Search Results for “coco chanel

How women’s style can make your wardrobe pop

When your style needs an adrenaline shot of individuality, women’s fashion might not be your first port of call. But since Coco Chanel first drew the sleek lines on her iconic little black dress in the roaring twenties, female and male designs have fed from each other symbiotically to influence some of the most iconic designs. Chanel broke the mould when she borrowed from male style to dress women in trousers, so maybe it’s high time you felt less self-conscious about taking tips from the fairer sex. So, if you’re tired of the same stale and staid choices from your favourite brands and want to pep up your wardrobe for a boardroom power meeting or a black tie event, here are a few ideas on how female fashion can make your wardrobe pop. Elegant evening dress Paris remains the global couture capital, so why not steal some sleek evening dress ideas from AX Paris as you prep your outfit for a night on the town with your significant other? For example, a touch of floral embroidery on your tuxedo provides a certain je ne sais quoi. Outstanding office attire Many employers no longer insist a tie is compulsory but, when dressing to impress a new client, you can insert a bit of personality to your favourite business suit with a pair of pristine two-tone brogues. For a finishing flourish, top off this look with a fantastic fedora. Spinning it onto the hat stand first time like James Bond will make you an office legend, but get some practise at home first. Casual court classics Since Fred Perry first strutted his stuff at Wimbledon, male and female tennis styles have provided a rich seam of classic styles that transcended sport. And you don’t need to smash a serve like Federer to […]

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Pretty Is Back In Fashion For Spring!

Pretty is back, and isn’t it about time? Oh, there’s plenty of hard-edged stuff out there if you want to go that way, but with all the glorious flowers bursting into bloom at this time of year, it seems more fitting – and fun – to follow the one fashion trend of 2017 that celebrates femininity.  Here’s what to look for: Romantic Swimwear Romantic suits with definite lingerie influences, and boho styles with delicate handcrafted touches are the freshest looks for the beach. Tankinis aren’t a new thing in women’s swimsuits, but this year they fit right into the feminine trend, still baring as much as you dare, but not putting it all out there. Leaving a little something to the imagination can be a lot more intriguing than wearing something that says “hey, look at me!” Floaty Dresses As light as a warm breeze, you’ll find floaty dresses in florals that rival a garden show’s finest. Whether you choose a dress that’s short or one that grazes your calves, you’ll find yourself walking like a lady maybe for the first time in years. The runway shows were full of beauties from Oscar de la Renta, Alexander McQueen, Rodarte, Valentino, and other vaunted designers, and their influences have filtered down to wonderful dresses for day and evening in every price range. Billowy Sleeves We know you’ve sweated bullets at the gym to get those amazingly toned arms, but they don’t have to be on display all the time. Change it up from the hard body sleeveless look with long sleeves that billow softly from shoulder to wrist and add new interest to tops and dresses. One of the most romantic looks out there is the troubadour shirt with voluminous sleeves and a neckline that you can pull down off your […]

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The luxurious connotations of the “Audrey Hepburn” dress

These days, it’s somewhat difficult to define what “luxury” is. Our parents and grandparents used to have some idea; “luxury” was anything you bought that wasn’t an essential expenditure like food, basic clothing, electricity, heating costs, and so on. We used to define luxury as anything we bought which we wouldn’t suffer from a lack of. However,, we can usually have a thing as and when we want it. And we’re often impatient. Our daily lives contain luxury, lots of luxury, even and especially luxury that we haven’t paid up front for and have bought on financial credit. The BBC journalist Alistair Cooke, who travelled between Britain and America through his whole life, used to tell the story of Frederic Tudor, one of the first pioneers of consumerist ambition in the new nation of America in 1784. Tudor “became a merchant, and an inventor with so many mad ideas that didn’t pay off, that a whimsical brother wondered why he didn’t break up the ice on the Boston ponds and ship it to the tropics”. “The youngest Tudor”, Cook tells us, “ignored the crack and seized on a brain wave.” “He shipped one hundred and thirty tonnes of ice to Martinique.” Tudor “made ice a necessity, even – at the end of the Second World War – in England”. “Luxury” isn’t about fulfilling a need; it’s about creating a need which people never even knew they had inside them then fulfilling it. There’s a big difference. There’s also a difference between luxury and excess, especially in a recession. If you don’t design a product with a certain elegance in mind, then it’s just ostentatious. And that’s a square that designers are always trying to circle. We have two criteria for a luxury product —  it needs to activate a need […]

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Ropes and Ropes of Pearls: How Our Grandmas’ Jewelry is Our New Obsession

You have probably heard a dozen times that pearls are making a huge comeback. Thrown in a corner of shade and oblivion for a few years by diamonds and statement bling, pearls waited patiently to return in the spotlight and regain their former glory. If you ask some specialists, pearls never went out of fashion, not even for a second. However, they were left aside as ceremonial jewelry for weddings and sweet sixteen celebrations – demure staples of femininity but too quiet to shine as bright as modern accessories. But everything changed in 2014 and since then, pearls are the new diamonds in town, proving once again that Coco Chanel was a visionary and a woman way ahead of her times. The famous designer once said that women needed “ropes and ropes of pearls” and her words were repeated throughout history. But are we still living the Jackie O. times, or are we wearing pearls in big, bold designs to match our contemporary jewelry frenzy? Taking a look back, we can clearly see that pearls overcame their “demure” reputation and turned into veritable statement pieces all women are dying to wear. How Did Pearls Become So Popular? The answer to this question can be easily found on runways and last years’ fashion shows. As per usual, Chanel set the tone, the music and the scene for one of the boldest and most original comebacks in history. Chanel’s spring 2014 fashion show brought larger pearls in chunky, massive and high-end contemporary designs and the world followed. Soon, Karl Lagerfeld displayed massive pearls as well on the catwalk. Oscar de la Renta placed the pearls on booties, while Simone Rocha adorned everything with pearls, including knee socks. A year later, Honor and Lanvin sent a cascade of pearls on their runways during […]

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Escaping to Italy? Here’s what to wear and what to avoid!

