La Chanelphile

March 1, 2010

Chanel Shanghai Accessories

Chanel Paris-Shanghai Accessories

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Chanel has Shanghai on the brain for 2010.  First there was the Chanel Shanghai boutique opening, then there was the Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2010 Paris-Shanghai collection.  We know Coco Chanel was infatuated with Shanghai and would have loved to have traveled there.  But I wonder if that was the only inspiration for the Chanel Shanghai collection – could it be that it was timed to coincide with the upcoming World’s Fair Expo in Shanghai in May, 2010.  Whatever the reason, the accessories are amazing!

After the success of the Chanel Paris-Moscou Matryoshka doll purse, Uncle Karl has created a similar purse for the Shanghai collection. The matching drop earrings are adorable – I wonder if he used these little ladies on any other accessories? Lagerfeld also reinterpreted the classic 2.55 bag with large sequined palletes in red and jade.

Chanel Paris-Shanghai Accessories

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My other favorite bag is Chanel’s rendition of the classic takeout box – with leather chain strap and all!  The Chanel cuff is also especially beautiful and is reminiscent of Chinese pottery and vases.

This is just a little glimpse into the details of the collection and I can’t wait to see more!

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February 9, 2010

VogueTV: Peter Philips in 80 Days

VogueTV: Peter Philips in 80 Days

VogueTV: Peter Philips in 80 Days

Peter Philips, the artistic director of Chanel Beauty has made quite a splash since he joined the Chanel team in 2008.  In his short time there he’s already created cult classics like Gold Fiction, Jade and Particulière.  Now you can watch the master make-up artist at work behind the scenes at runway shows, in his studio, during beauty shoots and in business meetings.

I especially love these videos because you get rare glimpses into fittings (which still take place in Mademoiselle’s salon), details of some of the accessories, the Lesage embroidery studio, and even the archives where you catch sight of original Chanel beauty products and Coco’s very first little black dress. View the videos from VogueTV below…

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February 5, 2010

“Lovely Chanel Gifts” Just in Time For Valentine’s Day

Chanel Set of 3 Enamel Brooches with Glass Pearls

Chanel Set of 3 Enamel Brooches with Glass Pearls

Chanel launched a site with an array of “Lovely Chanel Gifts” just in time for Valentine’s Day.  The site has a cute slot machine featuring all of the products that have a bit of a Valentine’s Day theme.    Karl must have tattoos on the brain because not only did he release Chanel temporary tattoos, but one of the earrings are inspired by the classic heart tattoos.  From heart charms on the quilted lambskin classic flap bags to enamel brooches and charms on chain necklaces, all of these gifts are a great way to profess one’s love (in fact, any Chanel gift is a great way to show some love).  The products are available at Chanel boutiques and you’ve got about a week to start dropping hints.

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January 28, 2010

Coco Before Chanel Nominated for 12th Annual CDG Awards

Coco Before Chanel

The nominees have been announced for the 12th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards and not surprisingly, Catherine Leterrier was nominated for her work in Coco Before Chanel. The specific category is “Excellence in a Period Film” and though I haven’t seen the other films in the category, I think she should win. It’s a very difficult task to do the costumes for the most iconic person in fashion history and I think she met the challenge. The Award ceremony will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

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January 8, 2010

Chanel is Bringing Lipstick Back: Introducing Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour

Chanel is Bringing Lipstick Back: Vanessa Paradis for Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour

Chanel is Bringing Lipstick Back: Vanessa Paradis for Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour

They say lipstick sales are “recession proof” – in fact – sales usually go up. Why? Because it’s an inexpensive way to look beautiful and freshen up your look. Chanel is taking note and bringing lipstick back to a young customer base that is infatuated with lip gloss. This March, Chanel is introducing Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour – and bringing back the lost art of sexily applying your lipstick.

Vanessa Paradis, the French actress (and Johnny Depp’s leading lady) is the face of the campaign and this is not the first time Paradis has worked with Chanel.  Andrea D’Avack, president of Chanel Fragrance & Beauté, stated: “Vanessa has been very linked to the house over the years, and she represents a young, sophisticated woman who we also believe will be the consumer for Rouge Coco.”  Print and TV ads have been shot though it’s still unclear whether TV spots will be placed in the U.S.

