Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011--Chanel

Bouclé Lamp Shade Couture...

Freja Gives Tweed: Model Freja Bbeha Erichsen in Chanel Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

For Fall/Winter Haute Couture, Karl Lagerfeld, Creative Emperor of the House of Chanel went Dark, moody, and very traditional to the old-school 1920's/1930's aesthetic for Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel. The collection began with lots of those traditional and iconic tweed/bouclé suits which will make his devoted clientele from St. Tropez to Shanghai very happy. Most of these suits featured elbow-length oversized sleeves (as opposed to those super-tight, can-barely-move-my-arm Chanel sleeves). The peplum was a HUGE silhouette detail for this collection, showing up in the suits as well as the gowns toward the end. If it's up to Karl Lagerfeld, the Chanel Couture Woman will be in a "Lamp Shade" mode when it comes to this year's Fall/Winter season.

Lunch Ensemble: Chanel Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

Colors ranged from light gray...to silver gray...to dark gray--as well as black and midnight blue. There were "shots" of fuchsia for the client in need of more color than just four shades of GRAY. And of course, all the expert Lesage (it's owned by Chanel after all!) hand-beading and sequins that Chanel Haute Couture is famous for was there in almost each and every look. Beautifully done and one assumes, terribly costly. But who cares, it is Couture! Doesn't every billionaire's wife need a hand-made tweed suit with hand-beaded Lesage embroidered sequins to wear to her next lunch date at the Hotel Plaza Athenee?? Take a look:

Red Carpet Gray: Chanel Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

Fuchsia Office: Chanel Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

Gown de Peplum: Chanel Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

Going to Hollywood: Chanel Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

Le Sari Mariage: Chanel Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

Click Below for Full Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011/12 Runway Show--Part 1:

Chanel Fall/Winter 2011/12 Haute Couture--Part 2:

The French Riviera Fashion Report: Chanel Resort 2012!!

French Riviera Gets CHANEL'ed...

Queen Elizabeth Yellow: Canary yellow suit, Chanel Resort 2012

Kaiser Karl--Karl Lagerfeld--just went down to the French Riviera--in lieu of the Cannes Film Festival--to show his latest Chanel Resort 2012 Collection. Why? Because Lagerfeld--and the House of Chanel can do that! Hello?? The venue—the Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, in Antibes on the French Riviera. It is, as the designer himself pointed out, possibly the most expensive hotel in the world, and he booked out the whole joint a year ago for however many days it took to get this show on the runway. Not only did they book out the hotel location, then they flew in all these top models, press, the seamstresses, staff, well, you name it, they were there. In addition, the Chanel PR Department went on overdrive to have their A-List stars there as well.

Lilac Lunch: A look from Chanel Resort 2012

"Too much may not be enough", Lagerfeld mused at show's end. He has accessorized the collection with REAL diamonds, jewels and pearls. To HECK with the (supposed) Recession!! (at least for Chanel and Karl). Ladies who can afford a $3,500 jacket, well, aren't really bothered by a supposed "European Recession".

Put The Bloody Mary on My Hotel Tab: Chanel Resort 2012

He says the collection was inspired by Rita Hayworth and her third husband Prince Aly Khan. I get it: Expensive, Regal and oh-so-chic. Mixing both Hollywood 50's-like silhouettes with a touch of that "We're on a perpetual vacation" look. Oh, it must be nice. Here are some of the looks:

Kangaroo Pocket Tweed: A Dress for a Day-Trip--Chanel Resort 2012

Color Blocked Princess: Chanel Resort 2012

Cocktail Hour: Chanel Resort 2012

Dinner and a Yacht: Chanel Resort 2012

Private Cannes Film Festival Viewing: Chanel Resort 2012

Midriff Diva: Chanel Resort 2012

The 90's Are Back: The Bride (1990's Supermodel Kristen McMenamy)...and her Boysssssss (including Male Supermodel Mark Vanderloo)--Chanel Resort Finale 2012

Paris Pret-a-Porter Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011: Louis Vuitton, Chanel--Pics + Full Runway Videos!

More Paris Fall/Winter 2011 Collections Photo & Runway Video Highlights: Hotel Vuitton, SUPERMODELS are BACK...and so is SPENDING Millions on a show + Lagerfeld's "Dark & Foggy" Fashion World...

