Who Wore Chanel Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Black and White Chanel Dresses

With Chanel being such a widely coveted brand, it's inevitable that more than one celebrity will be spotted in the same glamourous Parisian look. That can be said for an iconic black and white chiffon-feathered gown from Chanel's Fall 2011 collection which continues to make appearances on the red carpet year after year.

Round 1

1. Crystal Renn hauled this dramatic monochromatic gown out of the Chanel archives for an outing in New York just last week (April 2014). The supermodel pulled her hair back in a sleek bun, wore a red hot lip and carried a black clutch bag.
2. Lily Allen picked out the popular Chanel gown for a movie premiere in London during October 2013. The British singer wore the white cap-sleeved gown with turned up collar and tattered black chiffon gown originally as presented on the runway, with the leaf-embroidered waistband. Lily added a colourful Chanel Lego clutch, and fringed updo to her outfit.
3. Emilia Clarke looked elegant at the 2012 SAG Awards in the frou frou feathered gown with white bodice that is edged in black frills. The Game of Thrones actress kept her hair in a loose upstyle.
4. The first person to wear this two-tone Chanel look was Zoe Kravitz at the Unicef Snowflake ball in November 2011. Zoe wore the dress sans the embroidered waistband with her hair up.

On the runway the textured gown with structured bodice was given grunge styling, worn by Latvian model Ginta Lapina, with sheer chiffon fingerless gloves and lace-up leather boots.

Round 2

1. Rachel Zoe put on a little black and white pearl studded Chanel dress for a red carpet appearance in Los Angeles during March 2014. The designer accessorized with an elaborate pearl necklace and wore black tights and platforms with her dress, a white fur stole in tow.
2. Alexa Chung was first to wear this strapless Chanel tweed shift dress, keeping it simple with a chain sling Chanel bag and black PVC pointy toe pumps as seen on the runway.
3. On the Spring 2013 catwalk, Belgian model Yumi Lambert wore the striking look with a pearl twisted choker, leather fingerless goes and pointy-toe PVC shoes.

In Round 1, my vote goes to Emilia Clarke, the dress was tailored to fit her perfectly, whereas on Lily and Zoe, it looked slightly too big. I also prefer it with the waistband, although I must admit Crystal wore it with poise, only the way a model can.
In Round 2, I think Alexa wore it best, I prefer this dress minus the heavy heels and tights.

Who Do You Think Wore It Better?

Who Wore Chanel Stripes Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Chanel Pre-Spring 2013 Jumpsuit

Keeping in with striped trend, this version of 'Who Wore It Better' pits 6 international starlets against each other in an epic styling battle of Chanel. The outfit in question is a black and white striped strapless jumpsuit from Chanel's Pre-Spring 2013 collection. A difficult silhouette for anyone to wear, this one ought to be interesting...

1. Fashion stylist Caroline Sieber took a casually elegant approach to styling her jumpsuit, wearing it with a sleek black buttoned jacket, tote bag and wide-brimmed fedora.
2. British model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley kept her look minimalistic chic, adding a long layered pearl necklace and a Chanel 'Lego' clutch bag to her jumpsuit. This fitted bodice with wide-leg silhouette is ideally tailored to her model height and figure.
3. Chinese model Sui He went geometric by pairing her vertically striped jumpsuit with a sheer black horizontally striped top, creating a checkered effect. Red heels finalized Sui's outfit.

4. Chinese beauty Janice Man flaunted her sophisticated styling of the striped jumpsuit, pairing it with an oversized black blazer and gold & black necklaces. 
5. 12-year-old Willow Smith had the monochromatic jumpsuit resized to her small waist size but the pants don't have the same streamlined effect as it does on the others. A cropped leather biker jacket, black bowler hat & spiked PVC Louboutin pumps complete her edgy look.
6. Miley Cyrus looked sleek in the linear leg-lengthening ensemble, opting for simple styling with a gold collar necklace and bright red lips.

