Runway Report: Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2012--Photos + Runway Video

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Coffee, Tea or...Couture: Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2012

Today, the House of Chanel and its GOD--I mean--designer Karl Lagerfeld, showed the latest Chanel Haute Couture Collection, for Spring 2012. Chanel's shows have always been a spectacle--who can forget that Underwater World Lagerfeld created for Chanel's Spring/Summer 2012 Ready To Wear show with Florence Welch singing last October...

Or the Gigantic Bronzed Lion in the middle of the Grand Palais for the Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2010 show (above photo). Well, this time, the set was an airplane cabin. A Super First Class airplane cabin, mind you. The seats were all diagonally situated (for better view down the aisle) and each guest's invitation, according to Cathy Horyn of the New York Times, had placements like "2A" and 6B" on them.

Sleeper Seat: A "Hint" of the Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2012 Collection

Lagerfeld flies a lot so maybe this was an "Homage" airline travel--but I think it had more to do with Blue, the sky and all shades of the color. There were about 60 exits, almost all in blue--different shades of blue. It was as if Lagerfeld had Wikipedia'ed "Shades of Blue" and then demanded garments in all those shades!

Couture Client--Lady in Fur: The woman on the right--in the mink--is my new IDOL!!!! Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2012

The collection was beautiful, very client-oriented (not so many --Colors: Blue, all shades of it. Plus some white and almost-black (I think people call it "midnight blue"). Silhouettes/shapes: the Drop Waist is a Chanel staple and it was evident in this Spring 2012 Haute Couture Collection. Almost ever look had horizontal pockets.

Pocket Princesses: Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2012

$40,000+ Chanel Haute Couture suits in wool-silk boucle had the ease of $100 denim jeans, as each model sauntered down the airplane cabin aisle with their hands half-perched inside the pockets.

Portrait Perfect: Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2012

Details included portrait-style collars; billowing bell/blouson sleeves--raglan and set-in-armholes; fitted sheath and shift dresses; varying lengths--above-the-knee or ankle-length. The bead-work was exquisite, as always--all hand-done and all Lesage, I am sure. Take a look at some of these marvelous ready-for-a-First Class Suite Flight--clothes:

Blouson Lunch: Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2012

Sky-High Hair: Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2012

Sequined Skies: Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2012

Jet Blue: Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2012

Choix de Mariage: Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2012

Click Below for Full Runway Video of Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2012:

Runway Report: Paris Menswear Fashion Week--Thom Browne Fall/Winter 2012/13--Photos + Runway Video

Dr. Frank-N-Furter Chic...

Neo-Punksters: Thom Browne Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Thom Browne is the menswear designer credited for the "shrinking" jackets and cropped too-short pants that were all the rage the last few years and seen on only the hippest of male fashionistas in NYC, Paris, Milan and Tokyo. I remember going to Barney's NY and Co Op and looking at those shrunken Thom Browne jackets and even trying one on and thinking "OK, I look like a FOOL!!!" But if I was very very skinny and a 22-year-old male model...I would TOTALLY wear it!" And as it's always with fashion, the too-short/too small/cropped silhouette has been making its way into the Menswear "mainstream" little by little in retailers such as H&M, TopMan, etc. But that was then, and guess what Thom Browne is up to now?

Hunchback of Notre Dame U: Thom Browne Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Yes kids, take a look at those Quarterback-worthy OVERSIZED shoulders, the padded sweaters. In addition to the "Thom Browne" stamp of shrinking and too-small. Now add: BIG BIG BIG! And think 80's Punks, S & M, Prepster Chic, Frankenstein, Hunchback of Notre Dame, 1920's-1930's Football, Rocky Horror Picture Show 's Dr. Frank-N-Furter all rolled up into one ensemble!

Sailor and Argyle Boys: Thom Browne Fall/Winter 2012/2013

There were certainly lots of references, influences and "themes" to take away from the latest Thom Browne Fall/Winter 2012/2013 show in Paris. I actually love seeing a Menswear Collection that breaks rules and goes "all out" showing extreme creativity (possibly for the "shock value" or yes, to get the front page of those daily fashion mags). Womenswear designers have been doing this for years so why can't menswear? I can't think of many menswear designers who do this, besides, say, Jean-Paul Gaultier.

