The Star Online: Lifestyle: Arts & Fashion
The Star Online: Lifestyle: Arts & Fashion |
| Posted: 16 Jun 2011 01:29 AM PDT TO appreciate the Chanel Cruise show is to appreciate the glamorous French Riviera, and vice versa. Think Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo (which does not belong to France but the sovereign principality of Monaco). These playgrounds of the wealthy and famous have starred in countless movies, and have not lost their allure through the years. Chanel has traditionally picked a different town every year to showcase its Cruise collections and the idyllic resort towns of France are choice spots, although it is not limited to these locations. (For instance, it has shown in Venice, Italy and Miami, United States before.) While the spotlight was on Saint-Tropez last year, Antibes is the winner this year. Now that you have the context in mind, picture the backdrop – old world-elegance-meets-modern day-luxury Du Cap-Eden-Roc hotel in Antibes with a gorgeous view of the Mediterranean sea. Chanel's creative maestro, Karl Lagerfeld, calls it "the other side of paradise". The lengthy pebbled path from the hotel to the Eden-Roc Pavilion made up the runway, flanked by ornate tables and chairs shaded with patio umbrellas. This practically ensured a front row view for every guest. In addition to the beauty and fragrance provided by the rose bushes and pinewood trees, were the starlets in vogue. Getting a bit of attention before the start of the fashion show were the faces of Chanel – Blake Lively, Vanessa Paradis and Anna Mouglalis, and American supermodel Kristen McMenamy. Both Mouglalis and McMenamy are also the stars of Lagerfeld's latest short film, The Tale Of A Fairy. But that's another story. Also in attendance were actresses Rachel Bilson, Clemence Poesy (noted by international film audiences in the Harry Potter movie), Alexa Chung and Tang Wei. Hints of the Cruise collection were dropped here and there, including the welcome gift of a black-and-white scarf and the set-up at the show venue. The House opened with a pleasing splash of colour, to be followed in quick succession by a group of models strutting down the long runway in monochrome as well as an interplay of black and white. The entire collection evoked an old Hollywood shine, which was most befitting of the ambience as Antibes is a just stone's throw from Cannes where many of Hollywood's celebrities often drop by every year for the film festival. Lagerfeld himself said of the Chanel Cruise 2011-12: "It possesses a glamour inherited from the 50s, a glamour that is more natural ... miles away from the current red carpet trends." The silhouette was lean and hem lengths generally dropped below the knee, with many hovering around the mid-calf. There were the signature tweed suits with slim silhouettes created by narrow jackets and long tapering skirts. Shoulder pads were employed in the decidedly androgynous jackets to affirm structure. Trapeze dresses and boater hats were nods to the first half of the 20th century. In the more than 70 looks were men's shirts in cotton grafted under chiffon blouses and worn with sleek trousers or large shorts paired with sweaters decorated with a floral motif. Part of these looks included the talking point – the open-toed, thong boots. Meanwhile, cocktail dresses were infused with the freshness and carefree spirit of youth, expressed in the abundant flowers. The emblematic camellia flower made quite a few appearances, as an embroidery and in the high fashion jewellery that accompanied the apparel. "I find it interesting that many eras are mixed in to create these amazing dresses," Poesy had told to VogueTV. Lively added to VogueTV: "This collection was very much a celebration, it was very happy, it was very alive." Lagerfeld has provided a versatile range in this Cruise collection, making for a variety of combinations with the pieces that appeared primarily black and white as well as bright yellow and light mauve. So really, it's all about effortless chic. An integral portion of the collection – the swimsuits, inspired by the 30s – were a sight to behold. Tuxedo jackets and men's cardigan were thrown in a positively carefree way over some of the swimsuits, while others were accented by jewelled belts and two-tone ponchos. Injecting a bit of drama was McMenamy, clad in a long ivory dress, sweeping down the runway escorted by five hunky male models as part of the finale. The eveningwear became delicate satiny canvases to showcase the maison's craftsmanship in trompe l'oeil embroidery, triangles of multi-coloured leather pieces, bejewelled cap sleeves, a graceful jewelled comet on the rim of a dress' armhole, a refined tassel necklace draping a bare back. The exquisite detailing is akin to a lively conversation between a philosopher and a poet about beauty ... captivating and unexpected. All in all, the heritage of Gabrielle Chanel, who frequently visited the French Riviera, was truly present and accounted for in the freedom of mix-and-match, the ease of movement and the freedom of great style. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price. |
