ShopDiary

Chanel’s Amazing Carousel Runway

Via Style.com:
PARIS, February 29, 2008 – A Chanel carousel fitted out with giant quilted bags, camellias, pearls, boaters, and bows faced the audience as it poured into the Grand Palais for the Fall ready-to-wear show. It was a fitting metaphor for the timeless turning of the house classics, and for the unstoppable machine fashion has become these days. The instinct, on arrival, was to prepare to hold on tight. How fast would this thing be set to whiz? How many blur-speed notions would Karl Lagerfeld manage to whip past us this time?

Thankfully, instead of the past few seasons’ bamboozling surges of styles, all that transpired was that the girls walked in a circle, then climbed aboard the turning merry-go-round so that the clothes could be viewed again at leisure. It was worth a second and third look because this was a collection that, in spite of its something-Chanel-for-everyone variety, also provided gimmick-free commentary on current trends.

Via IHT:
PARIS: Fashion may be an eternal merry-go-gound but Karl Lagerfeld made a big statement with the carousel in the center of his Chanel runway on Friday. Instead of the usual fairground seats of sculpted horses, this whirligig was fitted with super-sized bags, shoes, pearl chains, camellias and even Coco Chanel’s signature hat. And at the end of a show, in which the only bag was a tiny egg-sized clutch for evening , the models clung to the giant accessories as the carousel twirled.

Via WSJ:
This morning, models walked around a circular runway, then stepped onto a carousel that was created for the show, where some models sat on oversized shoes and bags. At the end of the show, the carousel began to turn and out came Mr. Lagerfeld, himself in a black double-breasted jacket. He escorted his models out, closing the show.

Photos via Reuters/Javno

Tulle Sample Sale

What: Tulle Sample Sale
When: Saturday, March 1st from 10am to 3pm
Where: Tulle Warehouse 350 W. Apra St. Compton, CA 90220
Why: Women’s cute jackets and coats, work wear staples, adorable jumpers and blouses in the trendiest colors all by Tulle. Everything is $20 or less! Cash and Credit Card only.
Website: www.tulle4us.com

Tory Burch Lizzie Jacket

If you still haven’t gotten over the school blazer trend from last fall and was not lucky enough to pick up a Balenciaga jacket at the Barneys New York Warehouse Sale (now on its last few days in New York!), then perhaps now is the time to spring for the Lizzie Jacket from Tory Burch. It comes in plain navy and a white rope print, both with white contrast trim. The jacket costs a hundred dollars more than J. Crew’s Lexington jacket (the navy is sold out, but it still comes in ivory) at $375 but it’s the closest lower priced alternative to the Balenciaga jacket down to its double breast collar, contrast trim and angled closure. And with the weather warming up, the light cotton canvas will be perfect for spring!

p.s. Gossip Girl returns in April!

These Boots Were Made For Walking…

Those Balenciaga F/W 08 boots look interesting from afar…

But up close and by themselves, they look like, uh, used prophylactics. Indeed, the ankle boot versions were paired with printed latex dresses at the end of the show.

[via Style.it]

Yohji Yamamoto Partners with Hermès

Here I am at home and supposed to be knee deep in a work related project yet I find myself clicking on to Style.com and Elle.com. And before you know it, the Paris runway shows have gotten me engrossed. Ah well, I’m at home anyway…

Style.com reports that Yohji Yamamoto has debuted leather portfolio bags in collaboration with Hermès. The first question that popped into my head was, “Will I be able to finally afford an Hermès?” Probably not yet. At any rate the brilliant avant-garde Japanese designer had an amazing show. He even did the background guitar music. You can watch the runway show below.

And this is odd but did you get a Harry Potter vibe at the end? Ah yah, don’t mind me. Must be the “too much work lately” kicking in.

Photos and Video via Elle.com

Clarins Beauty Gift

I can’t believe I almost missed this one. Nordstrom is offering a Free Clarins beauty gift with any two-item Clarins purchase online and in stores. I use Clarins UV Plus Protective Day Screen SPF 40 and Sun Wrinkle Control Eye Contour Cream everyday (yes, even when it’s cloudy outside) so I guess it’s about time to stock up while getting some freebies at the same time. The four-piece travel-size skin care products will come in handy for an upcoming trip this summer. Love it!

