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

Feather and Fur Reigned Supreme at Alexander McQueen

If there was one takeaway from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" exhibit, aside from a rough estimate of exactly how many people can pack themselves onto the Met’s steps, it’s that McQueen’s right-hand woman-cum-creative director Sarah Burton has her work cut out for her to keep the label on the must-see list. While it is not that hard to stay on the scene after you’ve designed Kate Middleton’s wedding dress, it is apparent from Alexander McQueen’s fall 2012 ready-to-wear show that Burton also shares her late mentor’s sense of dark, dramatic flair.

According to the McQueen show, “ready-to-wear” and “couture” aren’t mutually exclusive. Voluminous ruffled furs and feathers capped with exaggerated bell sleeves can now easily transition from the runway to retail. Models walked the fine line between très chic and Koosh ball in ultra-layered looks, which were adorably tapered at the waist with metallic silver bets shaped into flowers and bows. Each look varied only subtly from the one before it, allowing those in the audience to pay extra attention to detail — a peplum skirt here, an off-the-shoulder sleeve there. With every model remaining anonymous in blonde wigs and futuristic, visor-like shades, all eyes were on the clothes, as if you could look away from those gorgeously textured designs. The Royal Wedding may be over, but Alexander McQueen is definitely keeping the fairy tale alive.

Text Kara Solarz
Image Style.com

Everyone Loves Lanvin and Alber Elbaz's Voice

In his tenth year as man of the Lanvin house, Alber Elbaz dazzled crowds at his Paris runway show. The bow-tied, bespectacled designer is one of the most well-liked names in fashion; he’s hospitable, humble, and knows how to make clothes that flatter a woman’s body. Elbaz provides delicious treats at every show.

"I always think, if I were an editor, and I was invited to a show, and I would have to wait for 45 minutes in the dark, or in the cold, or in the heat, maybe I would like to have a fresh drink or a piece of chocolate.," Elbaz told WWD. "Maybe I would love to enjoy a sandwich."

As far as Lanvin's fall 2012 RTW collection went, we saw lots of ruffles. (The good kind.) Every piece seemed to wrap around just right. As a whole, the looks had everything in every color. Lanvin’s pieces covered plenty of ground from solid, bold hues to black, brocade and jeweled patterns, including cinched belts and soft textures. At the end of the show, Elbaz sang “Que Sera Sera” with a band accompaniment. Even though he was self-conscious about his singing voice, Elbaz managed to make everyone smile, since critics and guests alike described it with one word: adorable.

Text Emily Thomas
Source and Image WWD and Fabsugar

Balmain Hits Paris With Moves Like Jagger

It seems as if the menswear Paris Fashion Week has been a venue for which distinctively independent styles and trends have been married together to create something brand new. Balmain debuted their fall 2012 menswear collection just a few days ago, and this collection has taken the class and elegance of the classic preppy style and remixed it with the style reminiscent of a British rocker and created something utterly spectacular.

This collection may not boast moves like Jagger, but it certainly leaves its mark in your mind with its bold use of double-breasted vests, boots, and leather pants.

With so many different styles all being mashed into one, you would think that this collection just wouldn’t work. But that’s where you’re wrong. Each look moves naturally into the next while still encompassing an entire realm of tastes and visual interests. There are biker jackets to compliment leather pants, or military jackets to contrast them. No matter which way you view it, there will always be a workable look.

Text Jarrod Wadsworth
Image Style.com

Full View of What to Expect From Versace For H&M

A few weeks ago, we informed you of the exciting news that Versace would present a collection exclusively at H&M. The details, though, were scarce and secretive — but now all floodgates have been drawn, as the entire look book has been revealed for us to drool over and attempt to financially stabilize ourselves before the official sales begin next month.