Who Wore It Better? 
I like the gracefulness Rosie brought to the jumpsuit, the fit is perfect on her. But I have to go with Caroline as my top pick, as I preferred her perceptive and contemporary styling. She transformed this piece into so much more than just a striped jumpsuit. 
What are your thoughts?

Stylista of the Month - Leigh Lezark

Style Icon 
Leigh Lezark

Heating up the past few fashion weeks was one of my favourite style icons - New York DJ and part time model Leigh Lezark. Leigh is no stranger to the world of high fashion. Besides for runway modeling and campaigns, Leigh and her band 'The Misshapes' have also mixed catwalk music for the likes of Chanel, Gwen Stefani, Calvin Klein and major NYC art institutes. 

Leigh has a unique chic and contemporary style, with a new-age spin on classic silhouettes. The striking dark-haired beauty always keeps her accessories to a minimum, which is something I can relate to. She makes the most out of black tights, keeps her heels high and clutch bags interesting. Here is Leigh at some of fashion weeks biggest events. 


The Neutrals

From Left:

1. At the Chanel Fall 2012 show in Paris, Leigh picked out a white textured dress from their Spring 2012 line, which has a slanted black line design running across it. A metallic clutch and silver and black cap-toed heels finish off her look.

2. At Victor & Rolf, Leigh looked alluring in a black sheer one-shouldered dress with flapped neckline. She carries a Chanel classic 2.55 quilted flap bag and stands in her own custom made heels by Surface to Air.

3. Leigh looked more like one of the Givenchy models than a front-row guest at the label's Fall 2012 show. She wore an ivory and beige head-to-heel ensemble from Givenchy's Spring 2012 collection. It included a high-neck sleeveless shirt, oversized waistcoat and skinny pants, worn with white ankle strap sandals.

4. At amfAR's fashion week kick-off event in NYC, Leigh showed off a more elegant side to her style, wearing a long black gown with embellished bodice from Chanel's Cruise 2012 line.

5. It was an interesting twisted grid print in black and metallic gold at designer Cynthia Rowley's Fall 2012 preview, with customary black tights and heels. The A-line dress is from Cynthia Rowley's Spring 2012 range.

The Sparks of Colour

From Left:
6. Leigh kept it casual at Lacoste, in a simple two-tone aubergine and plum crew-neck dress with tie-up belt. Tights and brogues were shaded in black.
7. At a Tommy Hilfiger store launch, Leigh refined tartan in a strapless red and navy Tommy Hilfiger 'Gloria' dress with pleats at the waist. Black tights. Check. Custom-made heels. Check.
8. At the Christian Dior show in Paris last week, Leigh donned bright poppy red trousers with a chic cropped leather zipped jacket. Her look was stylized by a black Dior bag and pumps, winged eyeliner and red hot lips.
9. For Giambattista Valli's Fall presentation, Leigh looked engaging in a cherry red ensemble with ribbon belted top and silver metallic hemmed skirt. A dressy red and white fringed-edge tweed coat was worn over her vibrant outfit.
10. Probably the most striking look of all, Leigh encompassed modern sophistication at Sonia Rykiel's Paris showing, wearing a sunflower yellow wide-leg pantsuit with black pocket trim, from the designers' Spring 2012 range. She added another spark of colour with a bright orange clutch bag.


I admire all of Leigh's outfits, but the yellow Sonia Rykiel is a clear winner for me. Which is your favourite of Leigh Lezark's Fashion Week looks?

Mila Kunis Highlights Harper's Bazaar 2012

Cover Girl Mila Kunis
Harper's Bazaar April 2012

The lovely Mila Kunis graces the cover of Harper's Bazaar magazine for April 2012, wearing the cream of the designer crop from Spring 2012's hottest collections. The Ukranian-American beauty features in a fun-loving photo shoot inside the mag, playfully set in an amusement park. It's been shot by photographer Terry Richardson and has got to be my favourite celebrity fashion editorial for the year so far. Gaze on and let me know if you agree.

Mila looks ravishing in a satin blossom pink Versace gown with provocative cutout on the bodice and thigh-high slit. The dress also has a studded waistband. On the runway, the gown was shown off in a light aqua shade, I much prefer it in the custom pink.

