Mlle. Chanel | La Chanelphile

July 8, 2010

“I Am Chanel, Hear Me Roar”

I didn’t think that Karl could outdo a giant glacier as the centerpiece for a runway show – but somehow he did. On Tuesday, Chanel unveiled its Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Haute Couture show at the Grand Palais in Paris with an “8-ton, 40-foot-tall golden lion, [with] its paw perched on an enormous pearl” serving as the backdrop. (WWD).

The inspiration for the lion is clear – born on August 19th, Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel was a Leo. She loved lions and they surfaced everywhere from her apartment decor, buttons and even her gravestone. The centerpiece for the haute couture runway show is a replica of a marble sculpture from her infamous apartment at 31 Rue Cambon. “Gabrielle Chanel surrounded herself with models of lions in wood, silver, bronze or alabaster…[and t]he lion became a timeless biographical seal on numerous of her creations.” (Chanel News).

Chanel herself, felt a close affinity with lions: “August 19th is my birthday. I was born under the sign of Leo. I am a Leo and, like a lion, I use my claws to prevent people from doing me harm, but, believe me, I suffer more from scratching than from being scratched.”

The lion inspired some of her creations and lion heads were commonly found embossed on the buttons of her iconic tweed suits.

Indeed, Mlle. Chanel’s love for lions are eternal – her gravestone has 5 lion heads carved onto it.

Not only is Karl Lagerfeld an ingenious designer, he truly respects and understands the woman that Coco Chanel was. He stays true to what inspired her and he gives it all a modern twist. Of course, he is one of the few people in the world who has access to her apartments and archives (what I would do to be a fly on the wall!). I hope that his successor will have the same respect for Chanel’s vision.

Image Credits:

Runway show & apartment images: Chanel News

Chanel Button: Chanel: Collections & Creations

Chanel Gravestone: Ballyshannon

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Filed under: Chanel, Chanel Culture, Chanel Haute Couture, Karl Lagerfeld — Tags: 31 rue Cambon, Chanel, chanel fashion news & trends, fall winter 2010-2011, gabrielle bonheur coco chanel, Grand Palais, haute couture, karl lagerfeld, la chanelphile, leo, lion, Mlle. Chanel, Paris — admin @ 4:26 pm

July 7, 2010

Chanel N˚5 Wins “Best Classic Fragrance”

Each year Allure Magazine hosts a Reader’s Choice Award and this year, Chanel N˚5 won Best Classic Fragrance. This should come as no surprise as Chanel N˚5 has been making waves since it debuted on May 5, 1921. Perhaps the most famous fragrance in the world, a bottle of Chanel N˚5 is sold every 55 seconds. (Stephen Brook, Guardian.co.uk). No other perfume has gained the iconic status of Chanel N˚5 and it’s easy to see why it would win the Best Classic Fragrance award.

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Filed under: Chanel, Chanel Fragrance — Tags: allure magazine, Chanel N˚5, Coco Chanel, fragrance, Marilyn Monroe, Mlle. Chanel, perfume — admin @ 7:19 pm

March 17, 2010

Coco Chanel Virtual Paper Doll on StarDoll.com

Did you ever think you’d get the chance to dress the legendary Coco Chanel? Me neither. But now you can! Stardoll.com is a site geared toward young girls (or those young at heart) who have an interest in fashion. Girls can either make their own virtual paper dolls or dress the likes of Lady Gaga, Cleopatra or Naomi Campbell. One of the role models available to dress is none other than Mlle. Chanel. Here are some of the looks I came up with… I want everything in the virtual closet!

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Filed under: Chanel, Chanel Culture — Tags: Chanel, cleopatra, Gabrielle Chanel, la chanelphile, lady gaga, Mlle. Chanel, naomi campbell, paper doll, stardoll.com, virtual paper doll — admin @ 12:19 pm

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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October 13, 2009

New Chanel Boutique on the Shanghai Horizon

Left: Rendering of the Chanel Shanghai Boutique (WWD); Right: Coco Chanel in her apartment with her beloved comorandel screens

Each year Chanel produces my favorite collection of the year – the “métiers d’art” collection – where Karl Lagerfeld takes on his magic carpet to the magical places that inspired Mlle. Chanel and whose ready-to-wear line features embellishments “with the couture ateliers Chanel owns.” Two years ago it was London, and last year it was Moscou. This year, the collection is called “Paris-Shanghai” and is, you guessed it, inspired by Shanghai, China. The collection will also include a short film directed by Uncle Karl himself.

