Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Collection

Ever since Karl Lagerfeld revealed that the new Métiers D’Art collection will be inspired by imperial Russia and Russian folklore, everyone could not wait to see it. And finally presented in Paris in the Théâtre le Ranelagh the runway blossomed in this amazing fairy tale. I do not have words to describe what a beautiful collection this truly is and I will let you judge for yourself adoring the pictures below. Every single piece was stunning and brought to life the Russian magic combined with the timeless Chanel style. The folkloric headdresses were done by Japanese wizard Kamo and the garments sparkled with gold high heels, extravagant jewellery and astrakhan muffs.

“There are three things I like about Russia,” said Lagerfeld. “I love Imperial Russia, from Catherine the Great to Fabergé. I love constructivism, of course. And I love Russian folklore, which is very special. What was fun was to mix it all.”

And he truly did as the runway was rich in everything from “a coat with a shawl collar and babushka shoulders to tweed suits with military airs and geometric trim,” and the shimmering gold stockings, leather boots and splashes of stunning knits, brocades, fur trims and embroideries completed the magical Parisian-Russian fairy tale.

Mango Spring/Summer 2009: Barcelona

The Spanish brand Mango presented its Spring/Summer 2009 Collection in Barcelona named “An Enchanted Garden.” The collection was inspired by “nature and modern landscape” as well as influenced by a strong Japanese touch on the shapes and prints of the garments. Brazilian model Camila Alves came down the runway, and it was her first appearance after the birth of her cute son from boyfriend Matthew McConaughey. The Enchanted Garden featured bright colors and prints, silk and chiffon softness, large flower accessories and exotic oriental flare. Watch out for these pieces to come out in stores next year and prepare for a bright, hot summer!

Paris Spring 2009: Chanel

One of the most anticipated fashion shows is with no doubt Chanel. For Spring 2009, Karl Lagerfeld impressed everyone with his runway decor, as he decided to bring Chanel’s home 31 Rue Cambon as he stage a life-size facade of the building into the Grand Palais. The charming theme was inspired by a grayish portrait by Marie Laurencin who painted Mademoiselle Coco Chanel in the twenties. The classic tweeds, bows, and camellias were back with a touch of pink sheerness, romantic ruffles, sparkly embroidery, bold accessories and the delicious French chic magic. My favorite? I love the combination of pink, sheer, and tweed!

* Chanel Paris Spring 2009

Paris Spring 2009: Hermès

I am in love with the cactus desert sands of the Hermès runway! Designer Jean Paul Gaultier took the Hermès collection for Spring 2009 straight to the wild wild West and it was a pleasure to watch. The runway show was opened by none other than supermodels Stephanie Seymour and Naomi Campbell. The equestrian heritage brand, Hermès which is well identified by the sophisticated world traveler is safe in the creative hands of the talented designer Gaultier. The classic house scarf was creatively twisted into a bandanna and ponchos were made elegant by square-cut cashmere knits and day dresses. The much desired accessories of the brand were stunning including the soft suede riding boots, the riding gloves, the exotic crocodile clutches, the canvas and leather suitcases and the fringed Birkin bags.

* Hermès Paris Spring 2009

Paris Spring 2009: Jean Paul Gaultier

The cute show started out with a trio of modern dancers who danced on the runway. Gaultier’s favorite girl and one of my favorite models, Coco Rocha, reprised her Riverdance moment from Fall 2007 as she joined in the dance. She then took the stage wearing her dance shoes in a fuchsia dress which turned out to be a leotard. This was a ballet inspired collection featuring fitted suits, shirts tied in the back over high waist jersey pants, and flowing dresses. The hairstyles were really cute as the girls with their pinned up hairs under head wraps in true ballet fashion.

* Jean Paul Gaultier Paris Spring 2009

Paris Spring 2009: John Galliano

John Galliano said that the inspirations for his Spring collection were “James Gillray and the Queen Mum.” This translated into the giant plumed military helmets, transparent dresses and the many florals. However, one does not need to understand British history in order to appreciate the beautiful collection. By far one of Galliano’s most wearable collections up to date, this was a sweet delight for the eyes. The dreamy flowing dresses made of delicate and soft materials in bright colors were as if taken out of a fairy tale. Floral prints, impressive beading details and the romantic sheer transparency made his dresses the highlight. As the models walked on the runway, one could almost feel that they would fly because of the pretty flowing dresses. In contrast, the location was on the harder side as it was in the industrial garage in the outer suburbs where the Paris metro trains are repaired. My favorite? The dresses and the soft combination of pinks, greens, orange and florals.

* John Galliano Paris Spring 2009

Christian Dior Spring 2009 Hot Tribal Shoes

Beware: what you see is only to touch, admire and lust after but not, I repeat not, to wear! These were actually featured as one of the top most dangerous Spring 2009 shoes in a post for New York Magazine. And judging by their Everest-high heels, I can definitely agree. However, these are a work of art and like anything that John Galliano does, these are the tip of the wildest and most beautiful imagination possible. To die-for-gorgeous, the stilettos have a woman statue figure as its heels, which is the African fertility goddess figurine and are inspired by Galliano’s visits to Africa as was his entire collection. The “Tribal Chic” spring 2009 is rich in these artwork shoes which are a loving pleasure to look at. And knowing women’s temptations to own shoes even if we cannot walk a step in them, these will certainly be on the list of must-haves for many, even it is just to look at them and dream that we can feel no pain with such heights. Oh, sweet loves, tonight I’ll dream of thee!

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