CHANEL - Metiers D'Art Show

I keep saying I'm going to wind the blog down for a week or so over the coming festive period but I couldn't resist bringing you a look at the recent Chanel Autumn Winter Ready to Wear- Metiers D'Art Show and have a little chit chat about how much I loved it and how I will definitely be copying some of the genius styling tricks over the coming festive period.

Ok so set the scene.. A coach load of texas socialites mixing with British It girls and various other Fashion royalty. Throw in some old convertibles, a mechanical bull, superior french craftsmanship and you have the Chanel’s Métiers d’Art show in Dallas, Texas.

Karl Lagerfeld staged an Americana spectacle in the city’s Fair Park that left even the most flamboyant of  social juggernauts shocked to her southern, designer cores. 

Guests included actresses Geraldine Chaplin, Lily Collins, Dakota Fanning, Lauren Hutton, Zoë Kravitz and Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was unveiled as the new face of Chanel. Personally I would rather see Lauren Hutton have the job, I'm not really enamoured with her lai sai faire attitude to fashion. I know she has her fans but I'm just not one of them, sorry.  Stick to Balenciaga Stewart. 

Also in attendance was the first lady herself Anna Wintour in Chanel SS2014 and the lovely Atlanta de Cadenet who I thought looked classic, I loved the simple black ribbon tied at the neck of her Chanel yolk front blouse. 

The Dallas event kicked off with a 1950s-style drive-in and the premiere of Lagerfeld’s film The Return. The film starred Geraldine Chaplin as Gabrielle Chanel (Coco’s birth name), it depicts the designer’s 1954 comeback, which was panned by the French but embraced in the US. “It explains the importance of America to Chanel’s career,” said Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion at Chanel.

Guests snapped selfies (my hasn't 2013 been the year of the selfie!) behind the wheels of the 1950's cars, and arranged themselves in car seats to find their place to watch the film.

Then came the show. 

The models in Chanel jackets with western saddle-like shoulders, furry arm chaps (AMAZING) tights with cowboy boot trompe-l’oeil, and what some fashion press referred to as controversial native American headdresses, paraded down a straw-lined runway hung with red, white and blue bunting, Texan and French flags, and banners bearing Chanel’s double-C logo. 

Lets face it, all very Karl but also very Dallas. What can we say the man knows his audience and knows how to put on a catwalk show, whether its couture or ready to wear.

The show was enormous so here are my favourite looks.

I love the way this sublimely cosy blanket scarf has been draped and belted around this long, leather overcoat. This look could be achieved with any long dark winter coat. 

Hello lovely bag, will you be mine.  

I'm loving the Mongolian fur detail and how the model is wearing it almost like a semi muff! 

I'm sad that winter is half past as these fur arm chaps are the most perfect thing I've seen this season, the epitome of winter luxe.  I'm thinking a new year DIY project may have to be considered! 

The layering was just Amazing!

Then came the evening wear and these couple of looks were my favourite. I adore the skirt and petite jacket below, the detailing is amazing and I love how the skirt blends from jewelled gorgeousness to a sheer delicate slip, genius.

I think the shirt above will be be very popular with the current, young, social superstars over the upcoming months and will spawn a million high street copies if not soon but next season.

The dress below is simply gorgeous.

I'll also go online and say that I don't see how these two last looks are seen as offencive to anyone.  I just see them as beautiful clothes and art. I understand that some of the Native American community see the use of sacred Indian costume in current day fashion as degrading but I don't. 

I think when a designer has influences of a certain race or civilisations national dress in their collections, is this not a homage to the race itself? Surely the designer has to admire and respect the costume in the first place in order to be inspired by it?  Its just my opinion, I'm not saying its right but I think the Native American Community should see the positive in the situation and take it as a complement to their forefathers way of life. 

But as I say just a thought.

Cavern Walks Style Master Class

On the 28th of November I had the pleasure of joining some of Liverpool’s most renowned fashion influencer's in holding a winter, style, master class in Cavern Walks, on Matthew Street. 

