Watchmakers Turn Focus on women

Wearing a watch has been a trend in men's fashion for many years. But this year, watchmakers are turning their focus on women. The Swiss are working on a line of mechanical watches for women, and it is projected to become a more lucrative business than luxury men's watches. Tag Heuer, Chanel, and La Montre Hermes all predict that adding women's lines will increase sales by about 30 percent. 

The designers believe that women will like the mechanical aspect of the watches, as a result of the increased level of craftsmanship, as opposed to electric ones. Another reason that watch sales will rise is that they will make a great gift for women. Designers are also using a wide variety of materials to make these watches. The high-end watches will continue to consist of gold and diamonds, but designers have also begun to make watches with enamel, mother of pearl, and even feathers.

Text Caitlin Beck

Image vipo2v.com

Paris Fashion Week Recap

With all of the different shows during Fashion Week, it is hard to keep the top trends in order. So, here is a breakdown of Paris Fashion Week, as well as the trends that we will see in the fall as a result of the shows.

One of the top trends was the use of feathers. Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, and Zuhair Murad all incorporated feathers into their pieces and featured them in multiple ways. McQueen used them as the main material for some looks, while Murad used the feathers to add decoration to his cocktail dresses.

The color green also made a large appearance throughout the week. In the Kenzo, Hermes, and Chanel shows, green was the main color.  Kenzo mainly used moss green to compliment the animal print pieces, while Chanel used lime green in several looks. No matter the shade, green was all over the runway.

The last major trend that we saw was jewels. From broaches, to jeweled train cases, to bejeweled eyebrows, jewels were everywhere. Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, and Balmain were the main designers who set the trend.

Text Caitlin Beck
Image Fashionlatest.net

Chanel's Purple Passion

Chanel’s fall 2012 runway show spun the collection’s usual trademark of ladylike glam into relaxed, sporty looks. The season will pile layers upon layers of oversized jackets and billowy dresses with just a hint of metallic pants peeking out from underneath. Some reviews even compared Chanel’s runway set to Superman’s icy hideout. Along with the sharp, angular art design, models wore very little makeup. Well, except for those strong, pointed eyebrows made of jewels. It was surprising that model Freja Beha, a favorite of Karl Lagerfeld, was nowhere to be seen. However, an even bigger surprise was Miranda Kerr’s appearance on the runway.

Chanel worked the purple trend to perfection in the show. Among other runway shows that included Marc Jacobs, Blumarine, Gucci, and Nina Ricci, Chanel’s fall 2012 collection proved that next season will be decked out in all shades of the color purple. In the fall, we’ll see lots of purple coats, dresses, and bags. Even Karl Lagerfeld sealed his approval by mixing up his usual all-black style and wearing purple gloves at his show. The best accessory paired with the outfits in this collection was the purple velvet mini backpack.

Text Emily Thomas
Source and Image WWD

A Look Ahead: Paris Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week will take place from February 28 to March 7. The event is known for showing plenty of couture and vintage looks. Throughout the week, some of the biggest names in fashion will be showing off their new collections, so here is a rundown of the schedule.

On March 1, Nina Ricci will be on the runway along with Balenciaga. On March 2 and March 3, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Vivienne Westwood will all show their collections. The last four days in Paris are loaded with well-known and respected designers, including Stella McCartney, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, and Louis Vuitton.

What collections are you most excited to see?

Text Caitlin Beck
Image Fashionlatest.net

Spring Couture Is in Full Bloom

The spring 2012 couture runway shows only began on Monday, but, so far, they have stayed true to the season’s flora and fauna theme. Giambattista Valli used feminine petal accents in most ensembles. In the spirit of spring, dresses and jackets appeared to be sprouting flowers. Christian Dior’s show was filled with light dresses layered with embroidered floral patterns. Animal prints came into the mix, and zebra-printed tops were paired with ruffled skirts. To add contrast, Giambattista Valli and Christian Dior both incorporated slick, black crocodile-textured jackets to their runway looks.

Chanel’s couture show presented structured designs in all shades of watery blue colors. The models wore sky-high pompadour hairstyles paired with feathers, which reminded us of peacocks. Armani Privé’s abundance of green pieces and scaly patterns also made it clear that spring is just around the corner. At Alexis Mabille’s show, the models were in full bloom with painted faces and massive headpieces designed to look like fresh-cut flowers. If the rest of the week’s shows follow this trend, it’s going to be a very lush season.