| Unique luxuries from Karl Lagerfeld Posted: 15 Jun 2011 07:53 PM PDT THE highlight of the Malaysian retail industry this year is undoubtedly Chanel's opening of its boutique at the new annexe of Suria KLCC. To mark this event, the French luxury label is unveiling a series of limited edition pieces that have been specially designed by couturier Karl Lagerfeld. Following Coco Chanel's principle – "the elegance of clothing is in its freedom of movement" – there is an emblematic jacket that hugs so comfortably, it feels almost like a cardigan. Its exterior, in navy blue cotton tweed, is luxuriously coupled with matching silk lining that feels smooth against the skin. Jewel-like metal buttons are recalled in a subtle silver thread weaving its way through the worked bias-cut trim; a testament to the house's minute attention to detail. Its famed tailoring is brought to this blazer's style with three easy front pockets; a perfect jacket designed for active fashionistas to wear throughout KL's warm days and breezy tropical nights. Two bags have been crafted in soft, quilted lambskin shimmering with a touch of gold. Continuing the tradition of Chanel's skilled leatherwork and iconic quilted design, they are each distinguished by their own unique touch. One is adorned with pearls, which are incrusted into the leather in the shape of a double C on the closure, and intermingled with chains and leather to form a multi-strand handle. The other features a tiny green ladybug on its rectangular lock, hinting at the colourful flowers, dragonflies and bees buzzing above in a jewelled bouquet on the flap of the bag. As practical as they are exquisite, these limited edition creations bear the signature "Malaysia Exclusive" hidden inside the bag on a gold metal plaque, or on the label of the jacket. These are true masterpieces of Chanel's expertise, prioritising comfort and function whilst bringing a unique allure to the brand's most privileged clients. – William K.C. Kee The limited edition jacket and bags are exclusively sold at Chanel's boutique in Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price. |
| Posted: 15 Jun 2011 03:42 PM PDT When it comes to personal style, it's knowing what best works for you. LET'S talk a little bit about style, one of my favourite topics. The thing with style is that it's something that can be acquired, but not everyone can pull it off. If we were all born with stylish veins inside us, there wouldn't be any need for personal stylists, fashion gurus, books on how to work your wardrobe ... you know the drill. And when it comes to personal style, it's all about knowing what best suits you. Of course, often in our head, we imagine we can wear something but after trying it on, we realise that what looked fabulous on someone else doesn't always quite have the same effect on us. It's like the "two sizes too small" dressing room syndrome. You look at something on a hanger and pick your imaginary size. But you get annoyed that it doesn't fit. It's not your fault, it was false sizing or the mirror obviously lied. That's when you have to take a step back and think, "Ok, I can't wear this. It's not me, and not suitable for my body shape". But hey, the world is full of clothes for every kind of body shape. If you know how to work it, you can do the trick-of-the-eye dressing that can conceal, elongate, shape and flatter. And when you've found the "look" or your personal style, your battle with clothes is over. It's not about being boring, predictable or having a wardrobe of the same outfit ... in different colours. It's about finding that perfect style, it's yours, you're not a clone of your best friend, sister, favourite singer/actress/model. Who cares if your wardrobe comprises nothing but white shirts and black pants? Or just dresses? Style is never about competition with anyone else, nor keeping up with the latest trends. That's not style, that's following fashion. Is it difficult finding your own personal style? The answer is yes and no. The most important thing you need to have is a critical, not delusional eye. One that can pinpoint what will look good on you. I am sorry to say, most people have a delusional eye. This is not really a major problem, to me anyway, because I always believe that everyone has the right to dress the way they choose. I have never been good at being a fashion critic. I may not like a particular dress or outfit, but I think it's mean to ridicule someone for choosing to wear it. We can't all be born with an innate sense of style and even the most stylish people have their off days. Style goes hand-in-hand with taste. Remember, everything in this world can be acquired. One may not be able to perfect it, but you can learn it, hone it and use it to your advantage. And if you don't know how, or can't be bothered, that's what personal shoppers and personal stylists are for. Don't dress like a page from a look book or exactly like someone you admire. There is nothing wrong with emulating someone's personal style, but not to the letter. If you love the way she puts an outfit together, take note of the coordination. She's using colours that suit her skin tone, clothes that flatter her body shape, accessories that go with the whole picture, to create a certain look. So when you want to recreate that same effect, turn it around and use the colours, accessories and style tmake you look good. There's no point in emulating someone if it makes you look ridiculous. Having said that, some people can enter a room and instantly command attention, of the right kind I mean, because they are confident. Even if you're dressed in the height of fashion or you're the most beautiful woman in the room, no one will notice you unless your invisible cloak of confidence surrounds you. Confidence has the ability to ricochet arrows of envy straight back at the shooter. With confidence, to be honest, you don't need to try too hard to be fabulous, because you already know that you are the most fabulous person in the room. Examples of women who have confidence and a distinctive personal style are Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss. The most important aspect to remember in the final analysis on style is this: You are not obliged to look good for anyone but yourself, and neither do you have to look the way someone thinks you should. That's why we call it "personal" style. Dzireena Mahadzir is still thinking of how beautiful Jaja A. of Glam magazine looked in her Baharim wedding dress. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price. |
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