Naomi Brings Your Luggage Up: Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2011

Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2011:

May I Take Your Whip? Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2011

Paris Pret-a-Porter Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week continued this past week and here I highlight two "Biggies": Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Marc Jacobs, Creative Director/Designer for Louis Vuitton was in a "Logo Naughty" kind of mood. As guests arrived for the show, they were greeted by uniformed French maids. Soon people dubbed this the "Louis Vuitton Hotel" collection. For this collection, Jacobs was thinking of a hotel where "things happen", fetishism, the sketchy guests, Couture Chambermaids who see EVERYTHING but say NOTHING: "We were thinking about obsession, fetishism and we thought about an old hotel, with its chambermaids and the affairs that go on there, the crimes and scandals. And we just wanted to reveal all the amazing creatures who passed through there," he said.

Welcome to Hotel Vuitton: Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2011

The collection was INCREDIBLE--from the looks of the video and photos. Great clothes featuring COLOR (yeayy!!!) and luxe fabrications and well-tailored fits. Of course, the accessories were TO D.I.E. (scroll below!). Vuitton, Inc. spared no expense on this show: There were old-style elevators which individually brought up all the models, and speaking of models:

Checking In: Supermodel Amber Valletta, Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2011

The Supermodel Brigade was out in fine form. Naomi Campbell, Amber Valletta, Carmen Kass, Carolyn Murphy, Stella Tennant, Kate Moss, to name a few. If your keeping a tab, that's about $60,000 (at least!) already spent--and we're not adding the elevators! Whatever happened to those "recessionista" Gallery-style more intimate shows? Not when you're an almost-$20 BILLION dollar brand like Vuitton darling!

You Better Leave a Tip: Supermodel Mariacarla Boscono, Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2011

6AM Walk of Shame Ensemble: Supermodel Kate Moss, Louis Vuitton

Luxe Handcuffs: Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2011

Le Must Shoe: Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2011

I Want That Hat! Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2011

Louis Vuitton by Marc Jacobs Fall/Winter 2011 Full Runway Show:

Chanel Fall/Winter 2011:

Freja Man-Drag: Opening Look from Chanel Fall/Winter 2011

Now, speaking of multi-billion dollar brands, wait until you see the latest Chanel runway show and that opening (full video at the end of posting here) . For the latest Fall/Winter 2011 Chanel Collection, Designer Karl Lagerfeld is said to have been in a dark and somber mood and the runway stage--if you could call it that, reflected it: It was a foggy forest on a bed of still-smoldering scorched earth with rocks and faux coal. It was Fashion post Volcanic Eruption! Who knew clothes could look this chic after a natural Karl Lagerfeld-infused disaster.

Nordic Tweed: Chanel Fall/Winter 2011

Lots of grays, blacks, torn and tattered boucles, with a pop of burnt red here and there. There was again this division of Male-female, common in many a collection this season. It seems for the Chanel girl, Daywear means to bring out your "Inner Fashion Testosterone" and yet for Evening, it's time to be a girl again! Oh and if you are a Chanel Man, well...scroll down and take a look...

Volcanic Hunting Season: Chanel Fall/Winter 2011

Knit Red Carpet: Chanel Fall/Winter 2011

Post Eruption Sequins: Chanel Fall/Winter 2011

I'm So Mad I Have To Wear This Pretty Dress After A Natural Disaster: Chanel Fall/Winter 2011

Man Survives Forest Volcano Eruption: Chanel Fall/Winter 2011

Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Fall/Winter 2011 Full Runway Show:

Paris Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Week: Chanel

Black and White COUTURE Swans...

Black Swan: Supermodel Stella Tennant opens Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011 Show in black and white Bouclé suit and skinny black pants

Chanel Haute Couture by Karl Lagerfeld: The Spring/Summer 2011 Collection was VERY Chanel; lots of the traditional Bouclé suits the Ladies Who Lunch LOVE. There was a 1960's "touch" in the square shapes and minis but "modernized" a bit in the styling. For example, Lagerfeld put skinny black pants under just about everything. Couture Leggings a la Chanel.

