Chanel pre-Oscars dinner party 2013

The 85th Annual Academy Award last night caused lot of buzz. Billion viewers watched their favourite winners and nominees and their moments on the red carpet while fashion critics observed the dresses. Except Anne Hathaway, I didn’t see anything exceptional at Oscars 2013 fashion parade. Anne’s pixie haircut perfectly matched pale pink color of her Oscars Prada dress with elegant narrow silhouette. The “bodice thing” itself caused a lot of controversy so last night someone even set up twitter account with name Anne Hathaway nipple. I thought we would see more of Valentino or Chanel at Oscars 2013, but celebrity stylists stayed on the team of the same designers and similar dresses. However, I found lot of beauty at Chanel Pre-Oscars dinner last night. Andrea Riseborough, Kate Bosworth, Ginnifer Goodwin, Chloe Moretz looked pretty in Chanel Spring 2013, while Felicity Jones was absolutely stunning in Chanel black dress with white collar and cuffs. Hamish Bowles, with his casual gentleman thing, looks as he never tries too much, which makes him a really best dressed man of Condé Nast family.

fall to couture

click on image to enlarge

To please never satisfied critics, brand’s clients and to maintain the vision of the brand that couture supports, all at the same time, it’s not an easy task at all. Considering that most of members of Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture are also creators of ready to wear, and some of the resort or capsule collections, it’s not an easy job to satisfy themselves, at the end. Dissatisfaction can be a very good drive, but everyone with creative job understands a complexness of creativity especially when deadlines and pressures are in the game. Week of Haute Couture that has always been fashion’s great carrousel of excitement brings also the great errand that your ride has to be the one that will create fireworks of thrill. The one that is familiar with creation of excite is Herr Karl, just like Mademoiselle Chanel in her time was. Lavish ensembles are usually spiced up with iconic models plus the model of the moment, which is currently Lindsey Wixson. Started with pretty seriousness, and all the functional ways of tweed, he spreads the word of immortality of classical Chanel. Unlike the others, he doesn’t have to search inspiration out there, when he has loads of it in his own garden. His remakes of classical Chanel pieces will never become boring. And he won’t ever be afraid to show them in modern way. Accessorized with 1940s snoods, scarves tied in pussy bow and sparkly hosiery, his clothes always have the story to tell. Different from they work they are doing for Valentino house last few seasons, were couture ideas of Chiuri and Piccoli that diminished previous age of innocence. Between aesthetic blue gowns they explored the history of Garavani’s work, but also went to time of brocade.  They filled our eyes also with lavish red and sparkly outfits that were extravagant in every detail, from velvet appliqués to fur inserts. Always interesting Alexis Mabille had a great affair with caftan and made all the shiny gowns for all magic workers and small creatures that unnoticeably surround us. With extravagance of couture, somehow you start to believe that there’s a thin line between beauty and ugliness. So is it hard to create feelings of excitement in little children of fashion again and again? Certainly it is. And with all the complexity of cultural and social changes in creating of a mode today, it takes more than just clothes to experience that fervent and obsessive side of fashion show.

PHOTOS VOGUE.IT, HARPER'S BAZAAR 

Haute Couture spring 2012

Even if you are not Wall Street Journal devoted reader, most of us became familiar over past years with global economic situation more than ever. In a world that suffers a terrible crisis it’s very hard to believe that someone has hundred thousand or million of something for a dress. Apparently some have. Despite of the crisis there is notable increase in couture sale lately. What happens in Paris twice a year for common folk is a dream, art, air of inspiration or at least we think it should be. For those who are buying, unless they organize private fittings or shows, it’s another shopping tour. So, as common sense tells, it would be naive to think that couture is happening for the common folk as you and me. Or that couture is a part of private dream of designer that shares his expression with you and me. It’s a market thing that most of us, the observers can hardly understand. So is it a vision or a dream what we saw in Paris for the spring? What causes our admiration? When looking at most of the couture designs, do you question yourself how did those involved in making of haute couture applied all those details because it seems that there’s no thread and these are glued with invisible something. You have to ask that every time when you look at Chanel couture. This spring Karl’s stewardesses have the uniforms with for example pouf sleeves that are standing in pouf despite the weight of the beads or sequins. Instead of the woolen caps, the girls have feathers in the hair and are decorated with camellia-shaped brooches. The Karl’s punk private jet has a color of sky. Another collection connected with sky or better to say heavenly creatures was that of Valentino. Valentino Victoriana was really divine. Long dresses that remind of walking costumes from the past, look like they are made for lovely models with a soft hair that are running through the grass on the idyllic countryside for some Lula Mag editorial. On the hands they have mesh gloves with lace appliqués and with just one look at the sky they are happy for the life. Romantic silhouettes, high neck ruffled collars, organza bows, sweet cutouts, finest lace, floral prints….what else we need for the carefree and a sweet life?