As the weather turns wet and miserable here in the UK, many of us are beginning to feel the longing to travel and get away from grey skies to a more inspiring landscape but that eternal question persists – what to wear? If you’re a fashion lover; Italy is a great choice for this time of year. In winter it is one of the most beautiful sights in the world, the cultural architecture standing out against white snow, cultural events and performances in historic theatres, and iconic tourist attractions without the usual big crowds. It’s also easy to get to from the UK, with airlines such as Monarch offering reasonably priced flights to Rome. It’s also one of the leading countries in the world in fashion design; home to infamous labels such as Gucci, Armani, Valentino, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana to name a few. So why not treat yourself too? Rome and Milan are fashion heaven and offer the perfect excuse to look as fashionable as the locals. Staple wardrobe to ensure you fit in? A pair of dark blue skinny jeans paired with a classic white t-shirt and a great fitting blazer. Oh and we’d recommend keeping yourself with warm with leg warmers or leggings especially if you’ll be doing a lot of sight seeing. Head to the churches in Rome for some culture, especially the idyllic St Peter’s Basilica, but don’t forget important clothing requirements. As a mark of respect its important to cover shoulders, cleavage and knees. Opt for a fitted coat (we love tweed jackets…a fave of Coco Chanel and us here at MFL too). Last but not least – footwear. We understand the temptation might be to wear a gorgeous pair of heels, and while there’s no denying the glamour of strolling through Italy […]

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Say it in stripes! Channel your inner sailor with our top picks

Does the onset of summer bring out your inner sailor? Well, we’re not expecting you to take to the controls at the next boat party you attend, but letting your sartorial side dip into this fun trend is always refreshing. But how does one go about a sailor trend-on-trial, without resorting to embarrassing, Popeye-inspired androgynous ensembles? The answer is stripes; Coco Chanel’s famed fashion delivery, spring/summer 2013’s biggest trend story, and one of the easiest ways to unleash the sailor(ess) within, without donning a cheesy sailor hat and anything doused in anchor prints! Literal references are best kept for fancy dress parties, but if you want to add a touch of everyday sailor-style to your wardrobe then inspired separates are your best bet. Think more Audrey Hepburn-esque maritime maven, than sea sickeningly sailor. Want to take the fashion forward route? Slip into the best pair of striped jeans you can find. Or maybe your approach to trend testing is a little more subtle, in which case a simple Breton stripe top or stripe-printed heel may do the job. Shop our top striped picks below, and don’t forget to check out our style tip on the best way to make stripes work for you. Breton stripe top, £36, Jigsaw Lulu Guinness Verity striped shoulder bag, £265, Selfridges Acne Liz stripe-print trouser, £230, Matches Kimberley monochrome striped fabric tie wedge, £45, Stylistpick Mono stripe panel denim dress, £40, Topshop Stripe ponti skater skirt, £28, Miss Selfridge Marc Jacobs striped raffia espadrilles, £225, My Theresa Style tip: If you’re not too keen on a stripe-out, then opt for a neutral ensemble, punctuated with one statement striped item. It’s the perfect print style for your holiday wardrobe – especially if you avoid florals – and a classic striped dress or Breton top will work for any […]

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Alexa Chung vs. Audrey Tautou: Who wore Valentino Red better?

For this week’s fash-off, two beauties from either side of the Channel bring their A-game to rightfully take their place under the style spotlight. Brit beauty, Alexa Chung, and our favourite ‘Coco Chanel’ this side of the 21st century, Audrey Tautou both wore the same Valentino number, albeit  a few months apart. Alexa was the first to take to the red carpet in the pretty tea-length dress at the 2013 Grammy Awards, back in February. Sporting her signature, popping red lips and wispy, swept back locks, Alexa finished off her look with ankle strap crystal pumps, also by Valentino. Second in line to slip into the dress was French beauty Audrey Tautou, who injected a copious dose of gamine charm into the opening photo call for Cannes 2013. Bestowed with the duty of mistress of ceremonies at both the opening and closing of Cannes 2013, Audrey sure took her role seriously in the fashion department, pairing the tea-dress with nude pumps and going virtually makeup free. But who takes the honourable title of fash-off champ? Both ladies went sans accessories, and put their own slant on the dress, but the overall look was a definitively girly one. Although we’re struggling to decide, we’ll have to give this one to Alexa, simply for jazzing up the entire outfit with crystals on her feet and a red pout. The dress is quite a subtle colour, so needs a little lift, and Alexa’s styling does just that. Audrey’s look, on the other hand, was saccharine sweet but a little too washed out for liking. Do you agree with our fash-off verdict?

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Steep vs. Cheap: Breton Stripe Sweater

With its gamine allure and a reworking at the hands of fashion greats, including Jean Paul Gaultier and Coco Chanel, the Breton stripe has stood the test of time, trend and style. The perfect finishing touch to an off-duty ensemble, the Breton stripe injects the same dose of chic each time, and for this week’s Steep vs. Cheap options, we love it in sweater form. Making its mark at the high end this week is the Breton striped cashmere sweater by Derek Lam. Spun in luxe cashmere and boasting a longer back hem and stylish ribbed trims, this classic-cool piece rings in at an eye-watering £775! Can’t stretch to such epic financial proportions for the humble Breton stripe then look to this pocket-friendly alternative from High Street saviour, Zara. A super-comfortable mulberry silk and cotton blend, the sweater promises a relaxed fit and makes the perfect option for dressing down jeans and heels for the weekend. Cashing in at £35.99, you’ll be left with enough change to warrant an extra purchase, or three! So which one will it be for you; a cash splash or a more modest approach to adopting the pretty Parisian stripe? Credit cards at the ready, shop both options below. Steep: Derek Lam striped cashmere sweater, £775, available at Net-a-Porter Cheap: Silk and cotton sweater, £35.99, available at Zara

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Karl Lagerfeld shoots Victoria Beckham for Elle France

Victoria Beckham is back where she belongs fronting the fashion glossies – this time prettying up the front cover of Elle France’s November issue. Posh is striking her signature pouting pose for the cover which was shot by none other than Karl Lagerfeld, and is of course rocking one of her own chic designs. Anyone who is anyone has stepped out in at least one of her creations, but we don’t think anyone does it better than the woman herself! Not only was the former Spice Girl posing for the cover, but she also had the pleasure of being photographed inside Coco Chanel’s Paris apartment – in Chanel attire, of course – which we think everyone will agree is one heck of an honour! “I am delighted to take these photos with Karl,” Victoria said. “I have great respect for him. It is very inspiring. In the apartment of Coco Chanel, dressed in clothing of the house, this is one of my dreams come true.” Check out the editorial pics below and head to the official Elle France website to find out more about Victoria and Karl’s shoot.    

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2 ways to style the LBBJ (Little Budget Black Jacket)

With the Chanel Little Black Jacket Exhibition in town, it’s only fitting we dedicate some valuable fashion time to this iconic piece of clothing. The epitome of Parisian chic, pioneer Coco Chanel first graced us with the Little Black Jacket back in 1954, and since, its eternally stylish appeal hasn’t waned. With a plethora of styling possibilities in a wardrobe transcending colour, the Little Black Jacket is an essential ‘survival’ piece in every modern, style conscious woman’s wardrobe. But, as much as we hold the esteemed Parisian fashion house in high regard, its lust-worthy pieces come with astronomical price tags, and the Little Black Jacket will set you back by £1,500 or so! So, for those wanting a piece of Chanel chic at a snip of the price, we’ve hunted down the perfect LBBJ (Little Budget Black Jacket, dontcha know!) that’ll deliver an equally stylish dose of Coco’s charm to your wardrobe, without a stern bailiff’s warning! Here’s how we’re wearing the LBBJ: Off-duty style The self coloured sequins on this black bouclé jacket tone it down to perfection for daywear. The padded shoulders and close-fitting cut give way to a fab silhouette, and worn with rolled up boyfriend jeans, a casual tee and look-at-me heels is the perfect way to add a little glam to an off-duty look. Michael Michael Kors Sequined bouclé jacket, £285, available at Net-a-porter; LOT78 Jersey pocket T-shirt, £39, available at The Outnet; Relaxed Boy Fit Jeans, £35, available at Next; Foley + Corinna Simpatico Bag, £225.31, available at shopbop; Camille Pumps, £100, available at Kurt Geiger. Cocktail Evening  With outfit-hopping qualities promised, this sequin bouclé jacket is the perfect accompaniment for an evening look. Adding a little sparkle to after hours wear, mash up textures for an interesting look by teaming the LBBJ with leather, studs, ponyskin and […]

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Lunchtime buy: Holly Fulton Smoking Lip print top

You can always spot a Holly Fulton piece: the designer’s love of geometric patterns on big, luxurious, simple shapes has given her a notable signature style that many have already hailed as a future classic. This Smoking Lip print top is distinctly Fulton, with cartoon lips creating a symmetrical pattern framed by the cigarette smoke. And inspired by the love affair between Coco Chanel and the Duke of Westminster, this sleek top evokes the feeling of old school glamour with a playful twist. Its box-cut shape makes it totally modern, whilst its centre-slit back adds interest and a sensual touch to any outfit. We reckon this top will look fantastic with cigarette trousers and (very) high heels – plus, it’s made from 100% silk, so you’ll feel as glamorous as you look! Holly Fulton Smoking Lip Print Top, £400, available at Matches.

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London Fashion Week SS12: Caroline Charles

This is a guest post by Maria Pierides, one of our fabulous competition winners. She’s been hitting the tents at Somerset House as a guest fashion reporter for My Fashion Life to cover as many of London’s spring shows as she can make – find out how she got on when we armed her with a bag full of tickets and sent her packing… Who: Caroline Charles What: Vintage 1920s Chanel-like cuts and silhouettes. Monochrome was very prominent, but it was varied with different patterns, consistencies and textures. Hats are once again all the rage, so hat lovers and milliners everywhere rejoice! Highlights: The sparkly pieces, oh how we adored the sparkly pieces. The collection was accessorised flawlessly from the waist cinching belts to the Coco Chanel-esque lace gloves – attention to detail at its best. Lowlights: sometimes the black belts distorted the silhouette of some pieces – it would have been nice to see the odd clean line just to get a sense of the structure. Overall: This is quite a Sex and the City collection – Charlotte York would be in heaven draped in most of these numbers. If businesswomen wanted to compromise style over comfort in London’s albeit rare summer days, this collection will give them the best of both worlds. The suits, particular pleasers, looked refreshing both in style and in material. We actually squealed when the sparkly pieces made their runway appearance – the perfect way to end the show if ever there was one. Plus, it’s the first show this season where the models have made a conscious effort to smile; and they had every reason to. Watch the video of Caroline Charles’ spring/summer 2012 show below: Caroline Charles SS12 | Rightster, posted with vodpod Image: catwalking.com

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Top stories this week: Kate Middleton makes Vanity Fair Best Dressed list, a 10-year old models for Vogue and much more!