The Rouge Coco line has 30 shades and each hue is named after an influential part of Coco Chanel’s life – Camelia, Mademoiselle, and Paris – to name a few.  The shades come in one of four color families Roses-Pinks; Reds-Corals; Violets-Berries, and Neutrals-Browns and will be available in different global markets.

Like many Chanel cosmetics, the packaging takes it’s cue from Chanel’s history with black and gold detailing, interlocking C’s and the Chanel name embossed into each lipstick bullet.  The Rouge Coco collection debuts in March with each lipstick retailing for $30 at fine retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Chanel.com.

Chanel is Bringing Lipstick Back: Introducing Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour

Chanel is Bringing Lipstick Back: Introducing Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour

Images & Info: WWD

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January 7, 2010

Love Is A Battlefield: Chanel Samurai Armor

samurai

Mademoiselle Chanel inspired many artists in her lifetime from Stravinsky to Picasso, and apparently she continues to do so.  Japanese artist “Tetsuya Noguchi has created some concept samurai armor suits designed to appeal to the fashion-conscious warrior. Made from resin, cashew lacquer, cloth and glass, the exquisitely crafted protective suits sport the iconic double-C logo, allowing the wearer to flaunt his superior social status while crushing the enemy on the battlefield.”  (Pink Tentacle)

Via Pink Tentacle (more images here)

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Filed under: Chanel, Chanel Culture — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 9:38 pm

Coco A Go-Go: Karl Lagerfeld Contributes to V Magazine’s Size Issue

Coco A Go-Go

It’s widely known that Karl Lagerfeld doesn’t like “round” people but that didn’t stop him from contributing to V Magazine’s Size Issue. Models.com just released a sneaky peek of Karl’s “Coco A Go-Go” shoot featuring Miss Dirty Martini and Jane Schmitt as “Coco.” I’m not positive but I’m pretty sure that Mademoiselle is rolling in her grave.  V Magazine’s Size Issue hits newsstands on January 14th.

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January 5, 2010

31 Rue Cambon: Interview From NPR

31 rue cambon

31 rue cambon

Journalist Susan Stamberg interviewed Chanel archivist Odile Babin on NPR. It’s a terrific article and interview with lots of insight into the little things that the biographies don’t tell you about Coco Chanel.

As a Chanelphile, I loved this interview. I think I found my new dream job – Chanel archivist?? If only I spoke French! I knew there was a reason I was infatuated with Paris and speaking French as a little girl – if only I had learned. I suppose it’s never too late. In the mean time, you can listen to the NPR feature below and you can read the article on NPR.org.

Image and audio from NPR.

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January 4, 2010

“Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky” Movie Trailer

Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky Official Movie Poster

Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky Official Movie Poster

I’ve been hearing about this film for some time – Coco Chanel seems to be a very popular movie subject these days. Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky explores the relationship between the iconic designer and the avant-garde composer. Stravinsky was a married Russian ex-patriot living in Paris when he met Coco Chanel and they were rumored to have an affair.

One of the criticisms that people often bring up about Chanel is her affairs with men – how could a woman so independent and strong have affairs with married men? I can’t speak for her, nor do I condone what she did, but it was a different time then and I think she was a lonely woman looking for love in all of the wrong places. Either way, I know that I will definitely watch this film. View the trailer below – it’s in French – but you get the idea – the English trailer probably won’t be out for another few months…

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January 3, 2010

Chanel Fine Jewelry Catalog

Chanel Fine Jewelry Catalog

Chanel Fine Jewelry Catalog

I came home to find this beautiful catalog on my doorstep.  Coco Chanel was known for making costume jewelry fashionable, but her fine jewelry designs were ground-breaking and breath-taking.  Today, Chanel carries on the tradition by releasing gorgeous collections of diamonds, platinum and pearls – oh my!  These pieces are far beyond my budget but at least I have this comprehensive catalog with beautiful photographs to flip through and day dream.  Chanel Fine Jewelry can be found at select Chanel boutiques, including the Chanel Ultra-Luxe Boutique at the Encore in Las Vegas.

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