The Luxe Chronicles

Haute Couture: God Is In The Details - Why Not Just Enjoy Them?

Every couture season, it's the same story: chroniclers of fashion invariably question the future of the tiny industry. Usually, they point to the dwindling number of couture clients throughout the world and surmise that it's only a matter of time before there are none left and legendary couture houses are forced to shutter their ateliers forever. Of course, the fact that the future of Christian Lacroix's couture house looks increasingly bleak hasn't helped matters. "Was the sunset at Chanel symbolic of couture’s fading light?" asks New York Times' fashion critic Cathy Horyn.

Fashion: Vive Lacroix!

And vive the spirit of solidarity that binds the French fashion community!

Fashion: Haute Couture's Rising Stars

Lest you come away with the impression that Dior was the only couture house to unveil a collection in Paris yesterday, I would like to draw your attention to two other very talented couturiers each of whom presented a parade of gorgeous creations worthy of attention.

Fashion: A Reality Check from Manolo Blahnik

Fashion designers are often portrayed as being frivolous or eccentric or both and it's not uncommon for them to be mocked by those outside the industry. This was abundantly on display for instance in Morley Safer's supremely superficial profile of Anna Wintour for U.S. "news" program 60 Minutes a few months back. While some designers like John Galliano or Karl Lagerfeld do indeed invite that kind of derision by cultivating an eccentric public persona and making provocative statements to the press, they are hardly the norm. There are plenty of very talented designers who stand firmly on the other end of the spectrum like shoe-tsar Manolo Blahnik but the press rarely focus on them.

Fashion: Chanel Inc. on How to Make Friends and Influence People

Many journalists, writers, online editors and bloggers received the above notice from Chanel's corporate parent recently politely instructing them to refrain from what the company considers an inappropriate usurpation of their brand name (please click on the above image to read). Not since Apple Computer tried (unsuccessfully) to prevent the use of any and all images resembling that most ubiquitous fruit, the apple, has a brand sought to push the limits of trademark infringement law this far.

Friday Mea Culpa

I've been a naughty blogger. Perhaps it is the unseasonably warm weather here in London or merely the million and one distractions around me but my heart and my head have just not been into it. Rather than publish something vapid or not à la hauteur of my distinguished readers, I decided to not publish at all. I promise I'll do better next week. Until then, have a lovely weekend.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Fashion: Bad Taste for Back to School

Behold "Sasha Fierce for Derion" back-to-school collection. The line which is described as "junior apparel" is yet another offering from Beyoncé Knowles and her "designer" mother Tina Knowles. It includes a full range of sportswear, outerwear, handbags, footwear, eyewear, lingerie and jewelry. The accessories reportedly involve large metal chains, heavily studded shoes and oversize sunglasses like the ones Beyoncé wears on tour. I can think of no better reason to send your daughters to a uniformed school or at the very least, lobby for a stricter school dress code. Can you?

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Fashion: A Glimpse Into Alexander McQueen 's Creative Angst

We may live in uncertain economic times but thankfully, we live in very creative ones as well. As an increasing number of fashion houses explore alternatives to runway shows either out of environmental consciousness or fiscal prudence, we're witnessing a burst of creativity as new presentation formats are explored. While it's unclear exactly why Alexander McQueen opted for a multi-media presentation over a live runway show, his Men's Spring/Summer 2010 collection arrived at my doorstep last week via CD accompanied by a letter from the designer himself and a short DVD entitled "Analyse That!"

Bon Weekend!

Dear Readers:

There is currently so much going on in the luxury industry that for the first time since starting The Luxe Chronicles, I feel thoroughly overwhelmed! While it is unquestionably a very interesting time to be chronicling the industry, my hobby is threatening to overtake my professional and personal lives. So, as the image I've posted above suggests, I plan to kick back this weekend and do pretty much nothing. Rien du tout. I'll be back Monday hopefully more relaxed and ready to take on the many challenges coming my way. Bon weekend!

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Fashion: Vionnet Exhibit Opens at Paris' Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Oh to be in Paris! This statement is true any time but it is especially true now that the long-awaited Madeleine Vionnet, puriste de la mode exhibit is opened at the musée des Arts décoratifs. Like any hardcore follower of fashion, the exhibit is at the very top of my 'To Do' list for the summer and I plan to take it in just as soon as I can. Until then, I've decided to get into a Vionnet state of mind by re-reading Sophie Dalloz-Ramaux's Madeleine Vionnet: Créatrice de mode (2006, Cabédita - Collection Archives Vivantes).