On Wearing Primary Colors

I’m warming up to the idea of wearing all primary colors together this spring. I was lucky enough to snag a pair of red patent Louboutin slingbacks on sale last week and now I’ve been thinking up ways to wear it. These photos from the Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2008 collection points me in the right direction by pairing bright yellows, reds and blues with neutral colors like white and khaki. Primary colors appear so much brighter and bolder on patent leather so if paired with muted shades they are easy on the eyes. So it is possible to wear them all together without looking cartoonish.

What do you think of primary colors? Will you be wearing them this spring?

Shantung Waistcoat Vest + ‘Maydie’ Top
+ ‘Rae’ Striped Wide Leg Pants

‘Brady’ Quilted Denim Jacket + Mercerized
Twill Shorts + Yellow Patent Slides

‘Flash’ Double Breasted Patent Trench Coat
+ Faille Sailor Pants

Paris Fashion Week F/W 2008 Schedule

Paris Fashion Week for ready to wear fall/winter 2008-2009 started yesterday February 23 and runs through March 2. Here’s a handy PDF file of the schedule. I’ve been too busy lately to pay attention to the runway shows. Hopefully, I’ll be done with my big project at work soon to take a look at what the designers have to offer for fall.

Saturday, February 2008, the 23rd
4:30 pm IMPASSE DE LA DÉFENSE Restaurant Le Train Bleu - Salle Dorée - Gare de Lyon
5:30 pm FATIMA LOPES Hôtel Westin - Salon Concorde - 3 rue de Castiglione - Paris 1er
6:30 pm DÉVASTÉE L’Académie - 14 rue Royale - Paris 8e
7:30 pm IVANAHELSINKI Hôtel Westin - Salon Concorde - 3 rue de Castiglione - Paris 1er

Sunday, February 2008, the 24th
10:00 am JEFEN Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Gabriel*
11:00 am LIE SANG BONG Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Soufflot*
12:00 pm CHER MICHEL KLEIN Intercontinental Paris Le Grand - 2 rue Scribe - Paris 9e
2:00 pm RAJESH PRATAP SINGH Espace Commines - 17 rue Commines - Paris 3e
3:00 pm BALMAIN Hôtel Westin - 3 rue de Castiglione - Paris 1er
4:00 pm BRUNO PIETERS Galerie Nikki Diana Marquardt - 9 place des Vosges - Paris 4e
5:00 pm MANISH ARORA BETC EURO RSCG - 85 rue du faubourg Saint-Martin - Paris 10e
6:00 pm RICK OWENS École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts - Salle Melpomène - 13 quai Malaquais - Paris 6e
7:00 pm BLESS 22 avenue Marx Dormoy - Paris 18e
8:00 pm AF VANDEVORST Maison des Métallos - 94 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud - Paris 11e

Monday, February 2008, the 25th
10:00 am ATSURO TAYAMA Salle Pleyel - 252 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré - Paris 8e
11:00 am VÉRONIQUE LEROY Espace Pierre Cardin - 1/3 avenue Gabriel - Paris 8e
12:00 pm GASPARD YURKIEVICH Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Soufflot*
1:00 pm ROBERT NORMAND Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Gabriel*
2:30 pm CHRISTIAN DIOR Espace Ephémère Tuileries - Jardin des Tuileries – Paris 1er
3:30 pm ISABEL MARANT Espace Eiffel - Quai Branly - Paris 7e
4:30 pm SHARON WAUCHOB Palais de Tokyo - 13 avenue du Président Wilson - Paris 16e
5:30 pm UNDERCOVER La Cigale - 120 boulevard Rochechouart - Paris 18e
6:30 pm MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA Palais Omnisports de Paris Bercy - Salle Marcel Cerdan - Porte 28 - 8 boulevard de Bercy - Paris 12e
7:30 pm VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Hôtel Westin - 3 rue de Castiglione - Paris 1er
8:30 pm YOHJI YAMAMOTO Palais de la Bourse - Place de la bourse - Paris 2e

