“Are not the most beautiful things made to circulate?” These words were spoken by Coco Chanel in 1932, and like so many things she had a hand in creating, the sentiment is timeless. The video below is the 3rd of the “Inside Chanel” series titled “Chanel and the Diamond”. It speaks of not only the history of the importance diamonds play in fashion, but also the inspiration of the collection and sensation it caused… of course…
More and more the mobile media experience is found in-store, enhancing the consumer experience on a number of levels. Notably, Brian Atwood has developed a very clever Museum Experience in his New York flagship store by way of QR codes. In one quick scan, consumers are directed to video content featuring Mr. Atwood as he describes the inspiration or design process behind a particular piece. This is less about e-commerce and more about telling a story and revealing craft. The video mimics the style of old movie projectors, with the intent to elevate the shoes and handbags to museum worthy “art” status. Further to this, any item purchased in-store will have a “655 Madison Avenue” plaque attached to it, adding to the exclusivity of the experience.
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Maybe it’s not a journey, but Karl, this little number is beyond puzzling…
It is no great secret that image is everything – and that luxury brands must tell authentic stories that live and breathe in more meaningful and engaging mediums. Luxury footwear brand Tod’s has recently done just that through the release of a uniquely beautiful “book” of portraits that ventures deep into the heart of the brand itself by featuring what makes up Tod’s esteemed heritage: the elegant people and the captivating places of Italy… and it’s mobile. While it is a marketing tool showcasing personal fashion, it feels like an intimate, personal book of family portraits and experiences (both in still images as well as video). The premise behind the images of style and Italianeese as stated in the Info segment of the app: “At a time when a negative mood seems to reign in Italy, this volume offers a positive portrait of personalities and beautiful places, all diverse, all winners.” The BeautifulCurious criticism is that one obvious ingredient is missing: the very elegant Italian women who also enjoy Tod’s. “Italian Portraits” is available at the App Store and can be experienced on the Tod’s website.
Something otherworldly entered the stratosphere, by way of a certain Coco Chanel back in 1932. And for a very short time (and for a fortunate few) it can be observed in a transformed Chanel galaxy not far from the MoMA from October 9th – 16th. What is it you ask? It is the extraordinary 1932 Tribute Collection of high-jewelry, celebrating 80 years of Chanel history and commitment to the fine jewelry craft as an art form. Ms. Chanel’s first collection debuted during the depression on November 7, 1932 titled “Bijoux de Diamants” with the intent ”to cover women in constellations.” And she does so still today with 80 exceptional pieces that dazzle in diamonds and platinum, bold and pearls, rock crystal and sapphires – it is a bespoke universe of beauty in small pocket of New York City. For those who did not receive their private invitation, you can get starry-eyed by way of those lovely folks at Gotham Magazine.
This curation is one of opposites. A collection offering something innocent and fresh with something that is far less so: Giambattista Valli and Saint Laurent Paris. Mr. Valli crafted a series feminine looks with sheer organza, delicate floral details and crystal beading that would make Flora swoon. He also created some severely tailored offerings that counter these ladylike ones, but the most memorable pieces are the sheer dresses or skirts over panties – particularly those with a dropped hem made of non-sheer fabrics. At Saint Laurent the mood shifted to something hard and slightly subversive. The presentation was a paired down, urban goth collection that was quite stunning, despite Hedi Slimane’s overly done antics. At times the hats seemed an unfortunate accessory that transformed otherwise glamourous, flowing dresses into something a bohemian sorceress might wear. It is a shame the garments have nearly been over trumped by so much drama and this curious mind wonders what will become of the YSL legacy…
How wonderful it is to be back in Paris – and what a beautiful welcome it is with the likes of Lanvin and Nina Ricci to fill the fashion soul. It is appropriate to begin with Alber Elbaz, as the Lanvin collection was about “a new start” for him. And that meant going back to the classic beauty of ancient Greece and Rome to present this work of “deconstructed classicism” that had a great purity and glamourous elegance. The asymmetrical garments with the orgami-like belts and bow accents easily make the BeautifulCurious most desired list. Peter Copping is also interested in ties that bind, albeit from a refined dominatrix angle. His offerings are a curious contradiction: do leather bondage harnesses go with demure dresses, cardigans and skirts? Oui, bien sur! Each of the looks have quality and depth that suggests things are nowhere near what they seem. Is she naughty, nice or both? He took a risk with this collection and it is one that is unforgettable.
With this pair of curious eyes focused on the runways, something very special almost escaped my radar and it must not escape yours. Incase you have not seen or heard the buzz of a certain Miss Olivia Bee, welcome to her world. At the ripe age of 18 she has recently been commissioned to shoot the cover and lead editorial for Hermés’ Le Monde D’Hermés Fall 2012 issue. Hermés was so smitten with the work that they asked her to make a film about a prince and princess. It is a representation of her, her brain and scarves are involved. What is so wonderful is that this esteemed, well established luxury brand recognizes creativity as a shared commodity and embraces the beauty of storytelling that exists outside the bounds of the atelier walls. All you need to do now is watch:
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What is modern minimalism in Milan? Maurizio Pecoraro has a few ideas and has literally made art of them with the help of a few well curated friends: Irving Penn, Mark Rothko, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Lee Ufan. His garmets may seem ultra paired down to basic shapes and forms, but there is a deep intellectual sensuality at play. Particularly in the evening tanks, skirts and dresses that resemble single elongated petals loosely enveloping the wearer as they drip with sequins. It is this fresh, yet smouldering wetness that makes this minimalism, well, so much more…
Ciao Milan! On the heels of so much fashion travel (over land and through time), Alberta Ferretti offers a welcomed invitation to dip our toes into an aquatic world of ethereal femininity. Her collection inspired by the watery underworld is profoundly beautiful with illusions of iridescent anemones, lace seaweed, and other delicate sea creatures – all of which seem unaware they are made of fabric and swim through air as if it were liquid. It is exactly this quality that gives merit to showcasing this collection in abundance. Most remarkable are those looks layering sheer organza over beaded or embroidered fabrics. Without doubt, Ferretti’s luminous garments would leave even the most potent Siren of the sea breathless.