Mila horses around in a sultry black bustier top, bedecked with multi-coloured jewels. Black briefs are paired with it, both by Dolce & Gabbana. Sparkly Tom Ford sandals adorn her feet.

Mila satisfies her sweet tooth in a royal blue Yves Saint Laurent cross halter-neck dress with ruffles on either side of the flaired skirt.

Mila's fashion bubble cannot be burst, as she has fast become one of Hollywood's most noted style icons. She looks delightful in a white Chanel shift dress with ultra-high neckline and sheer hem. Her multi-strap pointy-toe mules are by Louis Vuitton.

Mila wears one of the most striking and memorable pieces from Louis Vuitton's Spring 2012 collection. It is an embellished blue, beige and white broderie anglaise dress, with a multitude of 3D floral motifs, enhanced with studs.

Mila strikes gold in this gorgeous Roberto Cavalli number encompassing a floral pleated skirt and glitzy gold sequined jacket.

Glamour takes a carousel ride - Mila looks beautiful in an a celestial white Christian Dior strapless gown with dainty ruffles washed across the bodice. Marc Jacobs Mary Jane pumps were styled with this look.

And finally, the tiara to top off this photo shoot, Mila shows off a romantic fairy-like look by Alexander McQueen, with a textured lilac organza dress laid over a frothy skirt, and worn with fanciful unruffled organza wedge heels.

Paris Fashion Week Fall 2012 - Part Three

Paris Fashion Week
Fall 2012 Favourites
Part Three

It has been a stellar few weeks of style from across the globe, but all good things must come to an end. This is the final part to my Fall 2012 Fashion Week coverage. Hope you enjoyed it.

Chanel

It was crystal covered eyebrows that stole the show at Chanel's Fall preview. That, and of course, a spectacular array of other-worldly outerwear. A shimmery blend of textures were layered in precious gemstone tones. Tweed coats decked with geometric motifs, motley print dresses and chunky metallic wool knits and sheer skirts, all worn over a skinny pair of pants. I loved the asymmetrical strap Mary Jane's the models trotted in. The collection glistened with a relaxed type of urbane glamour. 

Elie Saab

Elie Saab brings high-end glamour back down to earth with his Fall 2012 collection. Daywear was elegant with two-toned peplum dresses, weighty fur coats and sexy sheaths in charcoal, black and sandy beige. A lace cobweb design spun it's way onto a few floor-length frocks, while a vivid shot of emerald green ensembles filled in the rest of the colour quota. Then came the dazzling evening gowns we've all come to love and expect from the master couturier. Molten metal drizzled with sequins in hourglass silhouettes will be simply irresistible to every stylist and their celebrity clientele.

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton takes us on a historic train ride this Winter, exclusive monogrammed luggage in tow. Quirky hats and large round goggles felt inspired by Johnny Depp's 'Mad Hatter' character from Alice in Wonderland. Models looked like 19th century story book characters themselves, costumed in oversized everything: buttons, brooches, lapels, collars and lengthy coats in exotic leather and holographically beaded tweed. The whimsical range was decadently painted in an assortment of colours - hypnotic purples, intense orange, caramel, indigo blue and green. Marc Jacobs tells a vivid tale with every unusual look. 

Alexander McQueen

An Alexander McQueen show is always a momentous event, and this season, Sarah Burton did not disappoint with a storm of cyclonic looks. Futuristic ice princess outfits were smothered in fur, feathers and fringing. Colossal coats & avant-garde dresses were seen in soothing shades of petal pink, lilac grey & celestial white, spiced with cherry red. Massive tiered gowns closed what was a transcendent show. Burton dreams up the extraordinary, then brings it to life.

Miu Miu

Only Miu Miu could turn 70's style wallpaper into chicly sophisticated suits with the utmost dexterity. As with Prada, it's all about the pantsuit for next season, in trippy harlequin and paisley prints. The silhouettes were masculine; long tailored blazers and clean-cut trousers and suit coats. The only hint of feminism came from the frilly ties and silky blouses. Two-toned leather loafers and doctor-bags wrapped up the street-executive outfits.

Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne mingles with glossy metallics in 60's style shapes for Fall 2012. Creative director Manish Arora set forth squarish silhouettes in swanky high-shine fabrics. Striped shifts with silver mesh inserts, chain-mail mini's, and grid patterned dresses garnished with fur hems and sleeves. Bright blue popped up amongst the minefield of coal, gunmetal grey and gold. Party frocks that will seek the disco crowd's attention - Paco Rabanne has you covered.

To view a recap of the entire Fashion Fall 2012 season, visit here.

Oscar Party Dresses 2012

We've seen all the Oscar gowns, but where most of the glamour happens is at the stylish after-parties. Tinseltown was lit up even brighter by a galaxy of starlets, trying to outshine each other in their best party frocks. Red was a predominant trend, as seen earlier at the Academy Awards show. This was followed by white and sheer dresses, as well as cut-outs. 

Sheerness

Emma Stone once again uped the ante in a gorgeous chiffon striped Chanel Couture gown. Kate Bosworth went futuristic in a filigree designed Prabal Gurung dress with longer sheer hem. Gwen Stefani wore a crystal beaded black and red Zuhair Murad dress. Not my favourite look on her. Zoe Saldana picked out a black bejewelled satin dress with sheer skirt and by Marios Schwab. Ginnifer Goodwin in a sheer cut-out Peter Som peplum dress.

Red Alert

Salma Hayek looked beautiful in a scarlet YSL gown. Claire Danes opted for a girly Valentino frock with sheer spotted yoke and ruffled skirt. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was statuesque in a crimson red Antonio Berardi dress. Diane Kruger in a plunge-neck Calvin Klein gown. The exposed lace bra bothers me. Kate Hudson wowed in beaded and fringed vintage Versace. Abbie Cornish wore a minimalistic cherry red look from Tommy Hilfiger.

In Supermodel Form

Marisa Miller wore a glorious gold sequined Joanna Johnson gown. Bar Rafaeli in a Roberto Cavalli frock strewn with metallic beads. Irina Shayk was all vixen in white hot Versace. Karolina Kurkova in a shimmery silver ensemble from Armani Privé with red heels. Different but can't say I like it. Brooklyn Decker wore a scallop beaded Valentino gown.

Modern Elegance

Mia Wasikowska wears a two-tone charcoal grey Antonio Berardi gown straight off last week's runway. Malin Akerman in a silver embroidered Sportmax gown with cut-out neckline. Victoria Beckham looked trés chic in her own strapless and leather belted design. Katie Holmes was a picture of grace in a twilight blue Elie Saab gown. Zhang Ziyi also wore Elie Saab, incidentally in a similar blue shade. Her dress had a cut-out v-neck and high slit.

 The Pop Stars

Miley Cyrus was rather dowdy in an ice grey Roberto Cavalli gown with fishtail chiffon skirt. Vanessa Hudgens chose a gold scallop-tiered gown by Georges Chakra. Selena Gomez, please show Miley how its done. The singer/actress was glamourous in a silver embellished Dolce & Gabbana gown. Ashley Tisdale looked elegant in a ruby one-shouldered silk mousseline dress free by Maria Lucia Hohan. Only Katy Perry can mix a blue bob with silver sequined Blumarine...And get away with it.

A Little Off The Length

Anna Paquin rocked a black and gold long-sleeved Emilio Pucci number. Paula Patton charmed in a black fringed Naeem Khan frock with metallic bodice. Maria Sharapova picked a frothy feminine look from Alexander McQueen. Heidi Klum was stellar in a neon yellow Versace mini with gold shoulder accents. Shailene Woodley mixed it up in a green leaf-print Proenza Schouler shift with matching DVF heels. Amy Adams was polished in a silver draped Vivienne Westwood dress. Doesn't it look like metal that's sculpted onto her.

