also doesn't know who she is."

Now, as reported by The Sun, Lagerfeld has gone after Klum's husband Seal, saying "I am no dermatologist, but I wouldn't want his skin."

No word from Heidi or Seal, but that cheap shot doesn't deserve a response.

What's behind these mean-spirited attacks on the German supermodel and now her musician husband?

While we've been eagerly awaiting the U.S. release of the movie "Coco Before Chanel," Karl Lagerfeld has been busy working on his own silver screen career.

Is this just further proof that today's rumors about Lagerfeld leaving Chanel are true?

As reported by The Cut, the designer supposedly did not renew his contract, and fashion tongues are wagging that Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz would take over, leaving Lanvin in the hands of Olivier Theyskens, former designer of Nina Ricci. Drama! Both Chanel and Lanvin deny the rumored reshuffle. Only time will tell.

On a more factual note, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Lagerfeld is slated to voice the French animated film "Totally Spies." The designer (whose white pompadour makes him a bit of a caricature himself) will play the villain, Fabu, in the movie version of the TV series.

And just so we're covered, here's the fantasy part. Since designers are somewhat cartoonish already, we made the following animated associations. Below, the designer and who he/she should play:

• Monique Lhuillier - Cinderella

• Vivienne Westwood - Ariel ("The Little Mermaid")
  

• Tamara Mellon - Belle ("Beauty and the Beast")
  

• Olivier Theyskens - Pocahantas

• Giambattista Valli - Prince Ali ("Aladdin")
  

• Marc Jacobs - Simba ("The Lion King")

Leave a comment with who you think your favorite designer(s) should play.

Have you gotten your fill of CHANEL on-screen yet? Neither have we, so we're thrilled that yet another Coco Chanel story has been brought to life. This time, it's the story of Chanel and Igor Stravinsky's love affair, and was the film that closed this year's Cannes Film Festival in true French style.

The star of the film, Anna Mouglalis (Coco Chanel), was dressed in head to toe CHANEL for the premiere and press junket. Mouglalis was positively radiant in a green dress specially made for her by Karl Lagerfeld for CHANEL, accessorizing with two "C Signature" necklaces and a "Haute Couture" bracelet. Even her makeup was done by CHANEL.

For the press junket, Mouglalis wore a ladylike navy lace embroidered dress from the CHANEL Spring/Summer 2009 Haute Couture collection.

We can't wait for it to come to a theater near us!

Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermès have started a new trend in luxe retail -- The Pop-Up Shop. Once reserved for mass brands like Target and Levi's, high-end brands are now recognizing the value of these now you see us, now you don't stores.

A great way to make something special is to make it only available for a limited time. Maybe that's why there's a new kind of luxury boutique popping up -- the kind that swiftly disappears.

According to WWD:
"Europe's luxury players are suddenly enamored with more modest, temporary stores. ... Vuitton, which opened a temporary store in Tokyo last winter to showcase a collaboration with Comme des Garçons and its iconoclastic designer Rei Kawakubo, will open another time-limited retail venture in the Japanese capital later this month while the French brand awaits a permanent location at the new Seibu Ikebukuro department store in 2010. ... The temporary store will look the part: surrounded by scaffolding, wrapped in white mesh and with a raw interior with sections defined by stacked wooden crates (although the products themselves will sit on elegant, padded shelves)."