The night was my first publicised appearance speaking about the blog so it was both a nerve racking and FABULOUS experience all rolled into one.

The guests arrived and received a goody bag full of Cavern Walk goodies including a freshwater pearl bracelet from Christopher James Jewellers for the first 25 and an array of details on special discounts available  in stores on the night, such a lovely gift!  Whilst waiting for the night to proceed ladies sipped on prosecco and indulged in adorable cupcakes whilst listening to Twisted Elegance DJ, Alan Hartley, who spun a collection of musical stylings that got everyone in the party spirit.

The night started with a fantastic presentation and sartorial overload from the fabulous Sarah Holden, Editor of Cricket-Fashion.Com and the lovely ladies from Cricket.  The girls filled us in on the latest styles and trends for winter 2013/14 straight from the catwalks including clothes from Isabel Marant, Saint Laurent and Givenchy.

Sarah walked us through a variety of looks, for day and evening, exhibiting some of the most sought after designer pieces for this winter season.  It really was a treat for all the fashion bunnies in the crowd, including me.  

Trends included PUNK concentrating on pieces from Hedi Slimane's Autumn Winter 2013, Grunge, Rock and Roll collection for Saint Laurent, including these AMAZING Biker Boots currently stocked at Cricket and recently seen on Kourtney Kardashian and the iconic Tuxedo Jacket below.

Other trends included SPORTS LUXE, a popular look this season for both day and evening including printed trainers (above) and paisley printed trousers below from Balenciaga and a variety of varsity jackets including the one above from Saint Laurent and an amazing Scuba, Varsity version from Stella McCartney.  Oh and a bloody spectacular array of luxe sweatshirts from Givenchy, Stella and Matthew Williamson.    

Then Sarah gave us some tips on how we should be dressing for those fabulous Christmas parties coming up this season.  There were sumptuous dresses from Matthew Williamson including the treasured garden, jersey dress above and a gorgeous tartan, bodycon from McQ below. These were accompanied by some out of this world accessories including a variety of gorgeous heels from Jimmy Choo and Christian Loubiton and bags from Victoria Beckham and Saint Laurent.  Crickets stock of embellished, beaded bibs from Matthew Williamson are a DFA favourite and as they are sold out on NetaPorter and other leading stockists, Liverpool fashionistas should move fast to get your hands on these gorgeous baubles before they sell out.

Cricket also, now stock a full selection of clothes and accessories from Victoria Beckhams. See in store for further details.

All of the clothes from the presentation are available to buy from Cricket and Cricket-Fashion.Com

The presentation from Cricket was followed by an interview with Emma Johnson, a fashion columnist from the Liverpool Echo and Daily Post.  Emma filled us in on life as a fashion journalist and her current favourite trends for this season.  Emma looked lovely in an on trend mid length PVC a-line skirt (similar to those in our winter layering post) and a powder blue mohair cropped sweater.  Just lovely.

Then Sarah from cricket interviewed little old me! What a mad experience but so great to be able to speak direct to some of you readers! Crazy.

Sarah asked me all about the blog, how it started back in 2009 as a hobby and how it has grew since then to having between 2000 - 5000 readers a month from both Liverpool and beyond. 

We spoke about my biggest style influences including artists like Damien Hirst, designers such as Alexander McQueen and Kirsty Doyle and celebrities both local and international including Nicole Richie and Jenna Lyons and the beautiful city of Liverpool itself and how she is my biggest inspiration.  

I also gave away my secret spot to sit and capture the most fantastic street style shots in the city....outside the Quarter bar and restaurant near hope street!  Shhh dont tell anyone though!

We then moved on to my tips for Christmas dressing which included, Pale Pinks for both outer and evening wear and "Moody Blooms" which is my interpretation of the gothic floral themes we have seen from Cavalli, Valentino and of course Givenchy this season, finishing with how to pull off these looks on a high street budget.

I can honestly say the night was amazing and I would like to say a big thanks to everyone involved from Think PR, Cavern Walks and Cricket.

Look out on the blog for feature events from Cavern Walks.