Colour Surge

 Venus Williams was bold in a cerise and violet colour-blocked dress by Christiane King. Julie Bowen wore a Grecian-style draped Halston gown in saffron orange, with heels to match. Stana Katic stunned in a royal purple Alberta Ferretti gown with wrap-waist and high slit. Cameron Diaz opted for a simple frills-free look, wearing a fitted Victoria Beckham dress in tangerine. Rosario Dawson donned a colour-blocked Salvatore Ferragamo halter-neck gown in plum, orange & turquoise. This is not how I expected the dress to look off the runway. Rashida Jones wore a mustard yellow deep V-neck gown with lace cap sleeves by Elie Saab.

White Out

Sofia Vergara wore a heavily embellished dress by most popular designer of the night, Roberto Cavalli. Paz Vega chose a crisp white Stephane Rolland couture gown with extruding 3D hip pleats and gold belt. Georgina Chapman in a (simple for) Marchesa ensemble with folded sleeves and peplum waist. Mena Suvari was frosted in a frilly white Romona Keveza dress. Rachel Zoe went for an unfussy look in a long column gown with statement jewels.

Sweetly Subdued Hues

Dianna Agron wore a summery printed pink & white Carolina Herrera frock. Lydia Hearst was fairy-like in soft pink tulle gown with embroidered bodice. Dita von Teese in a pale pink Jenny Packham gown with sliver embellished shoulders and keyhole neckline with crossed straps. Surprisingly, I loved the lemon chiffon Georges Hobeika gown with white floral motifs that Kelly Osbourne wore. Lily Collins wore a nude tulle Monique Lhuillier Pre-Fall gown embroidered in blue. Pretty, but a tad overdressed. Olga Kurylenko delighted in a soft moss green Georges Hobeika kimono gown, adorned with floral appliqués.

Bronzed Earth

Jennifer Lopez changed into another plunge-neck Zuhair Murad gown, this one in lacquered burgundy-brown. I liked how distinctive January Jones looked in this Wes Gordon ensemble. It has a Tuscan green silk organza top and bronzed velvet self-stripe skirt, along with leather belt. Anne Heche in a glittery gold and black Dolce & Gabbana dress. Kate Beckinsale was alluring in Atelier Versace, with cream, bronze and black beaded detail and cut-out waist and back. Maggie Grace was top-to-toe in gold sequins.

Black is the New Black

Olivia Wilde looked elegantly graceful in black strapless Gucci with gorgeous gold clutch. Kim Kardashian was unusually covered up in an Azzedine Alaia gown with mini cut-outs on the skirt. I loved Elizabeth Olsen in this Christian Dior gown, which has a silk t-shirt like top and alternating chiffon and leather skirt. Nina Dobrev's star power is rising, she was riveting in a J. Mendel Fall 2012 gown with cut-out bodice and low V-neck. Felicity Jones did understated sexiness in a 'Noir' leather Joanna Johnson dress with pin-tucked skirt.

Who wore your favorite Oscar After Party dress?

Paris Couture Fashion Week 2012

Paris Haute Couture Week 2012 officially opened it's doors on Monday to world class designers and stunning supermodels, displaying an array of exquisite clothes. This is an updated view of some of the most impressive collections. Click on the pictures for a larger view.

Versace

 Donatella sent a small group of Glamazons down the Versace Haute Couture runway for the the first time in 8 years. Glistening dresses seemed to be moulded onto the models, with sculpted corsets, extended hip flounces and rounded strapless necklines. Subtle metallics paled in comparison to the striking shades of tangerine, yellow and lime. High pony tails and smokey eyes completed the glam-warrior looks. I wished for more pizazz, less shine.

Chanel

Azure skies to starry nights - every shade of blue was represented at Chanel's 2012 Couture showing. Models in faux mohawks and fascinators walked down the aisle, set to look like the inside of an airplane. Tweed dress suits in powder blue, drop-waists and pocket seamed shifts with high cuffed necks, a scattering of blue sequins that shimmered like the sun on an ocean wave. Longer length gowns were displayed in midnight blue and the palest shade of blue chiffon. A couture take on air hostess outfits - if only!

