Chanel’s Russian Inspired Collection for Maison D’Art

Karl Lagerfeld is set to present a Russian Inspired Chanel for the Maison d’Art collection in Paris on December 3rd. Coco may have been the ultimate femme Parisienne, but she has always been fascinated by the Near East country. Russia has been an inspiration of Mademoiselle Chanel for her collections starting from the borrowed pea jacket and pelisse from her lover Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich to even creating the fragrance Cuir de Russie with Ernest Beaux, who was known as the perfumer of the tsars. Chanel’s love of all things russe also stem from her admiration of Russian artists like Stravinsky, Diaghilev and Lifar, with whom she created legendary collaborations. Today, Lagerfeld continues the Chanel-Russia love relationship with this much anticipated Maison d’Art collection which will be presented in the Ranelagh Theatre in Paris on December 3rd.

Rosa Cha at Claro Rio Summer 2008 Fashion Event

Brazil is not just one of the hottest travel destinations, but it is known for its hot fashion as well. For Claro Rio Summer 2008 fashion event, Amir Slama certainly spiced up the runway with his newest Rosa Cha collection in Forte de Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The collection features flowy beach cover ups, bandeau tops and a rich tempting color palette of pink, deep blue and exotic prints as well as shimmering silver. The runway was absolutely stunning as the models walked on water with their heels for a splashing hot runway show. You can watch the video of the runway show after the photos below.

*Rosa Cha Claro Rio Summer 2008, Brazil

Swarovski Christmas Jewels Collection 2008

As Christmas is approaching, what better sparkling companion of this special holiday than Swarovski. Whether you want to decorate with crystals or give someone special something just as special, Swarovski has it all. The Christmas Jewels Collection for 2008 features many jewels inspired by snowflakes and stars, in silver, gold and clear crystal shades.

This beautiful star hair clip has a shimmering design with Black Diamond, Silver Shade and and clear crystal pavé and it is priced at CAD $105. This would not only make a great gift for someone over the holidays but it is also a beautiful accessory that would give some sparkle against the winter cold weather outside. One of the most beautiful pieces in the collection are the set of gold plated necklace, earrings and bracelet with bezel set clear crystal chatons and antique square cut Moonlight and Silver Shade crystals. The necklace is priced at CAD $220, the earrings at CAD $65, and the bracelet at CAD $260.

If instead you wish to have something even more gentler or are looking for something extra loving to give, heart pendants and swan engraved rings are your choice. The Signature Ring is not only appealing because of its classy shape but it offers something dreamy and magical with the Swanflower(TM) motif gleaming in clear crystal pavé. It is priced at $ CAD120. The mini heart and butterfly pendant is an excellent choice for any occasion. The heart is in faceted clear crystal and butterfly in Light Rose crystal and it is priced at CAD $55. You may also like the Emotion Pendant which is Rhodium-plated with open heart in clear crystal pavé and smaller heart-cut crystal. It is priced at CAD $105.

Gucci’s Heart Tattoo Bags for UNICEF

For its fourth annual campaign to benefit UNICEF, fashion brand Gucci launched special white versions bags of its Tattoo Heart Collection. All the bags feature the iconic Gucci heart and rose designs against the winter white beautiful color.

“I love the idea of a heart being tattooed onto the handbags,” says Gucci’s creative director Frida Giannini. “It’s a permanent mark that you can wear with pride that stays with you. I think that represents very well what we are doing here. This is not a one-off program, but rather an ongoing commitment to the incredible work that UNICEF is able to achieve. It’s really our chance to give back.”

The Gucci UNICEF Tattoo Collection is available from November 19th to January 31st in Gucci stores in more than twenty countries. 25% of the sales will be donated to the charity which will assist in providing aid to orphans and children affected by HIV and AIDS in Africa.

Dior’s Night Diamond Powder

One of the hottest make-up accessories for Christmas, Dior’s Night Diamond Powder compact is already a big hit and will soon be completely sold out. It is directly inspired by Dior Couture Accessories Collection and features a sparkling metallic black lacquered case with glamorous crystal color gems and rhinestones. The powder is just as glamorous and as it features an illuminating sparkling effect. The Night Diamond comes in two shades, pearly beige and pale pink. The price is set at $90 and it will only be available until December 31st.

Destination Spa: Holistic Spa, Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand

The Asian Spa Awards for 2008, which are in their fourth year of celebrating and are organized by AsiaSpa magazine were held in Hong Kong in the middle of this month. Not surprisingly, Thailand took most of the awards for best spas which are judged in terms of innovation and quality by 29 independent judges. For Destination Spa of the Year, the award went to the Holistic Spa at the Kamalaya resort on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand. The resort itself is a true magical sanctuary which is centered around a monk’s cave that once served Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat. Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand and it is known as the “island of the coconuts.”

The Holistic Spa combines authentic ancient healing traditions with contemporary therapies and offers diverse range of holistic therapies, therapeutic body treatments, restorative massages, and nurturing body treatments. Whether you chose a private setting in a room with your loved one enjoying a relaxing spa treatment followed by a private sunset dinner in this paradise or you chose one of the many ancient therapies like Reiki, Sound Healing or indulge in an exotic spa treatments like Jewel of the Orient, Herbal Steam or Lotus Realm, who will surely feel in heaven. You can learn more about the resort and the Holistic Spa at the official website http://www.kamalaya.com/.

Prada Opens Nightclub “Double Club” in London

The visionary fashion designer Prada’s art foundation, the Fondazione Prada, opened its first nightclub called the Double Club in London last week. German artist Carsten Höller conceived the space which includes a bar, a restaurant and a dance club as each of these is divided into Western and Congolese areas which also showcases artwork. Höller wanted to design a space about the coexistence the Congo, which is one of his passions, and the West and he does exactly that by showcasting food, music and art from both cultures.

“In the dance club, the DJ plays alternately Congolese and Western music on a circular dance floor which slowly revolves at about one turn per hour. When the DJ is in the Western part of the room, ‘Western’ music is played, while as coming into the Congolese part it will switch into Congolese Rumba, Wenge or Ndombolo.”

British Vogue describes the club as “a stroke of nightclubbing genius.” Whether it is the rotating dance floor or the art including an Andy Warhol piece, the Double Club is a definite successful collaboration between Prada’s award winning foundation and artist Carsten Höller. Double Club is located at 7 Torrens Street, London EC1V 1NQ and you can also visit its official website at http://www.thedoubleclub.co.uk/.

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