PHOTOS VIA VOGUE.IT, VOGUE.COM

Friendship of pale pink and black

It was the colour combination that Luella Bartley couldn’t resist so among the lovely shopping bags few times sneaked in catwalk look in this colour combination. And was always pretty. It’s the colour combination perfect for the cardigans; a black trim gives the grown-up vibe to girls that want to dress like cupcakes. Milly satin-trimmed cardigan is just like that, so is Orla Kiely two-toned cardigan from autumn collection. Blush and black is colour combination that Karl Lagerfeld recognizes as the friend for Chanel’s black and white. Especially in couture when creates a dream with charming black contrast. Do you remember Chanel’s double strap Mary Janes with just a bit of black? I almost bought similar version at Asos, but every time I saw refined Chanel satin around Alexa Chung’s toes of I gave up. Pale pink would be perfect colour for the walls and black oval frames. And polka dots or hearts…you almost hear them sing when on the light shade of pink. Blouses can be also devoted to this friendship… with or without a detail, and with a good pair of black skinny jeans on legs. And this combination is easy for DIYs… just imagination and satin ribbons are what you need. These tender pastel tones are kissing the dark like in dream…

from misslikey's diary; in Chanel Makeup studio

Dear diary,

Today misslikey was playing with some cosmetics. You may wonder how can someone play with lipsticks and mascaras, but I'll tell you dear one secret; that's how we girls are. So, to tell you the truth, I awfully love to play with Chanel little things my dear diary. And when I was invited few days ago to have a beauty experience at Chanel make-up studio in Zagreb, for misslikey that is like going to a party. Earlier this day I woke up around 10 am. Was meditating a bit, you know, to stay fresh. After I did all those important things I realized I would be late cause my hair was still wet. So I called my subconscious 911 and she helped me to make a braid around my head. Then I put on my black lace mini dress and my crochet collar with secessionist brooch that costed me just few pennies (kiss to my dearest antique dealer). All ready, I went to Mesnicka Street where Chanel Makeup studio is based. And my dearest I have to say I had a great time. So you wanted to know who was there? There was lovely and elegant Virgine from Chanel, fellow bloggers miss styletone, miss 123 Style and miss fashion rocks. And we all had our own makeover that looked pretty natural. So dear diary you wouldn’t believe how misslikey looked with all that make-up. My lashes were huge and my lips were pale and I have to say I felt very lovely. After a chat inside of Chanel, together with misses’ bloggers, misslikey went for a pleasant cup of coffee.

p.i.s.s.

Dear diary, after I saw the photos that I took that day, I realized I’d never be photographer. Why is that? Because I love to play with camera and click on it, instead of taking photos. And I didn't wear my glasses so most of the photos were similar to the picture of the world as misslikey sees it..Big blur. This is what happens with analogue cameras and “blind” people.

Yours truly,

misslikey

COLLAGE: LOVELY FIFI LAPIN IN CHANEL CREATIONS, ILLUSTRATION IN RIGHT CORNER BY HELEN AHPORNSIRI (SEE IT HERE), PHOTOS MISSLIKEY,

Karl and Couture

In this superficial surrounding of what we call our world, very often we judge text by headline, thing by appearance, person by look, book by cover. So our little minds sometimes are seriously surprised how things can change in the opposite way. But when the cover is Chanel one, we are never concerned about content, because Chanel prose never fails to impress us. Karl Lagerfeld somehow knows what he is doing to enrich its contents, no matter if it is ready to wear or haute couture. If nothing, at least he has an exceptional power to make regular person even if cannot afford awfully pricey clothes made to measure, happy. So just looking sometimes at bonny images can make a girl delighted about upcoming season and more rays of sunshine. That light in summer and spring days would reflect on Chanel clothes divinely. In those times, some lady will be truly lucky cause with few spare pennies she might become Sirona, the star goddess. To others remains inspiration and peek into this shimmering world filled with fluid fabrics. And the color of that world can be without hesitation named a pastel dream. Less like Popsicle, more like pensive reflection of vintage illustrated advert from some old vogue from beginning of the last century that lays somewhere hidden. If the color reminds you on that, that truly is not just the pure coincidence: he tried really to evoke that. Furthermore his intention was to bring, or better to say make some kind of fusion between Marie Laurencin’s expression of Paris in early years of twentieth century and today’s modern silhouette. Karl points out that shape and attitude is strictly for today. So faded colors of Marie paintings as pastel pink, mauve blue, grey and black, found a perfect ally in delightful fabrics and cuts. Karl enlivened the years of Lurencin work when she was a close friend of Nicole Groult, sister of fashion visionary Poiret, in a magical way. Some people just know how to be masters in connecting contemporary and tradition, without disgracing the original moment.