Hitting the Fashion Slopes: Thom Browne Fall/Winter 2012/2013

So, kudos to Browne for "shocking and shaking" menswear; it needs a little bit of shaking. But notice that within all those "Punk Frank-N-Furter Hunchback of Notre Dame U"--looking get-ups, that I am sure the "general non-fashion" public might think is KRAZEEE...there are still some fabulous and actually very wearable clothes, like the hem-shredded shorts, the plaid coats and vests, the studded pants, from the photos at the top of the posting. Trust me, that's what will end up at Barney's NY come next Fall.

Football Meets The Office: Thom Browne Fall/Winter 2012/2013

I'd love to know what YOU guys think?

Here's my NICKVERREOS.COM Blog Question of The Day: Thom Browne Fall/Winter 2012, Yea or Nay ? Fashion Fun or Fashion Koo-Koo? Menswear Genius or The Joke's on us? Let me know your thoughts.


Click Below for Runway Video of Thom Browne Fall/Winter 2012/2013:

Runway Report: Paris Menswear Fashion Week--Lanvin Men's Fall/Winter 2012/13--Photos + Runway Video

Modern Suit Boys...

Bizznessss Meeting: Lanvin Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Bow-tie Boy Wonder Alber Elbaz and his menswear designer, Lucas Ossendrijver showed their Lanvin Men's Collection today during the end of Paris Menswear Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2012/2013. And, I loved it! So that's why I am sharing with my devoted blog readers here. It was all about the extended and semi-exaggerated shoulder, nipped-in waist and gorgeous coats and pants.

Extended Shoulder: Lanvin Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Speaking of pants--the crotch is long and the waist is high. Boots are still being worn outside the tucked-in pants...as long as the trousers are slim. And yes, if I didn't have Home Mortgage Money to think about...I sooo would get me one of those jackets/coats like TOMORROW!!! This collection was one of my favorite ones--after seeing the photos and video.

Striped Boys: Lanvin Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Loose vs. Slim: Lanvin Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Puffy Tuxedo Chic: Lanvin Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Click Below to watch Runway Video of Lanvin Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2012:

Runway Report: Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012--Paco Rabanne

Viva Paco!

Paco Rabanne Spring/Summer 2012

Last week, the House of Paco Rabanne showed its first Pret-a-Porter/Ready-to-Wear runway show in a long time. It was a much-anticipated fashion event, even for the jaded Paris Fashion Week crowd.

Manish Arora, Creative Director of Womenswear Collections, Paco Rabanne

The Puig fragrance-and-fashion brands-owned powerhouse hired India-born fashion designer Manish Arora to bring "life" into the Paco Rabanne fashion brand. Arora is famous for his extreme and very directional designs. He's like the "Alexander McQueen of India". So, it make sense that he was chosen. The show? AMAZING!

If you know your fashion history--and you should!--Spanish-born Couturier Paco Rabanne was one of the 1960's Couturiers--like Pierre Cardin--who turned the entire fashion world upside down with his chain-link and metal space-age dresses (above photo). Cut to Spring/Summer 2012--Manish Arora sent out a bevy of sexy dresses and skinny pant looks, filled with all the metal to make Rabanne blush.

Paco Rabanne Spring/Summer 2012

Tight mini dresses with strong shoulder definitions as well as hip-enhancing shapes were abundant. Lots of sequins as well, in studded jackets. Milliner DIVA Philip Treacy created the amazing saucer hats on display and Nicholas Kirkwood designed the crystal-encrusted pumps.

Paco Rabanne Spring/Summer 2012

Paco Rabanne Spring/Summer 2012

Paco Rabanne Spring/Summer 2012

The Finale was NOT TO BE MISSED: A parade of GORGEOUS black models--from Sudan, Martinique, the UK, France--in the most extravagant creations with the undeniable Paco Rabanne stamp! Paco Rabanne was one of those rare Couturiers who worshiped the Black Woman and used black models in many of his shows and so it was wonderful to see the new Creative Director Manish Arora continue this tradition:

The Finale:

Paco Rabanne Spring/Summer 2012

Click Below to Watch the Full Runway Video of Paco Rabanne Spring/Summer 2012:

Runway Report: Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012--Alexander McQueen

Wow.