Text Emily Thomas
Source and Image Style.com

Best Party Ever: Chanel in Las Vegas

Chanel's invite-only, eight day event for the Numéros Privés installation began on Friday, January 20 in Las Vegas. Guests who included Alexa Chung, Gia Coppola, Diane Kruger, and Rachel Zoe were picked up in Escalades and flown in private jets from New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Clearly, our invitation was lost in the mail. (Just kidding!) But the private planes were only the beginning of last weekend's luxuries.

The actual installation, Numéros Privés, is a ten-room exhibit at the Wynn hotel in Vegas, dedicated to the house codes of Chanel. "House codes" are the timeless designs that become a designer trademark. For Chanel, codes include camellia flowers (Coco's favorite), black and white, and quilted padding. One room  at Numéros Privés was filled with carnival-inspired mechanical claws; instead of scooping up stuffed animals, guests tried to win Chanel accessories. Another room displayed a replica of Coco Chanel's apartment in Paris. A Chinese New Year-themed dinner followed the tour, complete with dim sum and champagne. Unfortunately, Karl Lagerfeld couldn't make it to the dance floor. He spent the weekend prepping for his show in Paris, which took place today.

Text Emily Thomas
Image and Source WWD, Style.com

Spring 2012 Splashes With Style

This spring, think of the fashion world as an oyster, because design houses like Givenchy, Chanel, and Alexander McQueen have some real pearls in store. Spring style is calling from the ocean. No fantastical mermaids, prickly sea urchins, tiny seahorses, or soul surfers were hurt in the making, but they were defiantly nailed to the inspiration boards.

Underwater love stories of mermaids and surfers lead to Givenchy’s spring 2012 creations, as a shimmery, sleeved sequin garment swam down the runway. Other designers like Issa floated a coral-printed maxi dress down the plank, while Chanel flaunted a fish scale-inspired piece. Snorkels or fishnets are not necessary for spring 2012, but a love for the deep blue sea is appreciated.

Text Katelyn Chef
Source and Image Style.com

Keepin' it Classic: Chanel's 2012 Nail Polish

The word "classic" is irrefutably synonymous with the Chanel brand, even if it is completely overused. However, isn't that what guides us toward the iconic French fashion house in the first place? Whatever your taste, there is no denying that their 2012 nail polish collection is a must for any lady out there.

Returning to a more timeless and romantic color scheme, the colors are positively gorgeous. Featuring soft pinks, pretty peaches, and an assortment of nudes, the collection is great for everyday wear and will seamlessly mesh into your already fabulous personal collection.

Retailing at their "classic" $25 a bottle price-point, you can expect to get your fingertips pampered sometime this month. Visit Chanel's site for more info and more images on the Le Vernis lacquers.

Text Lauryn Stone
Image and Source Chanel

Chanel's Pre-Fall '12 Inspires a Serious Cat Eye

Yes, beyond being fabulously awed by the intricate craftsmanship of the collection itself, Karl Lagerfeld's pre-fall showcase for Chanel definitely reminded us that a fierce cat eye is always a must. Accented with a messy updo and romantic ferroniere, each model donned a coal black smokey eye that positively should be duplicated for a night out on the town. The rest of the face was kept clean yet luminous, and the lips were covered in a pretty, coral-toned gloss.

Wondering how to pull off this look at home? Check out Smashbox's Obsidian Eye Shadow for a velvety effect that also has a subtle shimmer. Line your lashes along with your waterline using their Limitless eyeliner in Onyx for bold definition.

Thanks Karl for the beauty inspiration!

Text Lauryn Stone

Sources Chanel, Smashbox

Preview of Karl Lagerfeld's New Book

Two of the biggest mystical creatures of the fashion industry, Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld, are coming together for the ultimate fashion book. Lagerfeld's new book will feature the Chanel boucle jacket on countless celebrities and models. The looks, styled by Carine Roitfeld, show the versatility and timelessness of the jacket on any and all body types.

Check out more preview pictures, and be prepared to drool, after the jump...

Top Designers Unite for UNICEF

Several of today's most prestigious fashion designers have come together in support of underprivileged children. Chanel, Jeal Paul Gaultier, Givenchy, and Christian Dior have agreed to contribute to the creation of designer dolls specifically for the benefit of the United Nations Children Fund, commonly known as UNICEF.