Mood of dreamy colors that was closed by Kristen McMenamy as the bride was opened with bit rigid silhouette, coat that has trapeze cut and short-sleeved dress that is boxy. Like a sculptor he transparently and slowly changes shape. That’s what I like from Karl and people who are working on Chanel shows. There are no breaks. Breaks as I called them are to hate. Continuums are to love. Continuum as the part of changing and development when the skirt becomes casual but the bodice is still bit rigid or when the edges on heavy silk become soft and romantic. And when everything becomes floating you get an impression of falling stardust. "Nonchalance in couture is very important. Couture without nonchalance is just drag queen attitude of women of an era past that I hope will never come back", says Karl.

I must admit styling of few outfits with pants and jeans doesn’t actually fit in my idea of tunic and tulle solely over the leg, but Karl says that modern Chanel girl wears trimmed jacket with jeans. And on the flats as an eternal flat lover have to agree with him. Karl believes he is tired of seeing all those girls walking in high heels so simple and elegant pointed flats were almost invisible and didn’t distract attention from the clothes. How else we could notice all the details and embroidery provided with high level of workmanship that demands neat hands, lot of patience and knowledge. One of those skilled people with lot of patience is Mdm Pouzieux that waves braided trim on Chanel couture garments. She works alone and is not keen on revealing the secrets of her craft. At the end, do we really need to know everything? Some things are just sacred. So is couture.

Me & my backpack

Backpacker is a person that is usually adventurous, spontaneous, brave and with the free spirit. Can it be that in every one of us lies a petite backpacker? Possibly the young Muccia Prada had a vagabond spirit back in the early 80s when she came to idea to create a backpack from a nylon fabric that her grandfather’s company was using to cover large suitcases for overseas traveling. By the mid 90s everyone was wearing backpack, and those with few hundred spare dollars in their pocket had a triangle Prada sign on it. Not only the Prada girls were popular, but also the voyagers with Chanel backpacks. Chanel heroines were not just on the streets or in offices but also in the books.
These days, backpacks are becoming popular again. Finally, different kinds of stores are offering rucksacks that don’t look any more like hitchhiking equipment. Military style is moral just when it comes to fashion so I find those influenced with it very delightful. Same feelings I have towards tapestry or ethnic backpacks. But my heart beats faster for vintage iconic backpacks. So Chanel Suede backpack in brown would immediately make a bohemian princess out of me, and one in black suede a ballet dancer, even if I am not on personal with jeté.

Surely it's silly to think that with one of these vintage backpacks you would be able to travel the world in 80’s days but they give this idea of adventurous nature.Me & my backpack means me more spontaneous and nonchalant. Also means more often excursions to library because it’s very practical and can hold more books than regular purse. It also doubles the chances that I won’t skip my yoga classes, or I’ll take a walk around the pretty lake that is just 5 minutes from my house. If nothing, doubles my chances for more often casual but chic weekends.

CHANEL BAGS FEATURED HERE: BLACK SUEDE QUILTED BACKPACK ETSY, BACKPACK WITH THE CHAIN HANDLES EBAY, BROWN SUEDE BACKPACK AT DECADES LONDON IN DOVER STREET MARKET