Tuesday, February 2008, the 26th
09:30 am BALENCIAGA See invitation
10:30 am JUNYA WATANABE See invitation
11:30 am TSUMORI CHISATO Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Delorme*
12:30 pm MARITHÉ & FRANCOIS GIRBAUD Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Le Nôtre*
1:30 pm LUTZ Espace Pierre Cardin - 1/3 avenue Gabriel - Paris 8e
2:30 pm VIKTOR & ROLF See invitation
3:30 pm ISSEY MIYAKE Musée de l’homme - 17 place du Trocadéro - Paris 16e
4:30 pm ANN DEMEULEMEESTER Couvent des Cordeliers - 15 rue de l’Ecole de Médecine - Paris 6e
5:30 pm COMME DES GARCONS See invitation
7:00 pm JEAN PAUL GAULTIER 325 rue Saint-Martin - Paris 3e
8:00 pm VÉRONIQUE BRANQUINHO Maison des Métallos - 94 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud - Paris 11e
9:00 pm LOEWE Opéra Comique - place Boieldieu - Paris 2e

Wednesday, February 2008, the 27th
10:00 am KARL LAGERFELD Espace Eiffel - Quai Branly - Paris 7e
11:00 am ANDREW GN Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Gabriel*
12:00 pm AKRIS Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Delorme*
1:00 pm EMANUEL UNGARO Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Le Nôtre*
2:00 pm COSTUME NATIONAL Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Soufflot*
3:00 pm DRIES VAN NOTEN Manège du Grand Palais - entrée porte C - avenue Franklin Roosevelt - Paris 8e
4:00 pm CHRISTIAN LACROIX Espace Ephémère Tuileries - Jardin des Tuileries – Paris 1er
5:00 pm REQUIEM Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Gabriel*
6:00 pm GIVENCHY Carreau du Temple - 3 rue Dupetit Thouars - Paris 3e
7:30 pm HUSSEIN CHALAYAN See invitation
8:30 pm BERNHARD WILLHELM Maison des Métallos - 94 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud - Paris 11e

Thursday, February 2008, the 28th
09:30 am STELLA MCCARTNEY Carreau du Temple - 3 rue Dupetit Thouars - Paris 3e
10:30 am VALENTINO Palais de Chaillot - 1 place du Trocadéro - Paris 16e
11:30 am LÉONARD Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Delorme*
12:30 pm BARBARA BUI Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Le Nôtre*
1:30 pm ANNE VALÉRIE HASH Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Soufflot*
2:30 pm GIAMBATTISTA VALLI Espace Eiffel - Quai Branly - Paris 7e
3:30 pm ZUCCA École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts - Salle Melpomène - 13 quai Malaquais - Paris 6e
4:30 pm CELINE Espace Ephémère Tuileries - Jardin des Tuileries – Paris 1er
5:30 pm HAIDER ACKERMANN Couvent des Cordeliers - 15 rue de l’Ecole de Médecine - Paris 6e
6:30 pm SOPHIA KOKOSALAKI Palais de Tokyo - 13 avenue du Président Wilson - Paris 16e
8:00 pm YVES SAINT LAURENT Grand Palais - avenue Winston Churchill - Paris 8e

Friday, February 2008, the 29th
10:30 am CHANEL Grand Palais - avenue du Général Eisenhower - Paris 8e
11:30 am AGNÈS B. Palais de Tokyo - 13 avenue du Président Wilson - Paris 16e
12:30 pm JEAN-CHARLES DE CASTELBAJAC Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Delorme*
1:30 pm ALENA AKHMADULLINA Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Soufflot*
2:30 pm SONIA RYKIEL Espace Ephémère Tuileries – Jardin des Tuileries – Paris 1er
3:30 pm JUNKO SHIMADA École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts - Salle Melpomène - 13 quai Malaquais - Paris 6e
4:30 pm RUE DU MAIL (by Martine Sitbon) Couvent des Cordeliers - 15 rue de l’Ecole de Médecine - Paris 6e
5:30 pm ES ORCHESTRES La Sorbonne - 47 rue des Ecoles - Paris 5e
7:00 pm JOSE CASTRO Parking du Palais Omnisports de Paris Bercy - 8 boulevard de Bercy - Paris 12e
8:00 pm ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Palais Omnisports de Paris Bercy - Salle Marcel Cerdan - Porte 28 - 8 boulevard de Bercy - Paris 12e

