Chanel Couture Spring 2009 collection was one that was started with a piece of white paper, a pair of scissors and Karl Lagerfeld. Lagerfeld wanted to clean house and decided that he “wanted everything graphic itself, no bling-bling”. What we got was a beautiful collection in predominantly white, save for a few smatterings of black.
In the wrong hands, this could have potentially been monotonous and dull, but it was actually really fresh, clean and utterly beautiful. Every texture seemed to be alive, miniscule details sang to be be noticed.
Gently squared shoulders, often in cropped capelets/jackets were paired with a-line dresses and skirts or slim pants. Miniscule sequins dotted garments often creating stripes or gradations that were sometimes white on white but often in contrast for a sporty historic Chanel vibe. The classic Chanel Braid trim was trimmed down and sleek. Applique, sequins and feathers added dimension and depth.
The only print was a warp print rose silhouette. The graphic tears were actually seed beads sewn to form a pattern rather than a print.
Also spectacular were the paper hair ornaments/flowers that were crafted by Japanese hair genius Katsuya Kamo and a team of several people working in the Chanel Atelier while staring at images of 18th Century Porcelain. The results are nothing less than art.
Overall, I loved the clean freshness of the collection, very classically Chanel, but very new at the same time. The toning down of bling had fantastic textural results that were simply visually stunning. In this economy many people are down against the elitist nature of couture, but when times are tough beauty and inspiration are important and Karl Lagerfeld with this collection just proved his cause for couture.
Tan canvas with brown leather sneakers - Jack Purcell
I love/hate my friend Nate for showing me these. They're beautiful and amazing, but I will probably never own them. Ugh! Can't stop staring... I want!
Long black boyfriend cardigan - Jeanne Pierre
Usually when it comes to models or celebs turned designers I'm a little cynical of their design skills until proven competent. Liz Carey has more than proven herself. She was a model turned wife of rock star turned divorcee who after completing design school, simultaneously joined a comedy troupe and started the collection, Bird Handbags. The oversized One Night Stand clutch from her current collection really caught my eye. The bright fabric comes from traditional Guatemalan Wedding Shirts, while the Ostrich leather handle is whip-stitched by hand. It kind of reminds me of a really elaborate friendship bracelet made snazy. This style comes in other materials including all Ostrich, Snakeskin/Ostrich and Lambskin/Ostrich. I believe this clutch retails for $995 but ranges up to $1725 for all Ostrich. You can buy through Bird Handbags online through brooke@birdhandbags.com or Net-a-porter, come Spring. Also available in stores at Fred Segal Flair, Satine and Presse. Celeb fans include Cameron Diaz, Patricia Arquette, Lake Bell and Rosario Dawson.
Fitted print jacket - Grey Ant
