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.

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

Victoria Beckham Shocks NY with Heel-Less Boots!

At the Beckhams’ perfume launch this weekend in New York, Victoria shocked all by wearing these PVC thigh-high heel-less boots by Antonio Berardi. A pair of these runs at about $5,600 and are made to order. The English-Italian designer started the heel-less shoe trend in the summer with the heel-less sandals which were actually bought by Uma Thurman, Gwyneth Paltrow and of course Posh Spice. These new made to order boots have already sold around 60 pairs worldwide.

Is this design impossible to wear? After all, heels alone make you feel enormous pain after long hours, then what will no heels do for your high-”heeled” shoes? Well, according to Berardi these shoes do not cause any pain.

“They are perfectly balanced. When the girls come for fittings, they look a bit daunted, but by the end they say it’s just like wearing a regular shoe. They are graceful and there is a ballerina nature about them. Having a heel is really just psychological.” The trick to the heel-less shoes is that they have a bigger platform sole which stretched back further than the ordinary heel shoes and this is what gives the needed support not to fall. However, when you walk you would need to step on your toes first. Medical experts of course disagree warning that if regularly worn, the shoes could cause permanent physical damage. I can see their appeal as they remind of the pointe ballerina shoes. But any ballerina would tell you that she would never wear her shoes unless she had to, no matter how appealing they are.

Would you wear the heel-less shoes? Is this the next dangerous footwear trend that everyone will start obssesing about?