Haute Couture Spotlight
Chanel Couture Fall 2011
Spectacular craftsmanship; everlasting beauty; mesmerizing extravagance; opulent desire
There really is nothing quite like a Chanel Haute Couture Show…
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The Collection
Dominated by shades of black, grey and midnight blue; with striking accents of daring fuchsia; the Chanel Autumn/Winter 2011 Haute Couture Collection was an alluringly dark, seductive affair.
Held at 10pm under a starry Parisian sky, the Grand Palais was transformed into the Place Vendôme – complete with sparkling black pavements and instead of Napoleon’s statue, one of Coco Chanel herself now took centre stage.
Focused on the signature Chanel skirt suit, the collection played homage to Chanel’s iconic design with a breath of glamorous fresh air. Jackets were nipped in at the waist with a stiff peplum; while skirts were slimmer and slightly longer than previous seasons. Each look was accessorised with a sweet ‘Victorian-inspired’ hat as well as a lace fascinator worn just over the model’s eyes. Exquisite beading and embellishment added the powerful finishing touches to Lagerfeld’s opulent vision.
The collection exuded old-world elegance and sophistication – the perfect film noir atmosphere accompanied by strong 1940’s shapes – with a refreshingly modern, unmistakably seductive, charm.
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A sneak peek behind the Chanel Couture scenes…
>> Karl Lagerfeld’s original design sketch and the silk fabric
>> The silk fabric is folded, draped and pinned
>> The ‘petites mains’ are delicately folded and twisted to create the perfect effect
>> Attention to detail – delicate silver buttons and white plumes are created
>> The toile and pattern of an iconic Chanel tweed jacket
>> The pattern is placed on a mannequin
>> Tweed fabric is infused with glittering beadwork
>> The lining and hems complete the couture garments
The decadence, the beauty, the unmistakable elegance… oh how I love Chanel! xx
Photos from style.com / fashion.telegraph.co.uk
ESPRESSO SHOT OF NEWS
2 Double + 6 Espresso Shots Of News…
2 Double Espresso Shots Of News…
“Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2″ World Premiere – The Fashion…
Emma Watson chose a spectacular Oscar de la Renta fairytale ball gown for the World Premiere of “Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2″ in London last week. The tulle gown with embroidered bodice and full skirt, from the Oscar de la Renta Fall 2011 collection, was a truly breathtaking fashion moment! Dramatic, romantic and whimsically beautiful… Emma Watson was simply enchanting!
For the after party, Watson changed into a darling embellished Elie Saab dress (one of my personal favourites from the Spring 2011 Couture collection)! (pictured right)
Clemence Poesy also bewitched in a white silk chiffon Nina Ricci dress from the Spring / Summer 2011 collection. Accentuated with black waistband, Poesy is the epitome of French polished chic.
Finally, Bonnie Wright chose a floor-length gown by Miu Miu. The peach long sleeved gown with a ruffed bodice was elegantly reserved. Love her statement Wright and Teague earrings!
The Beckhams’ Welcome Harper Seven Beckham…
David and Victoria Beckham welcomed their first daughter, Harper Seven Beckham, yesterday morning in Los Angeles. Announcing her arrival on Facebook, David Beckham wrote: “I am so proud and excited to announce the birth of our daughter Harper Seven Beckham. She weighed a healthy 7lbs 10oz and arrived at 7.55 this morning, here in LA. Victoria is doing really well and her brothers are delighted to have a baby sister. xx”
Her middle name, Seven, references her father’s sporting history, having played in the number seven shirt for both Manchester United and England. While it was also revealed by a spokesperson, the couple liked the name Harper, because it was an “old English name” and also had connections with the baby’s country of birth – American novelist Harper Lee.
6 Espresso Shots Of News…
Rumours, Rumours… No John Galliano For Topshop!
The Fashion world was abuzz last week with the speculation of a John Galliano for Topshop Collaboration. John Galliano has now asserted he will not be collaborating with Topshop in the near future. A spokesperson for Galliano has said: “His only focus for the foreseeable future is concentrating on his rehab. There is no truth in this rumour.”
Roland Mouret For
Robert Clergerie
Roland Mouret has bene announced as the new Creative Director of Robert Clergerie, the French footwear label. Mouret will be working with the label in an attempt to raise it’s profile. Of his new appointment, Mouret has said: “This is a chance for me to work with a master on the art and craft of shoe design and to be part of the special relationship that women have with their shoes.”
The Duchess of Cambridge Wears Jimmy Choo & Causes An Online Sell Out
The Duchess Of Cambridge, stepped out wearing the gorgeous Jimmy Choo Vamp Glitter Finish Sandals for the BAFTA event in Los Angeles over the weekend (pictured right). Since then the heels have sold out very quickly online! The power of a princess!
Anna Wintour Receives France’s Highest Award – The Legion d’ Honneur
Last week US Vogue Editor, Anna Wintour, was presented with the Legion d’ Honneur by French President, Nicolas Sarkozy at the Élysée Palace. Wintour joins other fashion visionaries – Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano and Ralph Lauren, who have all previously received the prestigious medal. Wintour wore Chanel to the occasion (pictured right).
Camilla Al Fayed has bought a controlling share in Issa – aka the Duchess of Cambridge’s favourite label
Camilla Al Fayed (daughter of ex Harrods owner, Mohamed Al Fayed), purchased a 51% stake in the label, Issa. Her title will be chairwoman and she will oversee the commercial expansion of the brand. If you recall, The Duchess Of Cambridge chose an Issa blue wrap dress for her engagement announcement to Prince William.
Azzedine Alaia’s Catwalk Return
After eight years away from the catwalk collections, Azzedine Alaia returned during Couture week with a highly fashionable bang! Ultra feminine silhouttes, floor-length gowns, fur and flamenco ruffles made for a decedent affair… LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
Hope everyone had a fashionable Monday! xx
photos from style.com / mirror.co.uk / net-a-porter.com / google images
Couture Spotlight
I love… Giambattista Valli
Giambattista Valli’s first couture collection is exquisitely beautiful, undeniably chic, and very much in touch with his signature lady-like aesthetic.
Decadently ruffled evening gowns; delightful feathered cocktail dresses; distinct cocoon-shaped jackets – I fell irrevocably in love at first sight!
As one of eight designers invited to show during Paris Couture Week, as a special guest of the Chambre Syndicale; Valli’s master class in the overtly feminine, perfectly portioned cocktail dress is timeless elegance personified. Showcasing 45 looks, Valli’s debut Haute Couture collection became a spectacular affair.
With looks perfectly accessorised by grosgrain headdresses, the chic cocktail dresses and gowns floated down the runway with unmistakable charisma. In vintage shades of rich magenta and coral, the collection evoked Old-Hollywood mystique. Gowns were adorned with tiny lily of the valley petals; ostrich feathers; sequins and beads – showcasing the extraordinary couture craftsmanship and precise attention to detail. Meanwhile, make-up further exuded the 50’s finesse with pale faces, nude lips and flicked eyeliner.
The couture collection was watched by a bevy of ‘IT’ girls – Olivia Palermo, Caroline Sieber and Astrid Munoz – as well as the Queen of Fashion herself Anna Wintour -who rushed backstage to congratulate Valli personally.
Amid a collection of rapturous pleasures, Valli presented a feast of unabashed timeless glamour.
What do you think of Giambattista Valli’s first couture collection? xx
Photos from style.com
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