To get an idea of how much one will stash in his or her sock drawer until Nov. 17 in select countries and Nov. 19 in the US, prices ranges from $19.95 (for costume jewelry) to $299 (for a leather jacket and dress that Anna Dello Russo wore to Paris Fashion Week). Other wallet-friendly finds include home decor offers, such as pillows from $29.95 to $39.95 and a slightly pricier bedspread at $149.

Fashionologie has provided a slideshow of the complete lookbook, which consists of 116 images and price info. Hey, if something you like is a bit more than you can afford right now, the holiday season is right around the corner. And, what always accompanies the time of year that will soon be here? SALES.

Keep an eye out, and we will, too! Until then, pack your piggy banks with as much as you can for the November launch!

Text Brittney Schering
Image courtesy of Style.com 

Macy's Expands High Fashion

Just last month, Macy's debuted collections from luxury designer Karl Lagerfeld and Vogue Editor-at-Large and fashion director Anna Dello Russo. Now, the company has added Paris-based designer Giambattista Valli to its list of high fashion.

The new collection offers a wardrobe for the trendy traveller at prices ranging from $50 to $150 — which leaves spending money for souvenirs from, say, France. For those who kept a careful eye on Paris Fashion Week, Valli introduced his inspirations for the Macy's line during his ready-to-wear show.

Valli girl pieces that may catch your eye the next time you find yourself in Macy's include safari-inspired animal prints and pink, feminine florals with that unique and exotic Valli touch. The tan, leopard print coat and trousers shown in the image above are expected to be best sellers at the end of this month. We'll see if such predictions deem true — for now, we'll see you at Macy's.

Text Brittney Schering
Image courtesy of Style.com

Miuccia Prada Shows Both Sides of the Spectrum

Hands down, one of the most exciting things about a designer who overlaps between two or more brands is waiting and watching for the differences (if any) that appear in simultaneously debuting collections. For this fashion week, that category landed firmly in the hands of Miuccia Prada — who not only helms the infamous Prada that showed at the beginning of the week, but also Miu Miu, which showed today.

This season, the shows couldn't have been more different while, at the same time, have clear, stylistic influences that melded from one line to the other. Prada's kitschy prints were paired with retro styling for a very girly, "sweet" line.

More 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

Safe Risk-Taking at Kanye West's PFW SS'12 Debut

Considering Kanye West’s history, status, and notoriety as a trendsetter, his women’s ready-to-wear collection debut at Paris Fashion Week was hardly anything to be shocked about. The real anticipation, however, was whether or not his collection would be any good. Celebrities-turned-designers are often received in one of two very different ways — either with a great deal of scrutiny or with blind acceptance, depending on the celebrity and the audience.

What trounced down the first Kanye West runway was a cohesive collection of educated and thought-out quality pieces, which proved that, at the very least, Kanye had done his homework. The streetwear-inspired collection had plenty of leather, cutouts, and plunging necklines and backs that, with the help of draped pieces and boxy cuts, managed to remain just shy of taking the skin-baring too far.

Although there were several wearable pieces in the collection, the overall effect came across as a safe risk. Beautiful and mild, Kanye's collection was somewhat fashion forward; certainly palatable; and, at times, even interesting — but it consistently stopped short of being groundbreaking. Who knows, the safe-risk approach seems to have worked well for his music career, so it might be a prudent place for his first step into the fashion world, after all.

Text Tienlyn Jacobson
Source WWD

Gaultier Brings Tattoos to the Runway

On the third day of Paris Fashion Week, tattoos were the theme of Jean Paul Gaultier's ready-to-wear spring/summer 2012 show. The fearless designer constructed a refreshing display of his creations in a more human setting, rather than the classic girls-staring-into-thin-air runway feel.

Gaultier's collection consisted of suit jackets, corsets, fitted dresses, flesh tones, and leather trench coats — all decorated with traditionally authentic tattoos. The designer's well-known ultra wide-leg pants and sailor-striped tops were also noted throughout the show, along with full-length Bohemian skirts.