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012

Creative Director and Head Designer for Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton, showed her latest offering for Spring/Summer 2012 at Paris Fashion Week and one word: Wow. It was as if the Ghost of "Lee" was right there! At first glance, it seemed "Bondage Inspired" (the face masks, the UBER tight corsetry) but in a way it wasn't. As Sarah Burton stated on the McQueen website "I was thinking about a woman as an object of desire. We go to such lengths to adorn ourselves that we almost become our clothes or are taken over by them. This is a collection about excess - an exploration of ideals of beauty at their most extreme.”

It was exquisite and VERY McQueen. The show began with suiting that was T-T-TIGHT. A very strong emphasis on the shoulder as well as the longer skirt length--below the knee (approx 26"-30" from the natural waist) and tiered ruffles at the hem of those skirts. The hips were exaggerated--especially in the Finale Gowns. You know that rule of "Don't put anything there that might make a woman's hips bigger". Sarah Burton doesn't give a DAMN!

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012

The brocade and jacquard-like prints were stunning--and done in suitings with ruffled peplums as well as Baby Doll Dresses so romantic and so NOT Bondage.

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012

Every single garment was almost Museum-worthy. I doubt that most of these will even make it to your local McQueen boutique (I'll be very surprised if any of these do--maybe the suitings and "toned-down" version of the dresses). But who cares; I can't wait for the next Alexander McQueen Exhibition to see these up close and personal! I'm sure, though--that a lot of the gowns and dresses will make the Red Carpet for sure! Speaking of Red Carpet, lots of lace, impeccable applique, embroidery and high-low gowns (Sorry Miss Kelly Osborne! I know how much she HATES those "Mullet Dresses" on her show Fashion Police--I LOVE them!!!)

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012

Besides the "Homage to the Exaggeration of Women" and Bondage sub-theme, the entire show was also based on the Ocean, underwater, and creatures whom live beneath. These were Underwater GODDESSES. The coral-embroidered Baby Dolls and gowns were stupendous.

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012

And the Finale Gowns were armored sequined and metallic Bondage-meets-Oceania Empresses. I hope Alexander McQueen was smiling from up there! Well done Sarah Burton. It shook me just a little bit...and I like that!

Click Below for the Full Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012 Runway Video:

Runway Report: Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012--Christian Dior--Photos + Full Runway Video!

Pretty Dior

Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2012

Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012 continues and up next is the Christian Dior Spring 2012 Collection. Designer Bill Gaytten (John Galliano's right hand for over a decade)--who was tapped as Galliano's replacement after his escandalo--showed his first pret-a-porter (ready to wear) collection for the famed house. How did he do? Well, according to the editors and press, pretty good. The reviews are in and at least, they were better than what he received from his Dior Haute Couture show several months ago.

Dior Creative Director Bill Gaytten

Now, I'm sure you have been keeping up with all the "Who's Going To Design For Dior" DISH, Gaytten was picked as the "replacement" but word has it that his bosses feel it's a "transitional" position. It has been rumored that possibly Marc Jacobs might take over the Creative Director position. I've read this, so I'm sure Bill has too. It it said that contingent to taking the job, Jacobs would need (among other things, MULTI-MILLIONS!) to bring his entire team as well. Makes sense. But where does that leave Mr. Gaytten. Who knows. As a result of this "I don't know how long I will have my job" situation, Gaytten and his design team, did a just-very-nice job. No earth-shaking editorially-KRAZEE garments here. Just pretty clothes. Very "Lady Dior". Very sellable, which should make the execs happy. But let's be honest, the House of Dior doesn't really care if the clothes sell. It's ALL about the perfumes, sunglasses, and purses darling.

Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2012

But back to Gaytten's collection: These were dresses, jackets, skirts, that one could actually SEE in the the Christian Dior boutiques--as opposed to what Galliano did--most of that was Runway-only (which made for great WWD covers and lots and lots of press--good or bad--which in the end, sold more perfumes and sunglasses!). For Spring 2012, Gaytten showed the famed Dior Bar jacket, the late 40's/early 50's style dirndl and pleated full skirts. The Pretty lady-like sheath dresses. Reds, bold prints, bolder sequins and very Upper Class French Aristocrat styles: First Lady of France Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. Totally.

Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2012

Capelet dresses were important, especially in light and airy gauze's, chiffon's and organza's.

Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2012

In the end of the Christian Dior Spring 2012 Runway show, supermodel Karlie Kloss (far right) sauntered out in a beautiful black lace and chiffon high-necked gown with a sheer single-layer floor-length skirt. As she turned around, all you could focus on was, well, her cheeks--her derrière. It was perfect, of course. Hello, it's Karlie Kloss. But many an editor couldn't help but wonder if showing her "you-know-what" as the FINAL vision one saw in his show--was a subliminal sign to his bosses...

Click Below for the Full Runway Show of Christian Dior Spring 2012:

Runway Report: D&G Spring 2012: Final Show and Final Collection!

Ciao D&G!

D&G Spring 2012

Days ago, during Milan Fashion Week, Designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana showed their latest Spring 2012 offering for the "lower line" D&G. They also announced that this would be the last season for D&G . According to the designers, D&G will now be merged with it's main signature line Dolce & Gabbana.

Designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, waiving "Ciao" to D&G

It seems a bit odd since from what industry experts say, it is a cash cow for the company. Many buyers were heard saying that in fact, they buy little of the signature line (or at least not consistently) but ALWAYS order EVERY season something from D&G. But the statement Domenico and Stefano released said that the move was in order to give "even more strength and energy to our collections".

D&G Spring 2012

This final collection was "Scarf happy". In continuing with the same scarf-print motif of their recent menswear Collection, the clothing was an explosion of The Foulard. It was very Versace meets Hermes meets Lily Pulitzer and so retro 1994 in its over-the-top in-your-face don't-look-for-solids here vibe. Frankly I don't see why Hermes doesn't do a Runway Presentation for their Ready-to-Wear shows just like this! I thought it was great! And so ON TREND since it's ALL ABOUT bold, colorful prints come next Spring/Summer.

D&G Spring 2012

There were mini dresses, bandeau tops, blouses, pajama pants, shorts, maxi-dresses, shoes: EVERYTHING had the SCARF Crazy Stamp.

D&G Spring 2012

I have a feeling that it will be a BIG hit when it hits the stores come next year and we will see LOTS of these prints on the red carpet...

Click Below for the D&G Spring 2012 Full Runway Show Video:

Runway Report: Milan Men's Fashion Week D&G Spring 2012

Foulard Power!

St. Tropez Brunch: D&G Menswear Spring 2012

The design duo of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana showed their latest offering for the MENSSSES during Milan Menswear Spring 2012 Fashion Week for both their lines, including the lower D&G line which I am spotlighting here. For Spring 2012, it was all about the foulard--or printed scarf--it seemed to be the focal point and inspiration for this collection. Lots of silk fabrics, a relaxed proportion and silhouette.

Hugh Hefner Meets 80's Versace Poster Boy: D&G Menswear Spring 2012

Low-slung and LONG crotch/rise were the operative words here in terms of pants and trousers and jeans; the "carrot" style (long dropped crotch, loose at the hips, more fitted toward the leg and ankle) is still the go to look for D&G. Loving the colored driving moccasins and Top-Sider-esque shoe styles (just like in the Dsquared2 Spring 2012 Collection).

Vintage (early 1990's) Versace Ad, featuring Supermodels Nadege, Helena Christensen and a VERY young Niki Taylor

The printed shirts are VERY Versace circa 1992. I had a BLOUSON silk printed jacket back in the day (just like the one below at the far right) and I think it was sold in a "Lawn" sale many many many years ago. Now, I'm bummed I didn't keep it!

PJ's For The Summer: D & G Menswear Spring 2012

And if Domenico and Stefano have their way, it's NO to Speedo and Si, to silk printed "Board Shorts" with denim waistbands come next Spring/Summer 2012. These silk boxer/board shorts were very cute but they reminded me of pajamas one would have chopped off and turned into shorts (maybe that's the point NICK!!!). Well, at least that's what they would look like on me if I ever attempted that look. I'll leave that to you; the young Euro Boys...

Click Below for Full Runway Video of D & G Spring 2012: