Chanel and Pre-revolutionary Fashion

If my Fantasy calendar for 2011 had come true. I would be in Paris this week for the Spring 2011 couture collections. Alas I think my invitations must have been lost in the mail. But I didn't have to be there to drink in the elegance and simplicity of  Chanel's  spring  couture  collection.

''Chanel Couture'' Spring 2011''

The Chanel spring 2011 collection by Karl Lagerfeld is mostly devoid of colour, with only a few outfits in subdued pastel colours of liliac, soft pink and light blue. The monochromatic silhouette is clean and sculptural with the typical Chanel flourishes and breath-taking beadwork. There are a multitude of daywear looks many including narrow legging-like trousers worn with skirted suits or tunics, a definite nod to the younger couture client. The shoes are refreshingly flat, many with a black cap.

''Chanel Couture'' Spring 2011''

What I found to be most surprising about this fashion_forward collection is the allusion to pre-revolutionary fashion with the black ribbons worn around the neck by all the models. Every model on the runway wore this black ribbon although it was more prominent on the models with longer, swan-like necks.

''Chanel Couture'' Spring 2011''

''Chanel Couture'' Spring 2011''

Photo credits: Monica Feudi/Go Runway (sourced from Vogue's Style.com)



This black ribbon harkens back to pre-revolutionary fashion in France and evidence of that is seen in this 1785 sketch of Marie Antoinette which was sent by Count Axel Fersen to his sister Sophie in Sweden.

Fit For A Southern Belle

Clothing collection, Belle Sauvage is a winner in my book and it's all because of this Karl (Lagerfeld) dress. For $173, it's not needed to spend your last, but when you got it, get it.

The only problem that I see in the dress is that it is “body con,” (meaning there’s no way to know quite how it fits). But if you're not worried about that, because your body fits any and everything, visit Pixie Market and add this dress to your closet.


-Christopher Nic.

Mademoiselle: Coco Chanel Summer '62

Karl Lagerfeld recently published, with Gerhard Steidl an amazing book on Coco Chanel's summer '62 collection. Photographer, Douglas Kirkland made the book come to life. Karl speaks so highly of her, which is expected.

"The summer of '62 was her last summer as the queen of fashion. Jeans and miniskirts were on their way to invade the world. Hating them and letting people know publicly how much she loathed the fashions to come she put herself instantly in the postition of the has-been oracle of style and fashion."

Karl also dispelled the rumors of Alber Elbaz replacing him at Chanel by simply saying "I will die here."

You heard the man...the legend.

-Christopher Nic.

Say It Aint So!

It has been rumored that Karl is out at Chanel and Albert Elbaz is in. & that Olivier Theyskens is to be taking Elbaz' place at Lanvin.


Why would anyone want to replace Lagerfeld?! Smh...Hopefully it is just a rumor!


-Christopher Nic.