Meet Thylane Lena-Rose Blondeau the 10-year old French model Clad in a gold dress and heels, pouting seductively at the camera is newest model on the fashion block Thylane. She’s no different from many other model that’s taken the fashion industry by storm, apart from her age. As Thylane isn’t just out of college, she’s not even in her teens yet, in fact she’s just a child at ten years old. Read more here! Vanity Fair 2011 International Best Dressed List It’s that time of year again where the privileged compete for the coveted pedestal of best dressed as chosen by Vanity Fair. Of course our very own Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton has made it onto the list after wooing the fashion world over and over again this past year. But find out which other Royal we think should have made the list here. Lara Stone would love to star in Zoolander 2 It’s not often that models reveal an urge to star in a hilarious but ridiculous film, yet beauty Lara Stone has a desire to star in the one and only Zoolander! Read more of her inner thoughts here. Alexa Chung and Alex Turner: The breakup Many saw this coming a few months ago, but that didn’t minimise our shock at the breakup of the fashion and rock couple. Read more on the  reasons for the split here. Coco Chanel Biography Past biographies have attempted to delve into the fabulous fashion world of the one and only Coco Chanel, so you may wonder what is different about this attempt. Well, the release of Coco Chanel: An Intimate Life is set to unearth some new details about the lady herself. Read more here.

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Five minutes with Kinder Aggugini

Before launching his own label in 2005, Italian born designer Kinder Aggugini, had built a sparkling career as the silent talent behind look after look from a number of big hitters including John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood, Versace and Calvin Klein. He’s described his signature style as ‘Coco Chanel marries Sid Vicious’ and on reflection that seemingly odd match does make sense. Aggugini, with his bold splashes of colour, has the showmanship and swagger of the latter, but underneath are clothes that most women would love to wear – beautifully cut, versatile and unashamedly expensive. It’s a unique style that has won him plenty of fans. His debut at London fashion week last year garnered rave reviews from respected critics including Hilary Alexander who described his clothes as “magical”. His last collection was inspired by one of most intriguing and controversial women of Napoleonic Paris – Madame Recamier – combining gorgeous empire line silhouettes with a punk mentality. In just three seasons, Aggugini has become one of the hottest names on the London Fashion Week roster and he has the busy schedule to match. But he found a few minutes to answer our questions… When did you first realise you wanted to be a designer? My mum taught me how to sew at eight and I started tapering my schoolmate’s jeans, which in turn got me a great place in the football team. I knew than that making clothes produced excellent results.  What is it about fashion that keeps you coming back?  The thrill of the new and the amazing feeling of creating something that moves people. What is the best and worst thing about working in fashion? The hours. What have been the highs and lows of your career thus far? Seeing the line up just before the show begins. Not being […]

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London Fashion Week SS10: Kinder Aggugini

If Alice from Alice in Wonderland were ever to meet Coco Chanel then she may have ended up looking somewhat like Kinder’s creations. An unusual snakeskin print took centre stage alongside monochrome and ladylike tweeds. This was both sleek and girly with an air of eccentricity. Kinder is without doubt a very talented designer. His cuts are clean, smart and elegant, they look finished, and finely executed. The bright splashes of colour kept the line summery, and there was not a trouser leg to be seen or leather jacket making it really rather fresh. The only criticism is that it felt a little inconsistent. There were these beautiful pared back pieces then multiple layered clashing outfits. And although the layered pieces still worked, they were almost unnecessary as the design is there. The key pieces were definitely the quirky take on the boucle jacket and those pinafore style dresses. Monochrome with brights is a far better alternative to boring nautical and far more dramatic. Although I think I’ll leave the mad hatter hat for Johnny Depp. Kinder has been the one to watch for the last two seasons, and if he continues in such a fashion then he will be force to be reckoned with.

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Audrey Tautou’s got French chic in the bag

Audrey Tautou becomes the “incarnation of French chic” in new movie ‘Coco Before Chanel’. The actress plays legendary French designer Coco Chanel in the film, and director and co-writer Anne Fontaine has revealed the crew went to great pains to ensure Audrey embodied her during the film. She said: “Chanel was different. Chanel turned this difference into a fundamental asset, though it must have been a terrible suffering for her. We worked on that transformation with Audrey. At first, she appears as a little peasant girl, unpolished with a beehive hairstyle – then, we see how her style clashes with the other women only to become, in the last part of the movie, the incarnation of French chic.” Anne revealed Karl Lagerfeld, who is head designer and creative director of Chanel, was pleased with the decision to cast Audrey, and also helped ensure the costumes worked by allowing the movie to use some pieces from the label. She added to seenit.co.uk: “In the final sequence, all the dresses come from the Conservatory of Chanel. I met Karl Lagerfeld several times. We showed him the sketches of the clothes my costume designer was making. When Karl saw pictures of Audrey Tautou, he told me she was the only ‘true Chanel’. We collaborated in a very natural way with the Maison Chanel.”

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Five minutes with fashion designer Rachel Roy

Rachel Roy has been on our radar since the debut of her eponymous label in 2005. Each season she churns out sophisticated and classic collections that speak to the working woman perfectly. Celebs fans include Kate Hudson, Helena Christensen, Veronica Webb and Lucy Liu. Oh and Andre Leon Talley is a fan too. Enough said. A native of sunny California, her home is now in Manhattan with her two daughters. Rachel recently added to her workload with the launch of a more affordable contemporary line titled Rachel Rachel Roy. The collection is sold exclusively to Macy’s and is a must to check out, especially if you adore Rachel’s signature aesthetic. If you could go back in time and shadow any designer, who would it be? Coco Chanel. I admire the strength she had to start her own business and maintain a strong voice in a time when it was much harder for women to hold a position of power. What was the biggest challenge you faced when creating the diffusion line? Fortunately there were hardly any challenges, as Jones was able to provide me with a spectacular staff and more support than I could ever have imagined. The one challenge I did encounter was balancing my time between this line and my designer line , I found myself wishing I could spend more time with each piece than the 24-hour day allowed me to. What’s the one thing you look forward to when Fashion Week comes around Being inspired, seeing how others are inspired, and helping to move fashion forward. Can you give us sneaky clue into the inspiration behind your next Rachel Roy collection? I have just completed my Resort 2010 collection which was inspired by ‘Scuba Pop’ so I haven’t even begun to think about Spring yet! Finally, […]