All of the proceeds from the dolls — named Les Frimousses (translation: little faces) — will be used to vaccinate children in Darfur. To date, 43% of children in Darfur who have been treated for severe acute malnutrition have received treatment directly as a result of UNICEF's efforts to maintain a significant humanitarian operation since the crisis began in 2003.

For nearly a decade, UNICEF has helped an incredible number of children and families by providing lifesaving actions and necessities. Now, these world-renowned fashion houses will increase UNICEF's efforts at their designer dolls' auction on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at the Drouot-Montaigne in Paris.

Text Brittney Schering
Image UNICEF

Saskia de Brauw Creates Perfection in Vogue Italia

Saskia de Brauw teamed up with Paolo Roversi to perfect the incredibly cinematic editorial in Vogue Italia's October 2011 issue. She previously worked with fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel's 2012 Cruise collection, as well as with Lagerfeld and Stella Tennant for the September 2011 cover of Numero.

Ranked as number thirteen in the Top 50 of Models.com, it's evident that glamorous Dutch artist and model Saskia de Brauw has what it takes to create elegant perfection. De Brauw recently worked with agencies in New York, London, and Paris — including projects alongside Lanvin and Givenchy. She also graced the October 2011 cover of Dazed & Confused.

It's no wonder that the beauty has been nothing short of crazy busy, and we have a feeling that this will not come to a close anytime soon. We expect to see much more of this model in the near future.

Text Brittney Schering
Image courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue

Halloween-Ready SS'12 Runway Looks

With the spring/summer 2012 fashion shows coming to fruition, it's time to start diving headfirst into a more pressing matter at hand: WHAT TO BE FOR HALLOWEEN! There is no better source of costume inspiration than the runway, and how rad would it be to say, "Oh, I'm a Chanel Sea Creature...NBD." Check out some of the beauty looks that are inspiring some seriously awesome Halloween costumes here at CHAOS.

See the looks after the jump...

Pretty (and Not-So-Pretty) Feet at Paris Fashion Week

At Paris Fashion Week, the shows not only introduced next-season clothes, but also to-die-for shoes. Most designs fit into one of two groups: fearless and wild, or dull and wearable — with a few (including Marc Jacobs and Chanel) that combined fearless with wearable. For example, Comme des Garcons presented plain white boots that looked awfully similar to rain boots, while Versace chose to showcase transparent heels with a shocking height of at least six inches.

Dries van Noten's show included plain, strapped heels, while Chanel's stylish booties were much more chic and appealing. Prada added to the rush with race car–inspired high heels, and Dolce & Gabbana contributed to the over-the-top category with black netting over strapped heels. Jean Paul Gaultier took the cake with tattoo-inspired, heel-in-the-air creations. This design looks impossible to balance on, let alone walk in — but it would be an incredible showstopper if you could!

What were your favorite shoes during Paris Fashion Week? Did you prefer the dull and functional, or the completely out-of-this-world designs? We prefer the latter ... life's too short to wear boring shoes.

Text Brittney Schering
Image courtesy of Style.com

Sea Creatures Surface on Paris Fashion Week

One major recurring theme of Paris Fashion Week is the sea — more specifically, the creatures that live in it. For Chanel, Versace, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, and Louis Vuitton, everything from shark tooth jewelry to sea horse wedges were spotted on the runway.

Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld launched his spring/summer collection amidst a deep sea fantasy world. To set the mood, models wore pale green, white, and pink attire and graced a runway covered in seashells, fish, and enormous coral reefs.

Inspired by surfers and mermaids, Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci presented a refreshingly wearable collection for spring 2012. Wetsuit-inspired skintight pants and a stream of neutral colors were the highlights of his sea-driven show.

That being said, it seems that sea creatures are the new owls of fashion. Keep an eye out (or maybe a fin?) ... we'll do the same and be sure to let you know if this trend will be taken beyond the runway.

By Brittney Schering
Image courtesy of Style.com

Natalia Vodianova named 'Look of the Moment'

Famous for her lips and eyes, it comes as no surprise that The New York Times just matched Russian model Natalia Vodianova with the latest "Look of the Moment." The look is known as Coquette Visage — a red lip and shoe combination with a solid, full-length dress and very little design aside from a crochet collar and hemline.

Natalia was seen wearing this look as she exited the Ritz Hotel in Paris. She looked flawless in her Ulyana Sergeenko pioneeress dress, Burak Uyan shoes, and a corresponding Chanel handbag. With her hair tied back and her waistline slightly accentuated, you would never assume that this cover girl is a mother of three.

With an ageless complexion and a heart of gold, Natalia is not just a beautiful fashion model — she is also an activist who helps Russian orphans and an actress, having starred in To Russia with Love in 2004. Not bad for an established good girl! The Times' "Look of the Moment" is not only a blessing in the fashion world; it is also for the good of society — and we approve.

Text Brittney Schering
Image courtesy of NY Times

Mother of Pearl, What a Look!

It's no secret that immediately after Chanel previews their runway show, the whole industry — the whole world, really — clamors to keep up with the new trends. One of the key trends from the show this morning was a tried-and-true favorite: a new Chanel nail polish color!

With an outstanding "under the sea" theme, it's no surprise that pearls were abundant, from hair accessories to nails. The mother of pearl color featured on the models' nails are very on trend with what has been shown, but different enough to make them an absolute must-have.

Edgy enough for night, classy enough for day — how will you pull off this pearl of a look?

Text Corinna Fabre

Source Chanel

Rumors Swirl About Chanel's New 23-Year-Old Resident Milliner

Chanel has welcomed 23-year-old Parsons grad GiGi Burris abroad as the brand's main hat designer. The designer has not yet confirmed the assignment but we hope rumors are true for this gigantor design talent!

Gigi Burris still uses traditional hat making tricks, the finest materials and couture sewing techniques in her latest hat creations. The Gigi Burris Millinery line was continued directly after her hats were exponentially more accepted in college than anything else this fashionista designed. She has been embraced by fashion critics and top style press since a one-of-a-kind hat drew her a nomination for Designer of the Year award at Parsons in 2009. For her latest collection, the designer utilizes felts, pins, wovens, and alligator skin for hats and headbands.

Burris was voted one of the most Stylish New Yorkers by StyleCaster this year. Her pale skin, straight blonde hair, and killer style makes us yearn to be just as effortlessly cool... with a comparable hat collection. She tells StyleCaster that shes inspired by the late 18th Century and the 1920's in terms of design inspiration.

Visit the Gigi Burris cute, fun-filled blog HERE.

See more of her fall 2011 collection click below:

Karl Lagerfeld Brings Fashion Royalty To 200 Macy's Stores This Fall

The King of Fashion Karl Lagerfeld, the gloved, silver-haired genius behind his eponymous line, Chanel, Fendi and Fall 2005 collaboraton with H&M that causes mobs of people and chaos across NYC, is bringing down the fashion house again with the debut of a line in Macy's. The blogosphere made announcements about this epic team-up as early as last November, but now we have pictures courtesy of Macy's.



The 45-piece collection will hit 235 stores and the intermarket on Macys.com. Mark your calendars for August 31. The edgy, rock'n'roll collection will be priced between $50 and $170--meaning we can breathe easy.
Text Joann Pan
Sources: Macy's

Nail it Down: Polish Trends

Summertime equals one thing: manicures and pedicures are no longer a luxury, but a necessity. What better way to add a pop of color or sheen to an outfit than with a glossy shade of lacquer on your hands and feet?

The inner child in me fell in love with a set of Laffy Taffy (yes, the candy) neon colored set of polishes I found at a discount store near home. The bright greens, purples, blues, and pinks would go perfect with any of the matching neon accessories and clothes that brands like Proenza Schouler and Jil Sander showed this season. The neon colors also favor themselves to this little trick found on Pinterest.com, to get an easy swirled tie-dye look:

“Get a bowl of water, pour little bits of all the different shades you want, it should float on the top, swirl with a toothpick or something like it and when it looks like you want on top of the water, then dip your nails through the water...” It’s really that simple.

For a more subdued look, Chanel also just released three new polishes. The metallic shades aptly named “Graphite”, “Quartz”, and “Peridot” are sure to sell out quickly (Black Pearl, anyone?) so when you find them, be sure to stock up, because they’ll be gone before you finish painting your pinky toes.

Text Liza Sokol
Source: Pinterest, Fashionista