Giambattista Valli

 The Giambattista Valli Couture show expressed sensual femininity: cream and black sheer lace dresses, petal-smothered skirts, sequins, satin and bows. I can picture someone like Olivia Palermo in the feathered frock, pictured second on the top row. Splashes of raspberry red, plum and fuchsia stole the scene with billowy evening gowns. Models wore elaborate floral headpieces, cohesively fitting in with the summery floral print gowns.

Christian Dior 

 Christian Dior's Haute Couture collection brings forth vintage-inspired shapes, from the swanky 50's to the more opulent Victorian era. A-line dresses were embroidered with floral designs, while pencil skirts were seen in houndstooth and grid prints. There was an interesting juxtaposition of 'heavy' sheerness. Layers and layers of see-through tulle were skillfully constructed into dramatic gowns with sizable skirts. Ruffles are certainly having a moment.

Armani Privé

Blue was to Chanel as green is to Armani this Couture season. Viridescent shades of green illuminated the striped catwalk, bringing with it chic reptilian-like jackets over mesh shirts and folded silk skirts. The under-the-sea extravaganza continued with a blinding neon gown rolled in sequins, graphic prints unfolded to reveal an inner black bodice, multi-layered mermaid gowns wrapped to resemble seaweed and a conspicuous shade of chartreuse which will ensure that this is an Armani range to be remembered.

Stephane Rolland

Stephane Rolland's Couture collection is one of my favourites from all featured in this post. Because he reimagined the basics, creating avant-garde designs and innovative silhouettes. Exaggerated origami-folds, geometric cut-outs, gold metal panelling, unfurling ruffles and architectural shapes. He chose to express these spectacular designs using a simple colour palette of black, white, red and lime green (which has been quite popular so far). Beautifully draped gowns swept the floor in silk jersey, gazar and organza. A masterful collection with an aura of confidence and allure.

Valentino

There was a feeling of regal antiquity surrounding Valentino's Spring Couture collection. If modern monarchy existed today as it did in the 18th century, I can imagine that this is what real-life princesses would wear. Prim white-to-ivory knee-length dresses, woven from the finest cotton and latticed lace. Feathery light floral frocks, demure as can be with high-frilled collars and sheer organza sleeves. A range that charms with it's maidenly grace.  

Zuhair Murad

Zuhair Murad's Couture collection is 'glitzy as charged' for Spring 2012. Extravagantly beaded gowns were dipped in champagne golds and varnished metallics. Black floral embroidery was starkly contrasted with nude-tone slips, while hourglass-enhancing silhouettes were shaped to perfection. Crystal-embellished gowns featured plunging necklines and tails of tulle. It's luxury meets sensuality. I can see many a country-singing-star lapping this one up.

Divas and Darlings - Critics Choice Awards 2012

Red Carpet Fashion
Critics Choice Movie Awards 2012

Its back to back awards shows this week, with the Critics Choice Movie Awards that took place last night in LA. There was a mix of styles with both short and longer length gowns. Nothing groundbreaking, but worth a look at. 

Cropped Frocks

Kirsten Dunst was engaging in a feminine black silk chiffon Christian Dior dress with sheer frill hem. Black ankle strap heels and a side swept ponytail finished her look. 14-year old Isabelle Fuhrman chose a playful Christian Siriano dress with grey feather fringed skirt. Age appropriate but maybe too funky for this occasion. Chloe Moretz, on the other hand (who is also 14) looked mature in weighty black and grey dress with frilly sleeves, by Chanel. Star of 'The Artist', Berenice Bejo dazzled in this embellished blue number by Elie Saab, paired with gold broad strap Jimmy Choo heels.

 A Ray of Sunshine

If green was yesterday's red carpet colour, then today's is certainly yellow. Diane Kruger was stunning a yellow and grey colour-blocked and pleated Prada dress with halter neck. Her best accessory - a cerise pink pout and Prada clutch. Elizabeth Olsen was a vibrant sight in Pucci, wearing a beautifully beaded yellow mini. I'm let down by her shoes. Elle Fanning disappointed me in this sunflower print Rodarte gown. The term 'shapeless shower curtain' came to mind. Ahna O' Reilly put on a quaint sheer white Honor dress with lemon underskirt. Lilac heels complete her cutesy look.