To coincide with the collection, Chanel is opening a boutique in Shanghai on December 3, 2009. The boutique will be housed in the chic Peninsula Hotel on the riverfront and will be filled with commissioned art. French artist “Jean-Michel Othoniel, … created a giant, swirling strand of glass pearls, echoing the founding designer’s necklaces.”

Chanel to Open a Boutique in Shanghai

The layout of the boutique, designed by architect Peter Marino, echoes Coco Chanel’s apartment on 31 Rue Cambon and will also include an “ultra luxe” salon (don’t worry, if you can’t make it to Shanghai, you can visit the Chanel Ultra Luxe Boutique in Las Vegas).

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Filed under: Chanel, Chanel Boutiques, Chanel Ready To Wear — Tags: Chanel, Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou, Chanel Ultra-Luxe Boutique, Coco Chanel, Gabrielle Chanel, Jean-Michel Othoniel, karl lagerfeld, Las vegas, Metiers d’Arts Paris-Londres Collection, Mlle. Chanel, Paris-Shanghai, Peninsual Hotel, Peter Marino, Shanghai, Shanhai, “métiers d’art” — admin @ 10:43 pm

June 20, 2009

Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

A few months back we showed you the indulgent Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou collection and the coordinating Paris-Moscou nail colours, and now we dug up some more photos of the collection to share with you. If you know me, you know that I love all things Chanel, but this collection is one of the best I’ve seen.

Karl Lagerfeld is a master and staying true to the roots of the house of Chanel, while also injecting youth, fun an creativity into everything he does. I love that he really digs deep into the inspiration behind a line, researches all of the nuances, and translates them into elaborate, whimsical clothing and accessories.

Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

The Paris-Moscou theme stems from Chanel’s connections to exiled Russian royalty and her relationships with them influenced some of her collections. I’m not sure if the timing of this collection was intentional, but this year also marks the release of a film detailing the love affair Mlle. Chanel had with another famous Russian, Igor Stravinsky. Coincidence, or not, the Paris-Moscou collection has a fairytale quality to it – they seem the perfect pieces for a young czarina.

: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

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Filed under: Chanel, Chanel Jewelry — Tags: Chanel, Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou, Cuckoo for coco, Igor Stravinksy, karl lagerfeld, Mlle. Chanel — Miss Interns @ 6:33 pm

March 19, 2009

Les Exclusifs de Chanel Beige

beige

Les Exclusifs de Chanel is a collection of fragrances that recalls a place, moment or theme that played an important role to Mlle. Chanel’s life. All of the fragrances are available in only one size and concentration, 200ml size of eau de toilette. They are light fragrances that are meant to be spritzed liberally in a decadent fashion. Existing fragrances include Gardenia, Coromandel, Bel Respiro, and 31, rue Cambon. The newest scent in the Les Exclusifs de Chanel Collection is Beige, the neutral color that Chanel single-handedly made chic. Chanel once said, “I take refuge in beige because it’s natural.“ Created by legendary “nose” Jacques Polge, this fragrance is everything that Chanel loved about her favorite color: it’s natural, light, elegant and sexy all at once.

While visiting the Chanel Ultra-Luxe Boutique, Ruby the sales associate, told me about Beige and how it was the newest in the series. She also told me that most stores and the website didn’t even have it yet. Ruby didn’t know it, but I had been on the hunt for a new fragrance for some time. I had been wearing the same perfume, Samsara by Guerlain, since I was 18. I’ve worn some other fragrances here and there during the past 16 years, all of them Chanel including Allure, Coco Mademoiselle and No. 5 Elixir Sensuel. All of those scents, including Samsara, can be a bit heavy at times so I was looking for something a bit fresher. One whiff of Beige and I instantly found my new scent. Beige is light, with notes of “hawthorne, freesia, frangipani, honey, white petals and yellow gold.” I bought it that day in February and I’ve been wearing it everyday since. Beige is now available in Chanel boutiques and will debut soon on the Chanel website. The 200ml size retails for $190.

