Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld  have revisited Chanel’s classic black jacket in a digital exhibition featuring 113 photos of celebrities, personalities, and style icons. Each photo has a special character in the unique way the wearer styles the jacket. Alice Dellal roughens hers up with a studded collar, net undershirt and leather vest. Julia Restoin Roitfeld cinches her jacket tightly and pairs it with a graceful floral headdress. Uma Thurman looks like a 1930s screen siren with her voluminous curls and ruffled blouse and, contrastingly, Kanye West looks modern and polished, and quite menswear, in the exact same garment. Jewelry designer Waris Ahluwalia’s jacket fits like a glove and he accessorizes it with a glittering feather pin. The diversity of the subjects and their variant styling shows how classic Chanel garments can be used creatively to fit the wearer. Stunning portraits and an expression of timelessness that crosses genders, generations, and social categories, this digital exhibition is definitely worth perusing.

See all of the photos in the exhibition HERE.

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)

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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Karl Lagerfeld, the fashion king of unpredictable collaborations (Diet Coke, Macy’s), can now add music video director to his resume. While in St. Tropez the designer filmed a clip of Jean-Roch for his upcoming single which pays homage to the resort town and features hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg.

While Lagerfeld hasn’t work directly with Snoop yet, this collaboration could make him part of the dogg pound posse. Ahhh…I wonder if they’ll sip on some gin & juice together? This isn’t Lagerfeld’s first foray into the rap scene either, he already shot Kanye West’s “money mouth” for V Man. Not to mention rapper Kanye loovvveeees fashion! He practically takes over fashion week, err, month by storm as he can be spotted everywhere from New York to Paris.

Looks like fashion loves to be gangsta just as much as rappers like fashion…It’s a beautiful cycle!

With female child models taking the media by storm as of late, it’s safe to say that Karl Lagerfeld‘s response to the whole ordeal would be “at least they’re not ugly.” At least that’s what we learn from the September issue of Interview magazine, where the designer chats with French Vogue EIC-turned stylist-turned designer Carine Roitfeld. We of course had to bring you the highlights as the pair touches on erotic-chic imagery, naked models, and family life. Lagerfeld’s even quoted saying “It would have been difficult to have an ugly daughter.” So much for beauty being in the eye of the beholder…
This interview is one more reason why we love the crazy fashion industry.

The pair talk about erotic-chic images…

LAGERFELD: When do you think a photograph become erotic? And when does it cross that boundary into the x-rated or pornography?

ROITFELD: It’s very difficult to know when you’re crossing the boundary. I hate the word boundary because I never think about it when taking a picture. Very often it doesn’t mean anything because it depends on who’s looking at the picture more than the content of the picture itself.

On being around naked models…

LAGERFELD: There’s a big difference between photographing naked boys and naked girls.

ROITFELD: I was too shy, at first, to come close to these naked guys. I would stand a little ways away from them. With girls it’s much easier.

LAGERFELD: I think it’s easier because naked men are more awkward.

ROITFELD: Yes and then there is always a bit of seduction to it when one person is clothed and the other is naked, which can be a little weird. Everybody should be naked. In that case, it would be easier, wouldn’t it? Let’s do a huge naked photo shoot!

On Roitfeld’s family life…

LAGERFELD: What I think is particularly accomplished with you is that you always have a vision of fashion and a fashionable woman, but you also have a very successful life as a family woman. You have beautiful, intelligent children and they give you stability and credibility in the eyes of others.

ROITFELD: It’s because I’m a Virgo. Either you are a good Virgo or a crazy Virgo! The good Virgo side of me is educating and raising the children—being there for them.

LAGERFELD: Yes, no one can say that you don’t take care of them. You’re also lucky because they are very beautiful. It would have been difficult to have an ugly daughter.

ROITFELD: A moment ago, you said some flaws are necessary in beauty. They do have a temper sometimes. But they are very good children.

To read the full conversation between the duo visit Interview magazine‘s website.

Call me crazy but I’m kinda sorta reeeeally over the whole designer/brand collaboration deal. It was cool a while ago, but now I feel the market has just become over-saturated with collabs…and while yes, it’s nice that consumers can afford high fashion like pieces, I also feel the exclusivity and the quality of these items lessens.

The latest collaboration which everyone but me seems to be excited about is Karl Lagerfeld for Macy’s “Impulse” department. And yes, while I love both partners in this collab, I think they should remain separate. Last night Macy’s previewed the collection which consists of 45 items including simple dresses in sharp cuts ad slouched tees (all very Forever21-ish dare I say). The collection is priced between $50 to $170 and goes on sale in 235 stores and macys.com on August 31.

So will you be waiting at the mall doors for Macy’s to open with everyone else who is counting down the days? Check out the gallery for more.

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Besides his famed modeling career as muse to Karl Lagerfeld, our eyebrows first lifted with the release of his club-dance-trance-pseudo-English pop song, SHOWTIME! The video and song are both equally hilarious!

We love that major retailer H&M tapped the high fashion model for their ‘Sustainable Style’ campaign.

Baptiste and Anja Rubik painted a perfect picture together for Fendi’s S/S ad campaign.

When the model went hunting for some tail in Numero Homme, but he turned out to be just a big softy.

Speaking of Magnum Ice Cream, Baptiste put on his acting shoes and got close to the darling Rachel Bilson for a video series which ended up being a big tease, as Bilson dissed the tall black haired model for an delicious ice cream bar.

His on camera moments didn’t end there, Lagerfeld‘s boy toy turned into a troublemaking teenager who kisses his godmother for Chanel’s “The Tale of The Fairy” short.

Closing this retrospective on a high note, we can’t forget his appearance in the buff on the cover of Dorian (a Swedish gay lifestyle magazine).

Do you have a favorite Baptiste moment? To see more of Baptiste Giabiconi visit his profile on MyFDB.

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.