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Daily Fix: The Boyfriend Blazer

Finding the perfect cover up for cool spring days and breezy summer nights is often a sartorial challenge. But fear not: This season we can borrow from the boys with a mannish, boyfriend blazer , it’s the season’s relaxed new way to work this wardrobe staple. Yes, the masculine, oversize boyfriend blazer has returned from the eighties. The Spring/Summer ’09 runways were awash with this adaptable look. Yves Saint Laurent’s was very sleek , big in the shoulder, narrow in the hips – paired over a miniskirt. Ralph Lauren grounded a floaty chiffon evening dress by topping it of with a boyfriend blazer while Hussein Chalayan paired his with nothing but boots.

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Michael Jackson, Givenchy, and Stardust: The King of Pop Turns Androgynous

My present thinking wouldn’t regard Michael Jackson as much of a fashion-forward chap. These days, I’m more concerned with the King of Pop melting under the sweltering sun of Dubai as his Botox infused visage struggles to hold itself together. However, judging by Jackson’s recent head-to-toe Givenchy womenswear getup, it seems like the King of Pop is back to his good ol’ “Beat It” best! Based on recent sightings, it’s no secret that Jackson is trying to relive his trendsetter days. After being seen cavorting about in a svelte Balmain t-shirt from the label’s AW09 womenswear collection, recent snapshots show Jackson in a piece for piece rendition of an AW07 stardust-inspired Givenchy look that Gemma Ward wore. Interestingly, closer observation of Jackson’s lapel in comparison to Ward’s shows adjustments were made to tone down the femininity of the initial jacket. Amendments aside, it’s safe to say that Jackson’s affinity for Givenchy could best be described as straight, no chaser!

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Dinner with five fashion icons!

Have you ever been in one of those long term relationships where you fall into the comfort zone and then suddenly find yourself falling in love with your partner all over again? It’s a wonderful feeling, getting those butterflies back. Yes, I’ve fallen in love again, but this time it’s with a style icon we have been in a relationship with for years.

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An interview with Princess Kasia Al Thani

Multi-tasking is nothing new to Princess Kasia Al Thani. She’s a mum, wife, philanthropist and somehow manages to find time to run her successful luxury gift boutique , Savoir-Faire.com. Since founding the site in late 2007, Savoir-Faire.com has become the go-to for those in search of the perfect gift for their loved ones. We caught up with Princess Kasia to get an insight into her life and loves. Oh what we wouldn’t give to be a Princess…even just for a day! How would you define your style? Elegant with a bit of an edge, I really like to mix it up. Which 5 personalities both past and present would you invite for the ultimate dinner party? Coco Chanel , She was always so effortlessly chic and sophisticated , a quality that only a true style icon can claim to possess. Virginia Woolf , A strong and opinionated woman , I would have thought she’d bring very interesting topics to the table Barack Obama , I was brought up in the States and would love to meet Obama, a symbol of just how much the world is changing for the better. I would ask him if being the top man is living up to expectations. Natalie Massenet , I would love for www.Savoir-Faire.com to have the success that Net-a-Porter.com has had and would really like to meet her. Bill Gates , He’s a great role model for any businessperson , driven, intelligent, single-minded, successful and a philanthropist. I would like to know what motivates him. What’s your fashion weakness? Hermes Birkin bags , I have a large collection of them and am on the waiting list for another two colours. Describe your home? It’s traditional but very comfortable and warm. Tell us about your beauty regime? I am very adamant about […]

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Grab your diary: Verdura: The Life and Work of a Master Jeweler

The name of Chanel is instantly recognizeable as the epitome of elegance, but less well known is the name of Duke Fulco di Verdura, who worked with Coco Chanel as a textile designer and later as a master jeweler for her private and boutique collections. Created with captivating detail, many of his most iconic pieces (including Coco’s trademark Maltese Cross cuffs) will be on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science beginning November 16th.

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Reviews: The Collection by Gioia Diliberto

The Collection by Gioia Diliberto tells the story of Isabelle Varlet, a provincial French seamstress who heads to Paris in the aftermath of WWI to start a new life for herself at the fledgling fashion house of Coco Chanel. The true magic of the story lies in the character of the Mademoiselle herself, the one and only Coco Chanel. At turns both rude and charming, the attraction to Mademoiselle is her willingness to fight for her vision, and trod over anyone and everyone who might step in her way. Whether changing her accent to resemble the sophisticated French of a native Parisienne or humiliating a head seamstress in front of dozens, it is impossible to forget that this woman’s vision founded one of the most recognizable names in couture despite being unable to draw or sew.

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Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia

Not another one I hear you cry! Yes there are SO many fashion advice books being penned by industry insiders that there really is no excuse for having an un-organised wardrobe. The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia is another style bible promising tips, advice and inspiration for women who have yet to find their sense of style. In her own words Nina Garcia aims to “awaken the fashion editor inside you and help you decide what image you want to convey to the world. Born in Columbia, Nina Garcia has worked in the fashion industry for over fifteen years. Currently one of the judges on Bravo’s hit series Project Runway and fashion director at Elle Magazine, Garcia has decided (lucky for us!) to share all the valuable knowledge she’s gathered over the years.

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Next Fashion in Motion

Friday 27 May 2005 Anne Valérie Hash Fashion shows at 13.30, 15.30, 19.00 & 20.30 Raphael Gallery One of France’s rising couture stars, Anne Valerie Hash cites Coco Chanel as her greatest inspiration. Her deconstuctionist styles have been internationally applauded for their unique blend of menswear and delicate femininity and the subtle craftsmanship of their external seams and bindings. Fashion In Motion presents Hash’s Summer 2005 couture collection. Free entry but tickets are very limited so booking is essential Tickets are available from 16 May 2005 Call +44 (0)20 7942 2820 Visit www.vam.ac.uk

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The First “Technological Stylist”

There are those such as Vincent Van Gogh, Prince and Coco Chanel who are considered to have been ahead of their times. Switch to today and that could not be said for many, apart from Alexandra Fede. While most fashion designers are still experimenting with the combination of different eras, Alexandra Fede has taken her creativity one step further with the fusion of Science, Technology and Fashion. Resulting in a portfolio filled with remarkable creations such as Anti Violence, a range of garments made with fabric resistant to bullets, knives, razors and more. And the Gold Dress, a dress made of gold cards and kilometres of gold wire as featured in the Guinness Book of records 1999. And while not many of us are walking around in Alexandra Fede it can be safe to say that if she has her way, we will be. The idea of combining science with fashion is extremely innovative, what inspired you to develop this concept? Fashion has always been for me an extremely creative world but I have always had the feeling that something has to change for a better quality of life. In today’s world creativity is not enough. I started researching to give some added value to the wearer. Thanks to the haute couture, which I used as an experimentation lab, I tested new fibres and finishes along with a design and style that would reflect sometimes invisible innovation in the apparel. I had many inspirations coming out from observing the people’s needs and my own. For example: one day I was flying from Rome to Paris for an important meeting and you know what happened on the plane? Due to the turbulence I spilt all my orange juice on my clothes. At that time I felt terrible as I did not […]

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Imitation

This is a very interesting article which highlights the point that unlike the music and film industry the fashion world accepts rather than rejects imitations. I have never actually thought about this in depth before and I have always viewed copying as the norm in the fashion industry. It is not unusual that you have the runway shows full of new trends and creativity and within 6 months there are duplicates in the high street shops. If there are complaints from designers I don’t hear about it too much and I think this is probably the reason why. For virtually all players in fashion, some form of derivation, recombination, imitation, revival of old styles, and outright knockoff is the norm. Few denounce, let alone sue, the appropriator for “creative theft.” They’re too busy trying to stay ahead of the competition through the sheer power of their design and marketing prowess. Designers are always are trying to keep ahead and if they attempted to sue all those that copied their work they would never work themselves. Whether its right or wrong for their creativity to be re-worked I cant really say. I can completely understand why they would be irritated. But to be honest I have always viewed it as a compliment for the designer and not as if they are being ripped off. For me, when I make it big one day, I would feel a large sense of happiness to walk into a high street shop and see an imitation of my design. Mainly because if I do make it to the level of the Prada’s and Gucci’s, I would appreciate that not everyone could afford my clothes. I would want them to wear my vision and if they couldn’t afford it then fine wear a copy. At the […]

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Top 20 Most Expensive Clothing Brands In The World

The most expensive clothing brands in the world command eye-watering prices. They attract luxury shoppers seeking access to prestige, quality craftsmanship, and exclusivity that generic clothes simply can’t match. While not everyone can afford to spend thousands on a designer handbag or ballgown, the top fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, and Hermès remain powerful cultural forces driving runway trends and influencing consumer desire. Owning an iconic Louis Vuitton monogram bag or Valentino red evening dress represents the pinnacle of fashion for many, even if the prices exist in a different universe than most people’s budgets. But for the ultra wealthy who can afford it, dropping tens or hundreds of thousands on couture offers entry into an elite circle dripping in glamour. In our guide, we explore the history, recognizable styles, and stratospheric price points of the 20 most expensive clothing brands that the rich, famous and fashionable clamor for each season. 20 Most Expensive Clothing Brands In The World 1. Louis Vuitton As one of the most recognizable luxury brands in the world, Louis Vuitton has come to symbolize both fashion-forward style mixed with a heritage stretching back over a century. Originally founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton as a luggage and leather goods company, the French fashion house grew to international fame by creating durable, stackable trunks that could withstand transatlantic journeys. In 1896, Louis Vuitton’s son Georges introduced the iconic LV Monogram canvas pattern, those brown and beige initials that scream luxury. While travel goods remain a core part of Louis Vuitton’s business, current creative director Nicolas Ghesquière also produces ready-to-wear collections worn by A-list celebrities. Expect to pay at least $2,000 for a handbag or leather wallet. 2. Hermès Known for its obsessive craftsmanship and ultra-exclusive Birkin bags, Hermès was established as a luxury goods manufacturer in […]

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The CFDA Awards 2014: The best dressed!

So we told you who the big award winners were earlier this morning, but now it’s time to take a look at who the sartorial winners were – the ones who stole the show and our hearts with their outfit choices! As Rihanna was collecting a Style Icon gong, it seemed only right that she make an iconic statement on the red carpet – and that’s exactly what she did in a glittering bespoke Adam Selman ensemble with 216,000 Swarovski crystals. Precise! Also impressing on the CFDA red carpet were Blake Lively (no surprises there, especially following her Cannes Film Festival style triumphs), supermodel extraordinaire Heidi Klum, Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, and a gorgeous Olivia Wilde who still has that pregnant glow despite giving birth a few months ago. Motherhood clearly agrees with her! Take a look at the rest of our best-dressed celebs below, and let us know who gets your ultimate vote in the comments below or on Twitter. Blake Lively in Michael Kors Rihanna in Adam Selman Lupita Nyong’o in Suno Alessandra Ambrosio in Nonoo Olivia Wilde Coco Rocha Solange Knowles Marion Cotillard in Dior Olivia Palermo Heidi Klum Karlie Kloss in Band of Outsiders    

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Paris Fashion Week AW14 highlights from Lanvin, Balmain, Balenciaga & more

The celebs were out in force for the third day of Paris Fashion Week – and we don’t just mean on the front rows! Some of the most in-demand supermodels walked the runway for some of the biggest fashion designers in the world. Here are our highlights from the latest goings on at Paris Fashion Week: LANVIN AW14 Rihanna joined Emma Roberts and other such famous faces to witness the Lanvin autumn/winter 2014 collection first-hand; we’re not jealous at all, honest! Alber Elbaz presented a versatile yet somewhat experimental collection this time around – we believe his exact words were Experimental, Extravagant and Extreme – ensuring that fur and ruffles played a huge part in his light and fluffy new season range. Asymmetric silhouettes and Chanel inspired tweed also made an appearance. The silk dresses were a refreshingly new yet reassuringly familiar addition to the collection, adding the signature Lanvin elegance to the proceedings. Red carpet faves, for sure! NINA RICCI AW14 Jessica Alba watched the Nina Ricci autumn/winter 2014 collection from her comfy seat in the front row, which has got us pretty excited as we imagine what new-season pieces she will be wearing over the next few months as she goes about her daily business or rocks up on a red carpet. Sparkling, shimmering eveningwear was the highlight of the collection, with the designer not being shy of an embellishment or two. Or six. Wool skirt suits, chic jackets, cosy cashmere jumpers, and much more! BALMAIN AW14 Although there were a lot of big faces on the Balmain front row – did we mention Rihanna was one of the schlebs sitting pretty on the FROW? – some of the world’s biggest and hottest models of the moment walked the show too. It was a star-studded affair all round, […]

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Cheap fashion finds: Embarrassing or exciting? (Well, the Duchess of Cambridge approves!)

If you’re frowning at the title of this post, frankly, we don’t blame you. Who doesn’t love starting a dinner table conversation about their latest Gucci snaffle at the nearest designer outlet? Discount codes, flash sale sites and sample sales; we love scouring them, finding a bargain, and making a swift getaway with a bagful of cut-price (well, kind of) Fendi. And, as much as we do love a deal-sealing designer find with its price tag generously slashed, mid-weight high street brands equally excite our inner hoarder shopper. So, when the Mail Online reported that the Duchess of Cambridge was partial to a ‘fuss-free’ shopping spree at BicesterVillage (pictured above in the M Missoni coat she picked up at the outlet), we derived a sense of comfort from the royal seal of approval; that designer duds don’t have to come with stratospheric price tags. Even K Middy, with her lifetime supply of red carpet gowns and about as many Jenny Packham looks one can get through, loves a bargain-filled day, where she can thoughtfully part with her cash, rather than frittering it away in a manner often associated with high society. But, Kate’s shopping preferences also got us thinking about the exclusivity attached to designer shopping: as nonsensical as it sounds, do cut-price finds make designer gear a little embarrassingly status redundant? Does pitching yourself as a frugal fashion body almost tarnish your reputation as shopper? Certainly not for the Duchess. The thrill attached to sharing our latest fashion purchases, designer or high street, as many serial shoppers will know, is unmatched. And with the prominence of haul sharing tools a.k.a YouTube and Instagram, the pressure is often on to be the first to un-box a new pair of Valentino Rockstuds, or show off your latest Chanel Boy – pictured […]

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Keira Knightley and James Righton getting married this weekend!

We showed you the trailer for her Once Upon a Time… Chanel film a few hours ago, but that’s not the only big Keira Knightley news to surface today. The British actress and her Klaxons fiancé James Righton will be walking down the aisle and saying their “I Do”’s this weekend, and have chosen tbhe South of France as their stunning location. Premature congrats aplenty! “Most of their friends will fly out for the wedding on Friday,” a source allegedly said. “They’ve been planning it for a while but wanted something small and private. They could get married in total private in stunning surroundings.” We do respect their right to privacy, but we will be very unhappy bunnies if we never get to see the bride’s wedding dress. We have such high expectations for it after all the rumours! [Glamour] 

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Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress and other classic Hollywood costumes are coming to the V&A!

As well as the exhibit of Chanel’s Little Black Jacket, which is coming to London on October 12th, the Victoria and Albert Museum is opening an exhibition dedicated to some of Hollywood’s most iconic costumes. As Fashion’s Night Out and London Fashion Week will be well and truly over by then, we’re glad to have all these distractions to fill the void! Some of the items on display include Marilyn Monroe’s white dress from The Seven Year Itch, the black dress Audrey Hepburn famously wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, as well as Judy Garland’s cute blue gingham dress from The Wizard of Oz, among others. “The design of costumes for films is often take for granted or misunderstood,” said Sir Christopher Frayling, one of the curators. “This exhibition presents an ideal opportunity to set the record straight and will do so in a most spectacular way.” The exhibit runs from October 20th until January 27th, so plenty of time to absorb the greatness on more than one occasion! Who’s going? [Coco Perez] [Image]

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Top stories this week: Balmain launches new line, Princess Beatrice’s hat breaks records on eBay, Christopher Kane launches handbags and MORE!

Balmain launches new clothing line Good news, fashion fans – Balmain’s launching a new clothing line named after the label’s founder, Pierre Balmain. It’ll be designed separately from the mainline, but will still be overseen by new creative director Olivier Rousteing, and is likely to launch in September. Fingers crossed for lower prices? Read more here! Princess Beatrice’s royal wedding hat sells for £81,101 on eBay Well, what do you know? Princess Beatrice’s Phillip Treacy-designed hat has been called many things, but record-breaking probably pips the post. The infamous head piece she wore to the royal wedding sold for £81,101 on eBay, beating all previous records of designer hat prices on eBay. Don’t worry, it’s for charity. Read more here! Fashion favourites come together to help aid Japan What do Karl Lagerfeld, Alber Elbaz, Lady Gaga and Blake Lively have in common? They’re each designing a charity T-shirt in collaboration with Conde Nast and Uniqlo, where proceeds will go to the Japan Relief Fund in a bid to support tsunami victims. Read more here! Topshop launches secret pop-up store-in-store Ssh! Topshop has launched a brand new pop-up shop – the first of its kind by a high street brand – in the stores of its Oxford Circus and New York branches. For the next two weeks, shoppers should look for a secret door, signalled by a Meadham Kirchhoff-commissioned florist, which will lead to a hidden room of limited edition designer trinkets. Read more here! YSL says Christian Louboutin didn’t invent his trademark red sole Since Christian Louboutin announced he was suing Yves Saint Laurent for using his signature red sole on one of its designs, YSL’s fighting back. According to the French fashion house, Louboutin didn’t invent the colour red and, more specifically, wasn’t the first to it on a […]

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Beauty look of the week: Jennifer Lopez

For over a decade, she’s stormed the singing and acting worlds, made a successful come back as a talent show judge and has given birth to twins. After such a jam-packed career, you’d be forgiven for assuming Jennifer Lopez could be looking a little… tired. But not so. The 42-year-old doesn’t appear to have aged a day, and we love the party-perfect look she sported earlier this month at the American Idol finalist party. We’ve crowned her as our beauty look of the week and have picked the essential products, along with fool-proof steps, to get you looking as lovely as the Latina. See our step-by-step guide below…   Laura Mercier silk creme foundation, £33, available at House of Fraser. BUY NOW! Jennifer’s skin is glowing. Get yours looking its best with Laura Mercier’s Silk Creme Foundation. Apply only in the areas you need it, but pay particular attention underneath your eyes and around your nose.   Bobbi Brown eyeshadow in camel, £15, available at House of Fraser. BUY NOW! Dust a light brown eyeshadow into your eyesockets, blending well to create depth. We love Bobbi Brown’s eye shadow in Camel for a silky smooth finish.   Mac eyeshadow in Crystal Avalanche, £11.50, available at Debenhams. BUY NOW! Sweep a silver eyeshadow – like Mac’s eyeshadow in Crystal Avalanche – over the lids, taking extra time to work it into the inner corners to make your eyes pop.   Smashbox Limitless eyeliner, £18.50, available at Debenhams. BUY NOW! Jennifer’s eyes have been heavily lined for dramatic definition. Use a kohl pencil on the inner rims of your eyes – we love Smashbox’s Limitless eyeliner in Onyx.   Chanel Rouge Coco Shine lipstick in Misia, £22.50, available at Debenhams. BUY NOW! A nude lipstick will make your lips look more plump. Chanel’s […]

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Anne Hathaway chops her hair off!

First it was Burberry beau Emma Watson, then it was an albeit less ambitious Nicole Richie, and now it’s the turn of Anne Hathaway – everywhere we look the A-listers are chopping their hair off, and the quaintly-classic actress is the latest to submit to the scissors.

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Weekly Round-up

Find out why Stephen Jone’s is Hollywood-bound, read about the Beckhams’ biggest fashion regrets, and was Crystal Renn Photoshopped to look thinner?… You may be used to seeing Stephen Jones’s hats in Hollywood movies – Coco Before Chanel and Elizabeth – but you might just see the milliner himself in Madonna’s latest movie – Vogue UK Want to know what Reiss has in store next next season? If the brand’s latest campaign film is anything to go by, it’s dark, a little bit eerie but incredibly cool – Elle UK Je ne regrette rien were the words most definitely not uttered by David Beckham when he was asked about his and Victoria’s fashion faux pas. Forget double denim, remember quadruple leather, anyone? – Elle UK Will Proenza Schouler ever let us forget about the PS1? As if we haven’t been lusting after one for long enough, there’s now two new colours. We’ll take the grey, thanks – Purseblog Controversy alert: Crystal Renn says she was Photoshopped to look thinner in that Fashion for Passion T-shirt shoot – the Cut

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Why Iman is the designers’ choice

Those of your reading the results of this year’s CFDA Awards this morning might have been a little surprised that Iman, the legendary supermodel of yesteryear, won the Fashion Icon award – she’s not, after all, particularly well known for her sartorial choices – but for the CFDA board, she was the perfect choice.

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Brand spanking new beauty products to lust over!

With new products coming out all the time – moisturiser, massage oil and mascara all clump together to create a big bunch of things that I know exist and should be doing great things for my hair and skin, but I simply don’t understand (or have the time to learn)!  In an attempt to look better, feel better and be better, we’ve gone through all latest beauty products – to bring you the crème de la crème – more simply put, the ones actually worth spending money on! Philip’s Lumea is the answer to the irritating habit we call shaving and the pain of waxing. Exclusive to Boots, it’s the d-i-y way to instant laser treatment!! Whilst quite pricey at £400 – it’s a sure way to say goodbye to unwanted hair – forever!! It uses IPL technology to kill the root of the hair and whilst this sounds painful – it’s not. Think of it as a static shock that’s going to leave you silky smooth (after 4 treatments) forever!! This second product is by far my favourite – diamonds may be a girl’s best friend – but 22 carat gold in your lip gloss is whole new playing field! No 7’s Limited edition Sun Drenched Lip glosses have exactly this – gold flecks that you apply to your lips turning the Emperor’s New clothes from fairy tale to fact. At £10 each, they’re only available until 13th July, so get them while you can!! Going for gold – not quite as literally as No7, but still managing to turn your skin from pearly white to sun kissed and bronze is Rodial’s Brazillian Tan Daily. The slow build up is the perfect way to avoid sun streaked skin and the coconut smell leaves you thinking, little umbrella, pina colada, […]

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