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Filed under: Chanel, Chanel Fragrance — Tags: 31 rue Cambon, Allure, Beige, Bel Respiro, Chanel, Chanel Ultra-Luxe Boutiqe, Coco Chanel, Coco Mademoiselle, coromandel, Gardenia, Gurelain, Jacques Polge, Les Exclusifs de Chanel, Mlle. Chanel, No. 5 Elixir Sensuel, Samsara — Miss Interns @ 8:58 pm

February 16, 2009

Vampire Lips: Les Noirs de Chanel Rouge Allure Lipsticks

Chanel has released Les Noir de Chanel, a collection of dark, seductive lip colors fit for a style maven – or vampire. Inspired by Mlle. Chanel’s love of the color black, the three colors - Maniac, Hysteria and Obscure – coordinate with their nail colors Rouge Noir, Vendetta and Madness. I love the depth of color and the personality these shades evoke. They say that in times of economic crises sales of lip color go up because it’s a more economical way to update a look. If that’s true, then these colors are perfect now. You can find the perfect shade for your mood here.

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Filed under: Chanel, Chanel Cosmetics, Chanel Nail Colour — Tags: Chanel, Hysteria, Les Noir de Chanel, Madness, Maniac, Mlle. Chanel, Obscure, Rouge Allure, Rouge Noir, Vendetta — Miss Interns @ 8:21 pm

December 4, 2008

From Russia With Love: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 Paris-Moscou

Yesterday we told you about the silent film that Karl Lagerfeld directed, in homage to Mlle. Chanel, to introduce the Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009 collection. I just found a teaser, and I NEED to find the whole thing! I love it! It totally captures the Chanel spirit, especially since it’s filmed in a way that was “a la mode” of the time period that he’s portraying. Karl is a genius. Check out the teaser below:

And now, the clothing! Karl always manages to surprise and delight me. Whenever I think I’ve seen it all, he takes it to a whole other stratosphere. Last year, for Chanel’s Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall collection Karl took us to London (literally and thematically). This time, though showing in Paris, Karl was inspired by Russia. It’s not too far off the mark considering Chanel herself had a romance with a Russian noble, and was friends with Russian creatives including Stravinsky and Diaghilev. In fact, she designed costumes for one of Diaghilev’s ballets. She was so inspired by her Slavic circle of friends that she even had a design period heavily influenced by traditional Russian dress, especially, of course, the men’s garment. But alas, I’m digressing – I’m here to talk about the clothes!

I’ve gone through the collection twice (so far), and each time I rush through it so quickly because I can’t wait to see what’s next and I miss so many details. Every time I go back and look again I find something else that makes my mouth water. For me, the hair and head-pieces stole the show. The garments, of course are amazing but the hair, the braids, the feathers, the dangling cascades of pearls and chandelier hair/hats – my goodness! A-maz-ing. The “fantasy folkloric headdresses [were made] by Japanese wizard Kamo.” When asked what he had up his sleeve for next year, Karl said: “Shanghai Express — the trip [Chanel] never made.” Chanel was enamoured with Asian artwork and her apartment is known to have housed many, many Coromandel screens. I cannot wait to see what next year will bring!

More pictures from the collection, as well as some video footage of the goings-on at the show with still images of the fashion. As soon as the actual show footage is available online we’ll post it up for you! Jeez, I need a fairy god mother to bestow Chanel every season. Oh, fairy god mother, where are you??
Images & Info

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Filed under: Chanel, Chanel Haute Couture — Tags: Chanel, Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009, Chanel Silent Film, Coco Chanel, Coromandel Screens, Gabrielle Chanel, Kamor, karl lagerfeld, london, Mlle. Chanel, Paris, Russia, Russian Folklore, Shangahi Express — Miss Interns @ 7:02 pm

December 3, 2008

Lagerfeld Creates Chanel Silent Film

Karl Lagerfeld directed a 10-minute silent film, documenting the early years of Gabrielle Chanel, to coincide with a showing of Chanel’s Paris-Moscow, a luxury pre-fall ready-to-wear collection. The homage was fitting since her early years were heavily influenced by French men, and Russian men, alike. The film was shot in 2 days and rather than use extras, Lagerfeld recruited actual workers from the atelier. “I cannot take extras,” Karl stated. “They don’t know how to touch the clothes.”

The idea of a silent film is really new, even though the method itself is a bit antiquated. In a time when we’re constantly bombarded with technology, it’s quite refreshing to sit back for a minute in silence and just watch. “Today, people are ready for silent movies again, as they spend time — hours, I would say — looking at text messages and e-mails,” Karl stated. “I always loved silent movies.” It seems like this is the year for Chanel on film, first Lifetime, now this, and next year the feature film. I cannot wait to see this – I feel like with Karl directing this ship, it will be the most accurate, (and probably best looking), portrayal of Mlle. Chanel’s early life. The show and mini-film will be shown tonight in Paris.