Monday, May 14, 2012

MARIE ANTOINETTE FOR 2012 AT CHANEL CRUISE

Posted by Bethan Holt, Fashion Junior at Large

Chanel's 2012 Cruise show has literally just happened. The setting, at Versailles Palace, suggested frilly, 18th century extravagance but Mr Lagerfeld turned that on its head. He presented a raving, rebellious Marie Antoinette figure with flatforms and a blunt bob, all with edged up references to the historical setting . It reminded me of an updated version of Sofia Coppola's film with Kirsten Dunst (remember the Converse?) with more than a hint of Meadham Kirchhoff SS12.



The show apparently closed to MIA singing "Live fast, die young, bad girls do it well". A big push to shake up the classy, classic Chanel vibe then and appeal to the cool kids.

Here are some of our favourite pictures...

Cara Delevingne opening the show (from Calgary Avansino's twitter)

Tilda Swinton and Haider Ackermann (from C Passariello's Instagram/ Twitter)

Gold flatworms and flippy chambray (from C Passariello on Twitter/ Instagram)

The scene at vVersailles this afternoon (image from C Passariello's instagram/ Twitter)

Saskia with blue bob (image from Cindy Leive's Instagram/ Twitter

King Karl himself (image from C Passariello on Instagram/ Twitter)

Dustcoats, bows and more flatforms (image from Jennifer Bazaar's Twitter/ Instagram

Frills (image from Jennifer Bazaar/ Instagram)

Joan Smalls (Vogue Paris twit pic)

Sunhats and bows (Vogue Paris twit pic)

Friday, May 11, 2012

THE WEEK IN FASHION: 7th-11th MAY

Posted by Bethan Holt, Fashion Junior at Large

It's apparently only been a four-day week but there have been plenty of happenings in the world of fashion for us to bring you up to speed on.

Vidal Sassoon styling Mia Farrow's hair (image from www.hellomagazine.com)
We begin on a sad but celebratory note with news that legendary hairdresser, Vidal Sassoon passed away this week at the age of 84. From a fashion perspective, Sassoon's impact was incredible. He is widely credited as creating hairstyles which freed women from the weekly shampoo and set. Not only were these liberating from a practical point of view, but the five point bob was the defining style which went with the mini skirts of the swinging sixties. What many may not know is that Sassoon spent much of his childhood in an orphanage. He also spent time in his teenage years as a militant Zionist, fighting fascists in London and then joining the Israeli army. His career in hairdressing affected women the world over, whether they had their hair cut into one of his styles, which still look modern today, or used his range of product. As many have already said, a life well lived.

The way it was (image from Guardian.co.uk)
A little more from Monday night's Met Gala now. Carey Mulligan is auctioning the amazing Prada fish scale sequin dress she wore to co-host the event on e-bay. All proceeds will go to Oxfam America. At  the time of writing, the bidding had reached $1,025 but it is widely expect to rise steeply by the time the auction closes on Saturday 19th May.

Carey Mulligan in Prada at the Met Gala on Monday (image from telegraph.co.uk)
We showed you the gowns on Tuesday. But here are a few other pics from the Met Gala and related events which we've come across this week.

Alexander Wang with Azealia Banks, wearing one of his designs, who performed at the gala (image from http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/)
Clemence Poesy with the designer of her dress, Nina Ricci's Peter Copping (image from http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/) 
Grace Coddington in Prada (twit pic by Jim Shi)

The Schiaparelli inspired place setting's at the dinner (twit pic by Jim Shi)

Alexa Chung and Karen Elson enjoying the night with Marc Jacobs (image from Marc Jacobs' twitter)

Grace Coddington has styled Prada's Broadway store to celebrate the Prada/ Schiaparelli exhibition...


Julian D'ys created the sculptures and masks for the installation



Images from Prada
If ever there were a tweet to flutter a thousand hearts (and more besides) then it came from Chanel this week: "Chanel has selected the world renowned actor Brad Pitt to be the face of the upcoming advertising campaign for Chanel No.5". Pitt is apparently heading to London to shoot this week. In Team FEAL's professional opinion, there's no better man to be the first male to promote Mme. Chanel's favourite perfume.
The picture which Chanel tweeted of Pitt
NEWGEN designer Thomas Tait has been nominated for the 2012 Andam prize, the prestigious fashion award judged by some of the most discerning names in business. They include Delphine Arnault, deputy managing director of Christian Dior; Pierre BergĂ©; Sarah Andelman, purchasing manager and creative director of Colette; Humberto Leon, Kenzo designer and co-owner of Opening Ceremony. Tait is nominated alongside other exciting young designers Cedric Charlier, Julien David, Vika Gazinskaya, Calla Haynes and Nicolas Andreas Taralis. Tait told Vogue,  'If I were to win, I would show at Paris Fashion Week, which has been an unspoken dream of mine for quite some time now'. He went on to admit that he's 'a bit starsrtuck already' by the judges who will be deciding the winner. Previous Brits to win the award, which is worth £185,000, include Gareth Pugh and Giles Deacon. Good Luck Thomas!