Colourful

Missi Pyle wore a peach prom style strapless dress, which gives me Deja Vu of the one Demi Lovato wore in the previous post. Emma Stone was striking in green once again, this time in a navy and emerald graphic print gown by Jason Wu. It has key-hole cutouts on the neckline and a belted waist. 'Cougar town's' Busy Phillipps chose a vividly shaded reddish pink wrap gown, by Antonio Berardi.

The Minimalists

Shailene Woodley was dare I say it - dull - in a taupe Calvin Klein column gown. A few interesting accessories would've perked up this look. Jessica Chastain wore a simple rose pink Balenciaga gown with roomy cowel-neck. It needs something, drop earrings, clutch or a bracelet perhaps. These two need some accessorizing tips from Diane Kruger. Stacy Keibler was George Clooney's +1 at the event, where she looked elegant in an understated white gown by Armani. I've never been happier to see a sparkly silver clutch bag.

Classic Beauties

Charlize Theron wowed in an Azzedine Alaia gown. Her black scallop edged gown fell into an elaborately tiered skirt. This is one of my all-time favourite looks on Michelle Williams. Her beautiful Chanel gown features velvet-trimmed sleeves, a black waist band and wrap skirt. Evan Rachel Wood's embroidered black gown is by Valentino. Its an elegant look, but seems to be mismatched with the hairstyle. 

French Indian Flair, Done The Chanel Way

Chanel 
Pre-Fall Collection 2012

From the chic streets of Paris to exotic India, Karl Lagerfeld takes us on an intercontinental voyage for Pre-Fall 2012. His Paris-Bombay inspired collection is a collision of French tailoring and Indian intricacies. The result? Pure, over-the-top opulence.

The quintessential Chanel emblems are all there, albeit not as conspicuous as we're used to seeing. The impeccably fit pants, traces of tweed, boxy shapes, braided trims, the black and ivory palette, rows of pearls and the classic skirt and coat combination. Lagerfeld has an ingenious way to breathing new life into the established Chanel prototype.

Fur-edged coats in rich brocade are sumptuously paired with velvet and lamé. Indian-styled churidar (narrow) pants are a prominent feature in this collection. Flat footwear and bejeweled chappals (sandals) kept within character of the Eastern theme.

The colour scheme varied slightly from it's neutral foundation, pigmented by shades of ruby red, deep burgundy, magenta and neon pink. Lagerfeld didn't stray too far from the fundamentals of Indian fashion; which are intricate embellishings and traditional silhouettes. He's used the layering of dresses over narrow pants to his full advantage. It's a concept he's used, (perhaps overused) throughout this collection.

  Lagerfeld puts a modern spin on imperial Indian designs with Eurocentric flair. He chose metallics tones such as bronze, pewter, platinum, silver and gold to convey the luxury element of the range. The models wore their hair in pinned-up dreadlocks, adorned with bejeweled tikka headpieces.

This range of evening wear shows Lagerfeld's ability to reinterpret the worn-out idea of a 'glamorous gown'. Instead of the expected strapless, mermaid or ballgown styles, he gives us modest designs elevated by rich embroidery & crystal beading, all laid upon exquisite fabrics. 

Polished ivory silk proved its adaptability, being draped into tulip skirts, & then molded to form sleek Nehru coats. I found this section to be the calm after the lavish storm of looks shown before. The second last dress & the blue one above are my favourites from the range.

With a collection that exudes this much grandeur, it's saving grace lies in the individual pieces. Most of them can be worn as separates. Otherwise, I could only imagine these elaborate ensembles being suited for a high tea at the Taj Mahal, in 1658. But take away the excessive styling, Medusa-like hairstyles and ornate jewellery, and you would have some red-carpet worthy looks. I get that these outfits are not to everyone's taste, but hats off to Mr Lagerfeld for transporting us to a world where Indian custom meets French couture, the Chanel way.