Karl Lagerfeld is a Man Who Wears Many Many Hats.

Karl Lagerfeld is considered to be one of the leading forces in fashion design. He was born in Hamburg, Germany, but relocated to Paris at age 22 in order to pursue fashion design. He began as an apprentice for Pierre Balmain, and one of his contemporaries was one of my other fashion icons, Yves Saint Laurent. After spending three years at Balmain, Lagerfeld began working for Jean Patou, where he began designing haute couture pieces.

In 1964, he began freelance designing for Chloe in Paris, and then Curiel in Rome. It wasn't until 1972 when he started working with Fendi, designing clothing and accessories. He was also appointed Artistic Director/designer for the House of Chanel. As a result of his impressive fashion pedigree, Lagerfeld remains a prominent figure in today's fashion. His runway shows during Fashion Week attract so many celebrities, I couldn't name them all. In addition, Lagerfeld receives lots of celebrity support when it comes to the ad campaigns of his many brands.

Here is Lindsay Lohan with Karl Lagerfeld at a Chanel fashion show, and Nicole Kidman as the covergirl for Chanel No.5 perfume.

Here is Nicole Richie carrying a Chloe Heloise shoulder bag on one hand, and Joel Madden on the other one on the way to her court date.

$700.00

...And here she is again along with Hilary and Haylie Duff sporting the Fendi Spy Bag.

$2,250.00

Although Lagerfeld is famous for designing for three big labels (Chanel, Chloe, and Fendi), he does a very good job in maintaining the uniqueness of each of the three. I've noticed that Chloe caters to a somewhat younger fashionista (with deep pockets), Chanel is for the very elegant and sophisticated, while Fendi is aimed at the über trendy.

• Chloe

• Chanel Haute Couture

• Fendi
  

Is Balenciaga the New Black?

Balenciaga this, Balenciaga that...

Until just a couple of years ago, this brand was completely unbeknownst to me. Thankfully, I've seen the light. Balenciaga=beauty. I have to credit Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (my personal fashion icons) for bringing the avant-garde/fashion forward Balenciaga look to my attention. I actually remember reading about one of the Olsens (can't remember which one) gushing about Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquière. In fact if I remember correctly, they worship Nicolas Ghesquiere. Understandable.

Here's Mary-Kate Olsen sporting Balenciaga booties.

$799.99

Ghesquiere is known for his ability to create a silhouette and creating a futuristic, yet strikingly modern look. However, Ghesquiere owes a debt of gratitude to celebs for bringing everyone's attention to this stunning brand. Specifically, the motorcycle bag.

Here's fashion and style maven Nicole Richie sporting a yellow Balenciaga Motorcycle bag.

$999

Balenciaga is also known for body-hugging, silhouette-accentuating gowns. For example, Cate Blanchett and Chloe Sevigny wore a couple of masterpieces to the MET Costume Institute Benefit Gala in 2007.

Nicolo Richie also reportedly swore by Balenciaga during her pregnancy stating, "I wore so much Balenciaga during my pregnancy... when my shirts got too short, I wore Joel's with a jacket on top..." She wore this black and white semi-zebra-striped gown to Fashion Rocks 2007 in NYC.

As of January, 2008, Oscar winner Jennifer Connelly is the new face of Balenciaga. I honestly can't say I'm surprised by this choice since Connelly has just the right face and figure to represent this brand. Not to mention, she has worn Balenciaga to perfection on multiple red carpets in the past.

Here she is wearing a dress from Balenciaga's spring collection...

And here is (in my opinion), Connelly in the best showcase of Balenciaga I've ever seen...The OSCARS!

Another huuuge (if not the hugest) celebrity to supportthe Balenciaga brand is easily Nicole Kidman. Not only did she don a Balenciaga original to the Oscars, but also to her wedding! Talk about ENDORSEMENT. P.S. she looked stunning.