Karl Lagerfeld Takes Shanghai w/ Metier D’Arts Collection

Karl Lagerfeld’s latest Metier D’Arts collection for Chanel will be unveiled on Dec. 3 in Shanghai, where the French fashion house has just opened a new boutique in the Peninsula Hotel. The boutique will be filled with commissioned art. This event is the eighth Metier D’Arts collection to follow previous events in Paris, Tokyo, New York, Monaco, London and Moscow – all locations that have a direct link with Chanel.

Two years ago the collection was in London, and last year it was Moscow. This year, the collection is called “Paris-Shanghai” and is, you guessed it, inspired by Shanghai, China. In addition to fantastic clothes, the event will also include a short film directed by Karl himself. In previous years, the collection featured a selection of limited edition pieces as well as ready-to-wear accessories and shoes from the Chanel.

Although Coco Chanel (Founder of Chanel) never visited China, she developed a strong interest in Asian arts and antiques. So in her honor, Lagerfeld decided to bring to life the collection she never had a chance to create. To further the tribute, French artist “Jean-Michel Othoniel created a giant, swirling strand of glass pearls, echoing the founding designer’s necklaces.

The Metier D’Arts collections were established in 2002 after Chanel acquired seven specialist Parisian ateliers that have collaborated with the house for decades, including Desrues, Lemarie, Lessage, Massaro, Michel, Goossens and Guillet. Since then, the collection has grown in popularity and can now be found in all Chanel stores.

*Left: Rendering of the Chanel Shanghai Boutique (WWD). Right: Coco Chanel in her apartment with her beloved comorandel screens

Visit www.chanel-paris-shanghai.com for more info.

 Source: WDD.com; lachanelphile.com;

FEATURE: Nadia Is A Very Foxy Man

There is an Australian Designer who caught my eye recently, Nadia of The Foxy Man. Although she is still in design school, and the following images were for her final, she produces a quality of work that is fit for the haute couture runways of Paris and Milan.

She Introduced herself to the fashion world through her own blog, www.Foxyman.com, which she used to showcase her works of art. She has been recognized for her talents by many and has received kudos from Dolce & Gabbana’s blog Swide, MyFashionLife and Gnarlitude.

It was her latest creations that really drew me to her, an incredible collection of full-bodied shoes. Not to be mistaken for a "serious ‘conceptual’ collection", Nadia drew inspiration from the heights the internet has increased out obsession with material possessions, specifically shoes.

"The internet has propelled our obsession with ‘it’ items- in particular shoes. My idea was to take away any notion of traditional clothing, and extend the shoe to take over the whole body. Every ‘shoe’ then explored a different adjustment or decorative technique commonly found in footwear." -Nadia, Designer

The period of dark, grunge goth inspired fashions is slowly crossing over to popular culture. It is being incorporated into every days styles with chains, spikes and studs being placed on everything from handbags to shoes and simple t-shirts. Nadia's fashions take the extreme approach to this. She has developed quite the following across the pond with her pieces looked at as art.

The US needs to educate themselves about this budding designer as I predict her to be on the forefront of extreme couture in future seasons.

Nadia also co-owns a label called DISCOUNT with her friend, Cami James, which will be launching soon.
Nadia: TheFoxyMan
Photographer: Saskia Wilson
Hearty magazine interview: Hearty Magazine

Pangolin- Wasp Inspired for the Good of Mankind

Exoskeleton- An external skeleton that supports and protects an insects insides from harm like steel armor. Now, imagine being able to protect your personal goods in the same manner, while being ecologically friendly, socially conscious and stylish. Handmade Fair trade backpack by Pangolin are the urban solution for such demands. 

The Pangolin's wasp resembling design changes the way a typical backpack functions. By using overlapping sliding parts that are attached to each other with a suped-up wing nut and closes with three magnetic snaps. The large capacity bag has enough room and pockets for all your notebooks and pens, MP3 player, cell phone and an average sized lap top. In addition to its striking appearance it is anatomically shaped so it fits on your back perfectly.

AND... the backpack is produced under fair trade regulations by Colombian locals who are social disadvantage, such as single mothers, refugees and Indians of the Camentsa Tribe in efforts to help build up the community. Pangolin promises the Colombian emplyees are given good working conditions and are paid above the minimum wage. Fair Trade!!


Shop online at www.wannekes.com
Retail: $195.00 EUR / $291.79 USD

FEATURE: The Ends/Wealth Corp- Turning Chicago Into A Fashion Mecca

I started undergrad at DePaul University in 2002. While there, I had the opportunity to meet amazing people who were constantly on the move to achieve something great. One of those people was Brandon Breaux, a B-Boy, Graphic Artist, and at the time, an undercover fashion designer. 

A few years ago, Breaux was performing in front of the Watertower, a Chicago landmark. Who would have known that that day a chance meeting with a Foot Locker employee, Juan Sanchez, would be the first brick of a fashion powerhouse. Breaux and Sanchez realized they had a great amount in common and noticed each others strengths in business and design. With a few meetings and exchange of ideas, the two partnered up to create the fashion line that is quickly changing the Chicago fashion scene, The Ends/Wealth Corp.

So whats up with the name? Here it is straight from the big men on top."On the south side of Chicago you often here the word 'ends' being used as slang for money or valued goods, more popularly in the phrase 'to make' or 'making ends meet'. We’ve adopted this word to represent the things in life that we are most passionate about or those things that support our livelihood. Wealth? Well wealth is just that, well-being, welfare, and abundance of valued resources. The forward slash represents a progression from doing what you love and are passionate about, to doing that very same thing to accumulate wealth of all types."

