Courchevel, a skiing paradise in the French Alps, will be getting a glistening addition to it’s white slopes this winter. Chanel has decided to open a temporary boutique amidst the chic resort. Seeking to project the ever-present luxury that has made Chanel an everlasting fashion powerhouse, minimalist décor and warm sycamore flooring create an inviting refuge for shoppers braving the cold.

A charming aspect of the of the new boutique is the graceful and playful statues of Mademoiselle Chanel herself, lining the exterior of shop front and greeting all who enter. Contemporary, authentic, and elegant, the space exudes Chanel’s classic and distinctive aesthetic. The long, narrow shop has textural contrasts of geometric concrete and metal formations. Meanwhile light boxes sliced with strips black varnish illuminate the store and beckon references to a Mondrian-esque geometry. The square geometry of the light boxes is reflected once again through the large square stones that adorn the walls. This motif is again illustrated in the leading lines, which further attract customers to peruse all the treasures to be found in this fresh fashionable mountain heaven.

Natural stones in varying shades of grayscale construct prominent concrete configurations in which to display coveted handbags, fine jewelry and watchmaker pieces as well. Meanwhile, the Ready-to-Wear collections lie tucked in an island of matte-black corrugated metal. The fitting rooms play on the classic yet futuristic vibes found in the entire boutique. They include an iPad to keep customers updated on the latest collections, shows, trends, and breaking Chanel news.

As the shoppers delve deeper into the boutique, they will find not only Karl Lagerfeld’s creations taking their breath away, but also the sweeping, majestic views of the Courchevel valley as well. The complex exquisiteness of the natural splendor seems to blend effortlessly with the Chanel merchandise and it’s perpetual beauty. Simultaneously, the modern and refined touches of the retail environment create a powerful contrast with the rugged Alps and enchanting forests in the distance.

By Sarah Humphries

Ultra-modern, refined and mysterious, Alice Della is the latest in the line of  CHANEL muses, each boasting their own inimitable allure.

If don’t know her by name, you’ll at least recognize Alice Dellal’s signature partially-shaven head, piercing blue eyes, tattoo collection and androgynous punk-rock ensembles. Karl Lagerfeld has not only admitted to crushing on the non-conformist British model/muscian, but chosen her to star in their new ‘Boyfriend’ handbag collection campaign.

“[Karl Lagerfeld] had a crush on this unique, charismatic young lady, who is both a model and musician, during a photo shoot several months ago,” Chanel told WWD.

Dellal is a drummer for all-girl punk band Thrush Metal,  with fellow models Emma Chitty and Laura Fraser, along with niece of the Earl of Dalhousie, Isabella Ramsey. Dellal has previously cited both style and musical inspiration from lead singer of American punk-band The Plasmatics, Wendy O Williams, who also has an affinity for anti-athoritarian garments, hardcore music, and bleach.

Some see Dellal as odd choice to be face of Chanel, but anyone who knows the Uncle Karl knows that he always have a few tricks up his leather-studded, fingerless gloves. “Alice Dellal represents the perfect incarnation of all that is unique about the Boy Chanel handbag collection which strives far from conformist notions of femininity.” explains Chanel. The campaign, shot by Lagerfeld himself, will be revealed in March 2012.

Lauren Valenti is founder of fashion and music website, TheVogueVibes.com , as well as a Contributing Editor to the My Fashion Database.

Who says people in fashion don’t eat? Because we do…sometimes. Well, instead of eating food, Karl Lagerfeld opted to hold a fashion show among an elegant dinner setting for the debut of Chanel’s Pre-Fall 2012 collection. The garments encompassed the fine craftsmanship we love about Chanel coupled with the creativity we love about Lagerfeld. For the season’s looks Lagerfeld drew inspiration from India. Many of the models donned traditional style Indian head pieces, which were blinged out to the max- the collection is named, Métiers d’Art.

Style.com dubbed it, “all the Raj” and went on to report, “The theme “Paris-Bombay” was a reminder that Europe’s fashion industry has increasingly turned to India to produce extravagantly handworked pieces as it has become prohibitively expensive to make them at home. Lagerfeld’s fiendish plan was to flip the equation, so that everything that looked intricately Indian was actually made by Chanel’s ateliers in Paris.” But what’s even more interesting is that Lagerfeld has actually never visited India. ”It’s much more inspiring not to go to places than to go,” he told Style.com. Uhmm…really? Because, we’d like to physically visit a destination to be inspired by it more.

Anyways, on to the show! The collection was obviously a hit with the jeweled accents along with the use of silks and tweed. On the catwalk Lagerfeld walked out alongside mature modeling maven Stella Tennant (above). Mother daughter duo Yasmin Le Bon (42) and Amber Le Bon (22) both walked in the show for a unique bonding experience. Front row, Bollywood starlet Freida Pinto showed her support. A-list models Kasia Struss, Arizona Muse, Crystal Renn, Anja Rubik, and even muse Baptiste Giabiconi got in the fun with a turban on the elegant catwalk.

(via Style, Telegraph, Wireimage)

I hope you can swim, because spring 2012 collections dived into the deep end with sea themed garments. Think mermaids, sea creatures, shells, and barnacles all re-imagined in high fashion form.

First there was Christian Siriano who said he was inspired by sea creatures, which is why his collection was full of bright hues and ruffles. Then Prabal Gurung showed some scuba material pieces in his daring collection.

However, these ended up being teasers for what was to come abroad when both Versace (left) and Chanel (right) showcased sea themed collections. Perhaps Donatella & Karl have been drinking from the same Kool-Aid? Versace debuted prints packed with sea shells and sea horses, while Chanel had a shell of a show thanks to an underwater inspired set.

Last, but certainly not least, Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen presented gowns which had a dark underwater influence filled with aquatic drama. Think barnacles showered with delicate lace and beaded accents.