A look from Tait's very cool AW12 collection (image from catwalking.com)
Aquascutum has been offered a lifeline this week after a deal was reached  with YGM, the company's Asian licensee. It means that over 100 jobs have been secured and will see the survival of the UK stores, concessions as well as the head office set-up. There are still ongoing negotiations to sell the factory in Corby with hopes for a purchase to be made in the coming fortnight.

Vogue's Fashion Features Director Harriet Quick is leaving to join new invitation only travel club, Luxup.  She will become Editorial Director while Averyl Oates, formerly at Buying Director at Harvey Nichols, will be Commercial Director. In addition, Sarah Mower will be the site's London curator. Quick said "After so many great years at Vogue, I am thrilled to be joining Luxup...The global traveller is a growing force in luxury retail - just witness the environs of Bond and Mount Street. On a simple level, I'm frequently stopped for directions and advice from be-puzzled Chinese visitors. On a personal level - luxury, shopping, travel? That's a wonderful world." Quick's appointment is perhaps another sign of the trend for editorial stars moving from magazines to retail and online businesses.

Dress lust of the week, aside from the Met gowns obvs, goes to Eva Mendes in her Jonathan Saunders AW12 overblown peony print dress. Adore it with the turquoise sunnies.

Eva Mendes in Jonathan Saunders AW12 (image from telegraph.co.uk)


We told you earlier in the week that Tod's owner Diego Della Valle will be reviving the Schiaparelli brand, which he has owned for several years. There have been bubbling rumours that John Galliano, out of a job since his departure from Dior last year, might come on board as Creative Director. This is what Cathy Horyn gleaned of the status quo in her conversation with Della Valle this week.

"Asked if he might consider John Galliano, Mr. Della Valle pulled a good poker face. There have been rumors, he said: “One week it’s Galliano, the next it’s someone else.” He expects to hire someone by September. Finding someone with the skill for Schiaparelli is hard enough, but many designers are used to perks and big budgets, and these don’t seem things they will find in a brand trying to create a new experience"

Farida Khelfa who has been appointed spokesperson for the Schiaparelli relaunch (image from www.zimbio.com)
Anna Wintour appeared on the Colbert Show this week. Among the topics they spoke about as President Obama's announcement in support of Gay Marriage, which came this week (yay!). Wintour said "I am thrilled. There were tears in the office atVogue today in the support of gay marriage. We're thrilled about the president". Wintour also discussed how Prada was so much more than what the Devil wears and how tempted she was to don trackie bottoms and eat chips. I'm very sad to report that I cannot find a working video of the interview yet. 

Shoe King Christian Louboutin is expanding his business with plans to enter the beauty market it was revealed today. He is joining up with Batallure Beauty LLC. Their co-chairman is Robin Burns, a longtime fan of the iconic red-soled shoes. The admiration is mutual; Louboutin chose the company because he felt Burns understood him best. THe line, Christian Louboutin Beaute, will launch late next year. And the muse? Egyptian Queen Nefertiti. 

Louboutin's beauty inspiration Queen Nefertiti (image from jezebel.com)
Finally, Dolce and Gabbana's "Italiana: An Italian Style Comedy" feels like a rather fun way to start the weekend...








Thursday, May 10, 2012

WHAT IS 'BLOGGER' RIGHT NOW? THE TOP TEN MOST BLOGGED ABOUT ITEMS NOW

Posted by Bethan Holt, Fashion Junior at Large

We've had so many responses to yesterday's post about the 'blogger' trend via comments, tweets and e-mails. We thought we'd have have a bit of fun today so have put together our view of the top 10 most blogged about items right now. Obviously there are so many blogs out there that we have no idea if this is statistically true but we've asked around and looked at what people have been mentioning so far. Do you agree? If not, what would you have gone for?

1. JEFFREY CAMPBELL SHOES

These clumpy platform boots have gained a rep as the bloggers' favourite boot. Nobody wears them better than Stella from Stella's Wardrobe. She's rarely seen with her Jeffrey Campbells.

Stella in her Jeffrey Campbell boots (image from stellaswardrobe.blogspot.co.uk)
Stella's studded Jeffrey Campbells (image from stellaswardrobe.blogspot.com)

2. PRADA- EARRINGS AND COATS

Prada always produces a hit piece or seven. At the moment it's anything bling from their SS12 collection, especially the earrings and jackets. For bloggers who want to get this look, there are loads of guides showing you how to make your own versions. These make your own guides are probably worth a blog post in themselves at some point- watch this space!