And the difference between this line and others? Speaking from personal experience, Breaux possesses a DEEP passion for the fashion and entertainment industry. If his mind is put something, it is carried out with a great amount of care and detail that is hard to find in many.  For Breaux and Sanchez, quality comes first, and integrity will never be compromised.

Currently T-Shirts are the main focus of the line, but jewelry and buttons are also carried. There is no don't the line will expand to include almost everything with time, so be on the look out for more in the near future.

For details on where to shop and learn more about the designers. www.endswealthcorp.com
Ends/Wealth Summer/Fall Look Book 2009

2009 Summer/Fall Lookbook from Ends/Wealth Corp. on Vimeo.

Speak With Your Hands

OK, this isn't necessarily new news, but a good many of you need to come from under that rock and be brought up to speed. I just want you all to know that nail art is the hotness, the more creative the better.  I have always thought that the best trends start in the hood (the creativity there is off the chain.) Now, extravagant nail art has crossed the lines and are part of popular culture. Nail that are jewel encrusted and painted in crazy colors are the best ways to be yourself while keeping it classy and chic.

Minx Nails are the latest celebrity trend and have been spotted on the hands of Beyonce, Solange, Eve, Rihanna, Mariah Carey and even the Real Housewives of Atlanta. “It’s the boom heard around the world,” said Minx Master Lisa Logan, who is Beyonce and Solange’s Nail Technician, "since Minx is a flexible film, not a polish, you can have virtually any design."

People, we're talking alligator skin, paisley, fishnet, a Democrat donkey or a Republican elephant, anything Minx creator Janice Jordan can come up with. Soon, you will be able to order customized nails from Minx. That means you can have nails that perfectly match those new python Jimmy Choos.

The cost of a manicure with a Minx Master starts at only $40 and takes only 15 to 20 minutes to apply. Like a conventional manicure, your nails are buffed and shaped. Then the film is exposed to a lamp or other heat source. After it warms up, it is removed from the paper backing and smoothed over the nail. The excess is removed, and voila! You have leopard-print nails that won't chip for a week.

Visit their website MINXNAILS.COM to find a technician in your area and view the design gallery.

Hermès is Still Tending to the Stables

Hermès International announced it would once again embrace its equestrian heritage and align its brand with equestrian games and sports.

Hermès, a brand that holds a solid foundation in equestrian chic style, is returning to its roots with a horse competition at the Grand Palais in France. The competition, Saut Hermès, will take place on April 3rd-4th, 2010 and celebrates the artistic and cultural aspects of the equestrian world.

The first show was held in 1901 and the competitions have since been held each spring. It has become an annual highlight for the equestrian community. Professionals and amateurs alike come to take part in the event as spectators.

The two-day event draws all of the fashionable youth of Paris and promises to be, "outstanding with a five-star international show jumping competition, exciting equestrian demonstrations and parades in the Nave,” say officials.

It is only fitting that Hermès, a line synonymous exquisite equestrian inspired pieces, has become involved with the races.

(source:wwd.com)

GAGA did it! New vid ft. Alex McQueen's awesome shoes

YES!!!
Gaga did it! The Alex McQueen shoes featured in my earlier post, 2010 as seen by Alexander McQueen, are being worn by GAGA! I knew she would be the one to do it. I officially ♥ her now

Her new video "Bad Romance"

Marc Jacobs bring the Adfro back for Louis Vuitton

After several seasons of starting his shows late in both in the US and Paris, Marc Jacobs, the creative mind behind Louis Vuitton and his own line Marc Jacobs, Finally started on time (although,  many have become accustomed to his tardiness. As a result the front row was a bit empty when the first model stepped out.)

Huge afro wigs, bloomers, fringe everywhere possible, obviously clashing prints, metallic leathers, bags with foxtails and those ever ugly Uggs-style sheepskin boots that everyone hates while owning a pair themselves (Shhh, I have a pair too. They are so comfy:) and clogs with a kind of feather mustache (eww).

Jacobs was quoted saying the line was inspired by "young travelers,"but the collection came across a little vain, It's more like the young traveler who forgot some key wardrobe pieces at home so they are making do with what they have. a trait probably appealing to his Facebook fans.

 

One wonders if the show was more marketing than fashion. 

 I think you missed the ball on this one Marc.

2010 as seen by Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen has embraced his inner madness out and let his creativity run rapid on...shoes! Lady Gaga must have been one of the inspirations for this collection. Some shoes look like crystal crusted ice sculptures, catching the light from every angle. While others look more like an alien abduction in the making.

I'm expecting to see even more color, more unusual textures, alluring oil slicked fabrics, jeweled adornments and metallic bling with no limits in next season's lines. How will these styles transcend into everyday wear? I don't know. But, the celeb to wear them on the red carpet is a bold sole- and I'll be cheering her on so she better WORK!!
CLICK TO SEE THE ENTIRE SHOW. PREPARE TO BE WOWED
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN SPRING 2010

Start Necking

I have found a wonderful new way to keep your neck both fashion forward and warm this winter, and totally chic in the summer. I introduce to you....NeckLush (www.necklush.com)

Prices range from about $40-$150 and come in awesome colors that can fit in any fashionista's wardrobe.

This is definitely a TO DIE FOR on my list.