So, who’s ready to go for a stylish swim?

It looks like Karl Lagerfeld may have been drinking from the same water as Donatella, first Versace’s show went under the sea and now Chanel dived even deeper. Remember when we tweeted a teaser shot of the spring 2012 collection’s invitation? Well, the whimsical watercolors came to life thanks to Lagerfeld and with a little help from singer Florence Welch. Known for his elaborate sets, the designer had the entire Grand Palais morphed into an all-white underwater fairytale complete with ginormous shells and a harp player to welcome guests.

Once the show commenced models Daphne Groeneveld, Kasia Struss, Freja Beha Erichsen, Aymeline Valade, Anja Rubik, and Stella Tennant all paraded down the white runway. Meanwhile Welch. who was stationed inside a clam shell, sang harmoniously for the crowd. Along with the intimate concert, guests were able to channel their inner mermaid with sea greens, tulle and chiffon dresses, and some fishy silhouettes.

We’re hoping to see front row Chanel supporters Uma Thurman, Charlotte Kemp Muhl (with boyfriend Sean Lennon), and Japanese model Kiko Mizuhara in the sea styles very soon.

Anyone else ready to go swimming in Chanel?

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GIRL CRUSH ALERT! I’ve been fashionably lusting after Rachel Bilson since her days as Summer in “The OC”…Like, how perfect were Seth and Summer for one another? On top of being super adorable, Rachel Bilson also has an amazing sense of style…whether she is casually cruising around her home neighborhood of Los Feliz or is attending a Chanel runway show, Bilson always looks her best. And Rachel Bilson’s “best” is time and time again, classic with a hint of vintage and a dash of trendy-without the “trying too hard” part. To this day, she is one of the few celebrities whose closets I could see myself raiding…completely.

And although I did think that her not one, or two, but three videos for Magnum Ice Cream directed by Karl Lagerfeld were a tad weird, I am completely obsessed with InStyle Makeover‘s editorial featuring Bilson styled by Brad Goreski. Bilson dresses up as some very iconic Hollywood brunettes including Audrey Hepburn and Cindy Crawford (above) who I swore it was. The editorial is amazing!

View the full editorial and the team behind the scene on MyFDB!

Professional Credits:

Actress Zoe Saldana and one of the MyFDB founders (who recently spoke to Forbes) rocks the August cover of Flaunt magazine, looking in true Saldana form equally sexy and beautiful in a nude number with red nails and accessories that pop! Shot by Yu Tsai, Zoe rocked items by Chanel, Balmain, and Lanvin. The shoot comes in perfect timing with the the release of her next film “Colombiana” out August 26th. Saldana plays Cataleya Restrepo, who as a young child witnessed the murder of her parents in Bogotá. It’s at that point she decides she wants to become an assassin. Cat is taken in by her uncle, Emilio Restrepo who she works for as a professional killer seeking (beautiful) revenge.

View the full “Crosshairs and Silencers, The Silky Assassin” editorial from Flaunt on MyFDB! And for a little more, watch the trailer for “Colombiana” below!

Opening with staple tweed suits and closing with fishtail gowns, yesterday’s Chanel’s fall 2011 couture show showed varying looks fit for the impending apocalypse. Okay I kid, the world isn’t ending, but as I said before (remember Karl Lagerfeld‘s fall 2011 volcanic show?) if it were, it’s best to go out wearing Chanel. Following along the lines of his previous fall collection, Lagerfeld‘s couture designs for 2011 are just as dark and stormy as ever. Presented at the regal Grand Palais, the runway took the form of a dark city street complete with lamps, building facades, and a starry night sky, all made to be a replica of the Place Vendôme. The dark setting set the mood for a romantic collection fit for the night. Some pieces were all black or grey with ruffled accents, feathers, pleating, and silver sparkling tweed. The designer transitioned into the light by presenting an array of ivory hues, one standout piece even had a long train. Two more talked about pieces were an all magenta pink draped dress and a rose dress with feathers and black dotted detailing. The entire collection perfectly channeled fashion house originator, Coco Chanel.

All of the models had a mask-like piece of sheer lace around their eyes, in true Lagerfeld fashion this added to the drama of the show. Each model also donned a black hat and had her hair pinned back with a few short locks hanging free next to her cheek. Makeup looks were very natural, except for smokey eyes, which were lined in black.

See more looks from the Chanel fall 2011 couture show below.

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No frills here, made for a modern day princess, Chanel’s Pre-Fall 2011 Byzantine era collection was dramatic, romantic, and sexy all at once. The same daring aesthetic was carried over into the collection’s ad campaign, which has been circulating top magazines. Lensed by Karl Lagerfeld himself, the images are eye-catching without feeling like “too much” because the clothing truly speaks for itself. Having always been Chanel fan, this campaign starring model Alejandra Alonso has instantly become one of my favorites. The vintage style photography and classic beauty of Alonso perfectly compliment the attire.

Another interesting detail of the campaign is the eye makeup; Alonso’s lids have a maroon streak painted across them coupled with a thicker lower-lid liner tying together the vintage looks. I adore how the brand’s creativity goes so far as it even extends to the face.

See the rest of the Chanel pre-fall campaign images on MyFDB.

Looks like the cat’s out of the bag!

New images from Chanel’s fall 2011 ad campaign have just been released and they’re purrfectly adorable with the stunning Freja Beha Erichsen posing in a photo booth for the camera. These looks were styled by Carine Roitfeld, who is proving there’s big things after Vogue Paris.

All of the images were of course captured by Karl Lagerfeld and in another new shot we see a disheveled Erichsen looks far from glam with messy hair and writing across her face. (Hm…maybe she had a wild drunken night or fell asleep too early at a slumber party?)