Susie in her Prada chandeliers (image from stylebubble.co.uk)

Meg Gray, whose site is Gray Gardens, in her Prada crystal jacket, as introduced to us by Susie Bubble (image from Tommy Ton on Style.com)

3. MICHAEL KORS WATCH

Need I explain? A big watch is de rigueur when you're looking for max impact in shots.

www.oh-so-glam.com

4. ACNE'S MINT KNITS

This is My-Wardrobe's most blogged about item.

www.houseofsartorialism.blogspot.com

Image from style.com
5. YSL RING

Many of those commenting said that the YSL ring was a bloggers favourite, I guess the fact it spans half the hand is a big bonus.

chicchefblog.com


6. 3.1 PHILLIP LIM BAG

Any one will do, but Mr Lim's structured, graphic and massive bags seem to be a big blogger favourite. My Wardrobe say this one is in their Top 10 most blogged.

www.dulcecandy.com
7. ASH WEDGES

Melanie wrote about these a while back. There'll be all kind of variations around for a while yet, given the gem versions I've seen about at press days.

lolafromvalencia.blogspot.com


8. WHISTLES WISTERIA

This is Whistles' hit print of SS12, now sold out almost everywhere. Olivia Palermo has been styling out the look on her blog this week.

image from www.oliviapalermo.com
9. H & M TROUSERS

I've seen these everywhere, both on and offline of late.

allaboutthestyle.net

10. JIL SANDER HAT

Another item with lots of how-to-do your own guides dedicated to it. Of course, the Queen of Bloggers and Street Style Stars, Anna Dello Russo is its most famous wearer.

bloggers.com

www.nitorlicious.com



Do you agree with our list? What do you think we should add to it?

FEAL team xx




Wednesday, May 9, 2012

WILL YOU WEAR THE 'BLOGGER' TREND?

Posted by Bethan Holt, Fashion Junior at Large

Yes you read right, we have identified a season defying trend quite simply called "blogger". Gone are the days when just having a blog was trendy enough, now it's all about getting the look of a blogger. That is, piled high with as many designer pieces- preferably borrowed from the catwalk collection- as is physically possible. Where once, one stand-out item would have done, it's now time to adopt the mantra, 'Why wear one, when you can wear five?'. Where a few years ago Kate, Sienna et al made it fashionable to look like you hadn't actually tried too hard, that you'd sort of just thrown on skinny jeans and ballet shoes and made them look stylish, now it's all about being high maintenance, blatant and unashamedly fashion mad.

Susie Bubble with her clashing patterns and cute accessories (image from style.com by Tommy Ton)
Bryanboy with brilliant trousers, shoes, clutch, sunglasses (image from www.bryanboy.com)
There are three solid examples from across the fashion industry which confirm to us that the blogger look is proving to be just as influential as catwalk shows when it comes to setting trends. In fact the blogger look is a new way of dressing, a whole attitude change.

CASE IN POINT #1: River Island's Blogger trend for AW12

River Island held their press day last week. At these events, we're told what the store will be doing for coming season. Alongside the big, to-be-expected trends inspired by the catwalk shows (e.g. Baroque and Futuristic Goth) was another called, quite simply "Blogger". The press release describes this look as 'organised chaos' and 'freestyle'. The words 'exaggerated', 'fun' and 'clashing' all feature- 'it's disorganised but carefully put together'

Pile it on was the message at River Island
Of course, these boots must be worn with above cap if you're to work the blogger trend in the right way
By pointedly using this as a seasonal mood, is River Island saying this is a moment for the so-called blogger- I prefer 'street style star' but it's not so catchy- look? Or is it here to stay as a code we use to style ourselves?

CASE IN POINT #2: Vogue loves bloggers

When one of the world's most authoritative fashion magazines commissions a shoot on a trend, we know it's important.

I am  a camera... from British Vogue, February 2012 (image from thebostonbazaar.wordpress.com)
British Vogue's February issue (image from thelicenciate.com)

(image from thebostonbazaar.wordpress.com)
CASE IN POINT #3: Anna Dello Russo designs for H&M

ADR works her version of 'blogger' (image from guardian.co.uk)
Until now, H&M has collaborated with some of the most influential designers in the world-Versace, Stella McCartney, Lanvin.... So the fact that their latest project is not with a designer but a person, Anna Dello Russo, really means something. It's a sure sign that H&M believe that the Vogue Nippon Fashion Director, blogger and street style favourite has the same wide ranging appeal as a big designer label as well as the look that everyone wants to get. It's interesting that what Dello Russo wears has become so attached to her rather than the labels she wears. It's how she wears it which H & M are packaging and selling as a commercial product. It's also highly astute from a business perspective because in order to get the Anna look, customers will have to buy several pieces. ADR seems to be acutely aware of what's going on, she said last week, "this is the sign of an important evolution in fashion and I am both thrilled and humbled to be the one chosen to lead it".

Some of the items which will form  the collection (image from telegraph.co.uk)

Anna models her designs (image from telegraph.co.uk)
Do you agree that this is really how bloggers dress? Will you be wearing "blogger"?