White over Black: NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 sequin paillete cowl-neck tunic/mini dress and capelet over silk ziberline skinny pants

It actually reminded me of my NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection and this fabulous little number form our Look Book on Model Amanda Fields: So coincidental, and funny! Well, Karl, my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul (it was his idea) and I ...um...think alike? Nevertheless, I love it!

Spiderweb Queen: White with black beading coat over black sequin skinny pants, Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011

Trends: Skinny black pants over EVERYTHING; 60's shapes, boxy shapes on top, fitted/skinny on bottom; white, light rose, blush, sequined details, sleeves for evening.

Themes: Black Swan/White Swan

Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011 Highlights:

Gossamer Sheath: Light Pink sheath dress with sleeves, Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2011

Michelle Williams Oscar Choice Suggestion: Silver sequin gown with sleeves, Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2011

Shapeless and Modern: Light pink silk iridescent organza and crystal sequined
sheath gown with raglan sleeves, Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2011

Click below for the COMPLETE Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011 Show:

Nick Verreos Attends FIDM SF Open House...and Does Retail Damage!!

Bay Area FashionistaFashion Banner: FIDM San Francisco Campus

Last weekend, I flew to San Francisco to make a "surprise" visit to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM SF Campus, as part of their annual Open House. The Open House is when High School juniors and seniors (and their parents) get to know FIDM, tour the campus, meet the staff, see student work, and learn more about all of its 18 majors. Window Couture: FIDM SF Graduate Colleen Quen's Design on display

It's also a way to "introduce" newly accepted students to the campus. As an FIDM Instructor and Spokesperson, I love reaching out to the students, telling them about my experience, and how to get the most out of FIDM and what it has to offer.Birthday by the Bay: Celebrating my friend, Didi Simon's (left) Birthday at Lime Restaurant

My quick in-and-out, overnight visit began with meeting up with my SF friends who I grew up with while I spent my "younger years" living in the Bay Area. It was my friend, Didi's Birthday. I decided to take her out and celebrate at one of my favorite SF restaurants, Lime. I also got to do some last minute "retail damage" at what is now MY FAVORITE Men's Store in California, Sui Generis, a Consignment Men's Designer Vintage Store. We passed by it on the way to the restaurant and my SF friends said "Oh, you would LOVE this store..." Well, I don't waste time kiddies, so I went right in! Its buyers have an amazing editorial eye because everything was FAB! After meeting my "Bearded Brother", co-owner Miguel Lopez, in less than ten minutes I had found a pair of Hermes shoes, several Hermes ties, Gucci loafers and a DSquared shirt that I wanted to buy! And all at about 60-70% off their original retail prices. BTW: I didn't get everything, I had to "edit" my purchases.

But now, it was time for the FIDM SF Open House:Nick and The Ladies: Nick Verreos poses with the FIDM SF "Divas in Black"

The San Francisco campus is conveniently located in SF's Union Square, near all of it's fabulous shops, such as Barneys NY, Macy's, and H & M as well as the great Westfield Shopping Plaza. They just got a new banner so now it is very recognizable to all the shoppers, business people (and potential students!) in the very busy Union Square Area. Mother-Daughter Chic: Trudy Noren, FIDM SF Director of Special Events and College Rep, with her beautiful daughter Lindsay

I also LOVE seeing two of my favorite FIDM Divas, the always stylish Barbara Cupper, Director of the FIDM SF Campus, and equally chic Trudy Noren, College Rep and Director of Special events, SF FIDM. They are my Fairy Godmothers in the City by the Bay. I was excited to see the campus' recently redone Library/Media Center which I had not seen since my last visit. On display were some gorgeous pieces from their Archival Museum Collection, including this dusty rose colored Chanel Couture Suit from the early 1960s: It was in INCREDIBLE condition and they let me touch it (OMG!). There are so many secrets to a Chanel Couture Suit that I would have been there for HOURS inspecting it--For Example: The lining had about 50 fish-eye darts and seams combined, all sewn INTO the boucle tweed outer jacket! During this visit, I got to meet a lot of the incoming students, pose for photos with them and sign a lot of their cool FIDM totebags (I even sketched an original "Nick Verreos Croquis" on one or two...or three...or fifty!)
It's always fun to do these Meet-and-Greet Open Houses, and as always, I look forward to returning to say "Hi" to my San Francisco FIDM "family"--and to do some "secret" shopping!!!