Saturday, March 2008, the 1st
10:30 am KENZO Carreau du Temple - 3 rue Dupetit Thouars - Paris 3e
11:30 am ELIE SAAB Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Delorme *
12:30 pm WUNDERKIND Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Soufflot*
1:30 pm PAUL & JOE Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Le Nôtre*
2:30 pm COMMUUN Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Gabriel*
3:30 pm CHLOÉ Espace Ephémère Tuileries - Jardin des Tuileries - Paris 1er
4:30 pm MARTIN GRANT École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts - Salle Melpomène - 13 quai Malaquais - Paris 6e
5:30 pm HERMÈS Espace Eiffel - Quai Branly - Paris 7e
6:30 pm LIMI FEU Couvent des Cordeliers - 15 rue de l’Ecole de Médecine - Paris 6e
8:00 pm JOHN GALLIANO Grande Halle de la Villette - 211 avenue Jean Jaurès - Paris 19e

Sunday, March 2008, the 2nd
10:00 am VANESSA BRUNO 8 rue de la Pierre Levée - Paris 11e
11:00 am NINA RICCI Espace Ephémère Tuileries - Jardin des Tuileries - Paris 1er
12:00 pm CHAPURIN Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Delorme*
1:00 am YUKI TORII Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Gabriel*
2:00 am COLLETTE DINNIGAN Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Soufflot*
3:00 pm LOUIS VUITTON See invitation
4:30 pm SAKINA M’SA Le Carrousel du Louvre - Salle Gabriel*
5:30 pm LANVIN Espace Eiffel - Quai Branly - Paris 7e
6:30 pm MOON YOUNG HEE École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts - Salle Melpomène - 13 quai Malaquais - Paris 6e
7:30 pm MIU MIU See invitation
8:30 pm CHADO RALPH RUCCI Couvent des Cordeliers - 15 rue de l’Ecole de Médecine - Paris 6e

* Le Carrousel du Louvre, 99, rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

[Via Mode a Paris]

Target Does Mouse Jelly Shoes

Looks like Target is paying “homage” to Marc Jacobs’ Mouse Jelly Shoes with house brand Xhilaration. I’ve always thought of jelly shoes as ugly and impractical but this design is actually cute. And at $7.99-$8.99 a pair, you can just have fun with it without breaking the bank. Let’s just hope the plastic is as pliable and soft as Marc Jacobs’. Otherwise, blisters aren’t even worth paying $7.99 for.

Pierre Hardy Shoes for Gap

Pierre Hardy’s spring shoe collection for Gap is set to hit 75 U.S. stores and Gap.com on March 6. Last fall, the French accessories designer collaborated with Gap for a footwear collection released in the U.K. and France. The spring line for the U.S. market includes a wooden wedge sandal with an ankle strap in printed fabrics and a chambray. There is also a three strap wooden platform and a flat, leather gladiator style (love!). The shoes will retail for $78 to $98.

Gap.com currently shows the footwear styled with Gap’s limited edition European collection (see photos below). If you really love the three strap wooden platforms, you don’t have to wait until March 6 to purchase them. They are now available online in khaki and dark brown in sizes 37-41 for $98. But don’t go looking for Pierre Hardy’s name on the shoes. They will be marked as “Gap Design Editions” just like last year’s limited release of white shirts from Rodarte, Thakoon and Doo Ri.

Striped button-front dress - navy stripe

Sleeveless belted dress - mayfair khaki

Short empire dress - black

Oversized denim shorts - faded original

[via WWD and L.A. Times]