MODELS WEARING BACKPACKS, PHOTOS VIA JAK&JIL , LES MADS, STREETFSN

What was happening in Saint-Tropez..Chanel Cruise 2011

Karl Lagerfeld is a man of talent. Except that, he knows how to produce a buzz. He goes to Saint Tropez, turns starts of the catwalk Elisa Sednaoui, Karolina Kurkova, Magdalena Frackowiak, Heidi Mount, Freja Beha Erichsen, and Abbey Lee Kershaw into actresses. Then he turns actress Diane Kruger and her beau into Bocce players. Awfully chic ones. And then except the film and chic festive photos, he shows us what would look like Chanel girl on her vacations. Last year she was in Venice. And the last year Chanel mademoiselle was bit reserved. Yes, and bit mysterious with her flapper hair. She wore practical pants to climb on the gondola easier, sailor dresses for resting and sparkly cocktail dresses or dramatic trench coats for the cocktail moments. This year Chanel Mademoiselle moved to Riviera. She is less dramatic and more playful. Her hair is bit wavy and messy and she is ready every second to land on après beach party or spend hot summer night barefoot. For the sunset walks, Karl dressed her in light floral dresses, made of chiffon, with lovely ruffles; not too many, not too Gypsy, just romantic. She gets suntan on her legs in check bikini or walks around in lace swimsuit embroidered with tiny little flowers. Karl might be a man, but he very understands what woman wants. There were lots of the beauties like all the Chanel white and lace dresses, or flamboyant striped dress on Abbey Lee and cardigan of same fabric. Blue plaids on Freja Beha, with washed denim pants have the boyish vibe. Who said Karl doesn’t want for us to play in the sand? He didn’t have such a bright moments in many other outfits and gladiator sandals on barely items reminded me on 70s Xena the warrior princess. But again everyone makes mistakes sometimes, and when Karl does those are so uncountable with all the brilliant things we saw from him.
Pants suits had a typical charm of Bianca Jagger, but it wasn’t just Bianca that Karl was evoking in Tropez. Many designers are celebrating 70s but we know Karl is too versatile just to focus on one period, so omnipresent except 70s icons like Bianca or Francoise Hardy were also Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin. And this time also he remembered of Collette, as he did in 2009 when was shooting Jerry Hall, but in the film. And Remember Now is to remember. First scene -Leigh Lezark as Gabrielle Chanel walking with a cigarette, stops to say; Everyone calls me Coco… I am mad for Chanel. “ Aren’t we all mad for Chanel?

SOME RANDOM SNAPSHOTS FROM REMEMBER NOW



see runaway photos at WWD and film at Chanel

Chanel 2010 resort collection; Review

If Karl Lagerfeld is determined that Madame Vionnet has a major impact on today's fashion I am supportive but determined in opinion he is today's Vionnet. I saw resort 2010 collection. Venice. True elegance and effortless in order to give very vivid vibe of woman from front page of old memoir. Venice is practical factor to be just right place to prove collection. Coco designed simple clothes and sometimes the reason was that simple in order to give a woman the comfort that takes to climb easier in and out of gondola. He really did bring us back to basis of Chanel; bell-bottom trousers, gold buttons, the blazer, stripes, tweed suit. Sailor boxy cardigan jacket with round neck really looks like Chanel is still alive and borrows it from her amorous Etienne Balsan. But we will wear it on trousers; with boyish wavy bobbed hair. Like real flappers of 20-ies.



Karl did add little of himself into collection: Embroided white chemise on black skirts made Queeny Van der Zande look like him. Shirt dresses are black and voluminous and Trench coat on Lara Stone is black, elegant and simple. He dressed Tatiana Patitz and Skye Stracke like sailor’s sweethearts. Swimsuit is made to dress Sunset Boulevard's femme fatale for pool party or indie girl to enjoy restless surfing season in double colored swimsuit with laces. Black and white Laced up peep-toe boots above the ankle and those up to ankle are wearing Coco's cachet but up to date and fabulous. He still pays attention to every detail whether is lace dress with or rich extravagant necklace or shoe. Cocktail dresses are lightly hugging models bodies looking like Mademoiselle herself came back to her suite at Ritz; fresh, vibrant and suntanned from le vacation.

Karl is only designer that can modernize Chanel’s vision and stay enough altruistic to respect the memory of Coco. By bringing collection for woman that thinks that there is time to work and time to love; And that leaves no other time. Mademoiselle would be proud. Once again; Bravo Karl.
photos courtesy of House of Chanel. See complete collection at style.com

misslikey's princess

Did you think you are a princess when you were a little girl? I remember I used to pull my grandma curtains throught her house and pose in front of mirror with crystaled headband . Instead of dressing up the dolls, I used to dress up myself. I wanted to be all grown up and a princess; similar to Karl Lagerfled. And talking about His Heighness he totally enchanté us with chiffon dresses in his pretaporter summer collection.
This summer designers showed us lot of sheer and ruffles..and what kisses more ruffles than fine made fabric like chiffon. In pastel it's diviness. Though I was disappointed of not seeing baby blue or pastel blue in couture collections. So if you ever thought you are adopted and you belong to royal family you don't have to talk about that story with your terapeist anymore. Because those who we call the big ones are also dreaming about princesses and fairies.


Chanel Printemps-Eté 2009 Prêt à porter

Elie Saab couture summer show was a real fashion candy for eyes. Very wearable and very safe red carpet choice for celebs.

is givenchy princess a princess or feminine fairy?

Fall Disco Princess from Monique Lhuillier

p.s we are looking forward to see who is gonna be this year's Met princess.
p.i.s.s. If you are lucky and you will RSVP please leave 80's behind for this kind of traditional events. Say huge No to Xena, yes to princess. Say yes to couture because we need more couture shows.
This year's Met Gala Benefit will be held May 4. 2009, with Honorary Chair Marc Jacobs and Co-Chairs Kate Moss, Justin Timberlake, and Anna Wintour.
photos via nymag