With embellished earrings and brightly colored accessories, Gaultier succeeded in combining a punk rock, edgy rebellion with the essence of femininity. He designed a similar show back in 1992, but it was seen as having gone too far. Gaultier commented to AFP that, nowadays, tattoos are almost classic, as "everyone has a tattoo and at least one piercing." Who can disagree with that statement?

Text Brittney Schering
Image courtesy of CBS News

Versace for H&M Rocks Paris Fashion Week

Whoever's not already in love with H&M may have a change of heart with the Versace addition, which premiered on Monday and has been all the rage at Paris Fashion Week.

Donatella Versace and Anna Dello Russo, Vogue Japan Editor-at-Large and creative consultant, have been sizzling with spunk and leather, looking quite glamorous since the premier viewings of the Versace for H&M collection that were released on Monday in Vogue Russia.

With the public antsy to see the collection, the first images spread like wildfire via scanning, TwitPics, and the like. Donatella Versace was, of course, the first to wear Versace for H&M; she chose a black leather mini dress with gold-studded embroidery and a waist-cinching belt. Anna Dello Russo wore the very same dress at Paris Fashion Week, and she rocked it with simple gold jewelry and lightly curled hair. Needless to say, we cannot wait to snag this look off the rack at H&M.


Text Brittney Schering
Image courtesy of H&M

Claudia Schiffer's New Cashmere Line With Iris von Arnim

Earlier this month, Claudia Schiffer debuted her knitwear collection in conjunction with knitwear designer, Iris von Arnim at Colette, in Paris during Paris Couture Fashion Week. With pieces as timeless as the supermodel herself, the looks are clean, classic and possess the level of high quality long associated with Iris von Arnim. Claudia Schiffer says about the line, “The pieces are strongly influenced by my very own style. I wanted to be proud of each and every item. It was therefore important to me to create a collection of chic but effortless pieces that you can just throw on in the morning.”

The collection speaks well for Schiffer’s aesthetic, comprised of a subdued, rich palate of plum, deep grey, taupe, ivory and shades of grey. View more information on the elegant cashmere line, as well as a Hitchcockesque fashion film on Claudia Schiffer’s website. The entire collection is available for purchase online at Colette and will soon be made available for purchase in the United States at online retailer Net-A-Porter as well as on the Claudia Schiffer website.

Text Tienlyn Jacobson
Source(s): Claudia Schiffer, Iris von Arnim

Givenchy Haute Couture Fall 2012

Riccardo Tisci has been hitting the nail on its proverbial fashion head with near herculean consistency, jumping from a standout urban infused Resort ’12 collection to the consummate shades of ivory and white haute couture gowns presented at Paris Fashion Week. Victorian accented looks were given a tenacious, slightly surrealistic edge by combining materials such as metal chains, nappa leather, pony skin and macramé lace with delicate filmy fabrics of Chantilly lace, organza and plenty of silk tulle.

Black Eyed Peas's Will.i. Am Collaborates With Japanese Designer, Rynshu

Black Eyed Peas member, Will.i.am is working on other projects besides his music. Recently, he strutted his stuff down the runway at the Rynshu Menswear Spring/Summer 2012 fashion show during Paris Fashion Week. Will.i.am was wearing a fitted leather blazer, shiny black cropped harem pants and clunky combat boots. The show was held at the Maison des Metallos in Paris, France.

Four months ago Will.i.am and the Black Eyed Peas were shooting a video for their song “Just Can’t Get Enough” in Japan. In the video, the male members of the band are wearing Rynshu clothing. After meeting designer, Rynshu at his boutique in Japan, Will.i.am and Rynshu decided to collaborate and create a clothing line called Rynshu x Will.i.Am. The line will include jackets and blazer. It will go on sale in the United States and Canada for Spring/Summer 2012.

