Showing posts with label Richie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Richie. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

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

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Theeeyyyre Baaaack...

It's official. Ray-bans are back...with a vengeance. These high-end shades made their debut in The United States Air Force, and then Hollywood got their hands on these trendsetters in 1961. I didn't know this, but Ray-bans originated Aviator sunglasses. I looove aviator sunglasses. They elevate anyone and everyone to a higher level of cool. They never have and never will go out of style.

Here's Tom Cruise in the smash hit Top Gun sporting these shades to perfection.


...And here's the beautiful Angelina Jolie in a modern pair of Oliver Peoples rimless aviators.
$315.00

The Ray-ban Wayfarers on the other hand were extremely popular during the '50s and '60s, but they slumped during the '70s. I'm glad they're back in style now because these shades evoke a sense of mysteriousness and danger. I have to credit Audrey Hepburn for bringing these awesome sunglasses to light in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. This movie makes the Wayfarers look oh so posh and elegant, it's no wonder everyone fell in love with them as a result.

As I've mentioned, Ray-bans are back. I hate to say this, but should Lauren Conrad and Brody Jenner be credited for this phenomenon? Perhaps. I remeber watching MTV's The Hills and thinking wow, Lauren and Brody look awesome in those sunglasses...wait...are those Ray-Bans? I must have a pair...

Anyway, I just remember suddenly noticing everyone and I mean everyone, wearing Ray-Bans after this episode aired. Kudos to LC and Brody for starting a phenomemon.


Here's Mr. Nicole Richie (aka Joel Madden) sporting a pair of old-school Wayfarers.
$139.00

Maternity Mania

Handbag...check. Shoes...check. Jewelry...check. What's missing? The newest celebrity accesory...the baby bump. Everyone who's anyone is having a baby. Women having babies isn't exactly a new science, but it seems like Hollywood mothers are getting younger and younger each day. Case in point: Jamie Lynn Spears. This TMZ darling is frequently featured on the show and although I thoroughly enjoy watching (and laughing at) her four-wheeling antics, I tend to forget that she's only 17!

Here she is in Baton Rouge, LA where she registered for baby gifts at Babies R' Us. Please note that the caption on her shirt reads "The rumors are true." I guess this means that she's marrying Casey Aldridge. Congrats.
$33.99


Jessica Alba is another young Hollywood starlet who's expecting. Supposedly, she and boyfriend Cash Warren are having twins! Even better, she's a full ten years older than Ms. Jamie Lynn! Good for you Jessica. Finally someone sets a good example. Here she is looking spectacularly pregnant at the 2008 Oscars in a plum Marchesa gown.



Pregnancy is a miracle and people are generally happy during this time in their lives, but nobody embraces motherhood quite like Tori Spelling. She loooves being pregnant. She's already had a son (Liam) with hubby Dean McDermott, and now she's expecting a girl. Hooray for Donna! Man I miss 90210. Here's the lovely Tori Spelling in a Chiarakuza Dallas top, Jimmy Choo gold ballet flats, and flattering black capri pants.
$365.00


Gwen Stefani is a fashion genius, known for her label L.A.M.B. On top of that, she is pregnant with her second child. Stefani epitomizes the glamorous mother-to-be glow, but she does it in her own unique way. She opts for an earthier Mother Earth (pun intended) look. Her signature is definitely the tunic-style dress with lots of bright colors and embroidery. This proves that Gwen Stefani can literally wear anything and still look chic. If I didn't love her so much I'd hate her.



My absolute favorite A-list mother-to-be was easily Nicole Richie. I use past tense because she's already had her daughter (Harlow Winter Kate Madden) with bf Joel Madden. Before she became pregnant, she was mostly known for her emaciated body frame. There was speculation of an eating disorder, but she claims that she's hypoglycemic. Lucky for her, the pregnancy allowed her to gain weight so people would stop giving her so much flack for being thin. Although she's no longer pregnant, she's on this list because I believe that she's revolutionized maternity fashion. She made it cool to be pregnant.

Here she is sporting a very casual white tank, black flip flops, black leggings, red Missoni scarf, and black Givenchy Nightingale bag. Comfy and casual, but still uber trendy.
$1,995.00


She even made it cool to wear a bikini while with-child...

Monday, May 19, 2008

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.