Text Stephanie Buscema
Source(s): WWD

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2012 Menswear Collection presented at Paris Fashion Week

Look out Fashion world there’s a new guy in town. Louis Vuitton’s new Men’s Style Director, Kim Jones debuted his menswear collection at Paris Fashion Week. Jones was inspired by his childhood adventures growing up in Botswana, Ethiopia England and America. With this culturally diverse upbringing, Jones was able to incorporate the fashion of each location into his designs.
The designs include a salute to the Boy Scouts with an outfit of khaki short suits, completed with red and blue checkered scarves. The collection also includes hike-ready sandals and a series of different shorts. In addition to these items, there are high-waisted trousers and razor-cut jackets in navy pinstripes. The jackets were paired with bright colored button-down shirts. The shirts represented African wax print. The collection as a whole was based on a world traveling theme with a different element from each cultural. Jones noted that because of the extensive financial wealth behind Louis Vuitton, there were endless possibilities, resources and freedom to be creative.

Text Stephanie Buscema
Source(s): WWD, New York Times

Get Ready For Fall With Lanvin!

Are you ready for fall? Probably not. And that's okay, especially because summer is just getting started. Nevertheless, if you watch this video of Lanvin's Fall 2011 Collection from Paris' Fashion Week, I can predict you might be a little more anxious for the fall season than you thought.

As I was first watching this runway show, I was a little put off. The initial black pieces seemed oddly shaped and almost frumpy; almost amish-like. Especially this time of year, shapes such as those do not seem too enticing. Then we start to see the more flattering designs with the single-shouldered ruffle sleeve and no-shouldered neckline, and eventually we see colors such as red-orange, coral and pink. Ruffles are the major stand-out feature for this entire collection. The last piece is the best of them all with the gigantic ruffles exploding from the neckline. If I were in Paris, I would be delighted to wear any of these pieces.

Text Alexandra Faye

Source(s): Lanvin

Louis Vuitton: Oh So Naughty!

The 2011 F/W collections came to a close today in Paris and the Louis Vuitton show was anything but a wind-down.

The collection is quite interesting in that it oozes an eccentric sort of sex appeal. The collection portrayed a quirky viewpoint of the relationship between doormen- in this case, doorwomen- and of prim, English ladies. The sex aspect featured thigh sheer socks, S&M patent corsets, and completely sheer blouses. However, the erotic factor of some of the pieces was offset with odd twists like jodhpour trousers, sculptured jackets, architectural skirts, and big bird-like sleeves. The show was a fabulous way to end the season and not mention a bit kinky!

Text Lauryn Stone

Alexander McQueen Ends On A High Note

Alexander McQueen's final collection showed in Paris yesterday in a small intimate room to personally invited editors. The show proved to be simultaneously bittersweet and epic. Bittersweet for the obvious and epic due to the tailoring and craftsmanship evident in his last body of work.

While only 16 looks, each had ornate detail and beautiful tailoring. Using brocade fabric in a rich red & gold color combination, a distinct silhouette, and headpiece with protruding feathers, McQueen's inspiration was clear and concise, as he looked to the Dark Ages for his Fall 2010 RTW collection.

His collection flowed effortlessly with each look building up to the next until the final look that combined romanticism and the perfect construction of a garment.

I'd say a great final viewing for a great designer. He'll definitely be missed.

-Tamera Blair Darden

In Memory of...

From what I understand the recession is suppose to be over. Maybe I'm wrong but I thought things were starting to turn around. But obviously this isn't the case.

After 22 years of their haute couture making runway headlines, the fashion house of Christian Lacroix is set to be closed.

A Paris bankruptcy court has approved a plan to close Christian Lacroix's design house. As a result 100 memebers of the staff will be let go.

Christian Lacroix is a legendary fashion designer for many red carpet celebrities including Uma Thurman. His designs are glamorous, expensive-looking, and unapologetically dramatic. With his background in costume design, his designs are always over the top, he adopts alot of old fashion techniques into his new designs including the corset and the crinoline.

His designs will surely be missed but they will also be celebrated being some of fashions most memorable pieces.

- Erin Jones