Chanel Spring/Summer 2011--Thug In A Cocktail Dress

Just because a designer is main-stream doesn't mean that they should be ignored.  Quite the opposite--they are the annointed taste-makers.  And, well, I happen to like Chanel.  Its classic, you really can go wrong with their suiting, so I'm usually excited to see their shows.  Spring/Summer 2011 is no exception!

There were some really cute dresses in the show.  Feminine, but tough, like someone in their 20s could wear them out for a fun night and not feel like they're robbed their grandmother or that they're looking like an Italian divorcee.  My favorite was this black & white number, looks totally Chanel but still young and fun.  I like the contrasting trim over the major seams, it gives the dress a nice shape and really makes the wearer look trim.  I hate the shoes, they look like clunky bricks.  Oh well.  Can't win them all.

Another look I really liked was the art deco-inspired A-Line dress with the front bib and the tulle.  I know, its a bit fussy, but its pretty! Its one of those dresses that you'd wear to a big event, but its interesting and it doesn't scream "I'm wearing Chanel!  Out of my way bitches!!"  Instead, the model looks very well dressed and doesn't fall prey to what Chanel sometimes does of just looking to...elderly.

Not everything in the show came up roses.  In fact, a large portion of the looks just...sucked.  Okay, so why is Karl Lagerfeld trying to dress Chanel-thugs?  What's with the open golashes, booty shorts and just ugly?  What's he thinking?  Tweedy booty shorts?  REALLY?!  Does he picture women who wear Chanel out trying to pick up men in alleys?  Girl looks like a thug.  Another look I particularly disliked is the floral dress that I'm sad to say came from the Chanel show.  Is it just me, or does it look like that horrible prairie dress that your aunt gives you when you're 7 and your mom makes you wear for the family portrait?  It's even got that silly pilgrim collar, awkward length and frumpy waist.  The way that the model is standing says it all--her pose makes me think that she's about ready to pull a HULK on it and rip it off.  Poor girl, having to wear something so embarrassing.

The Chanel spring-summer 2011 show started out so nicely, with lovely tweed and ended with beautiful cocktail dresses.  For some reason, the middle was filled with girls who looked like they were going to jump you for your hair clip.  So sad!  But, that doesn't take away from the fact that I needs to get me another tweedy jacket....

Pictures from Style

You may also be interested in a prior post about Chanel Accessories

Where's The Tweed?

It is the spring Couture time of year!  Yes, the time when models dressed like cracked out Cleopatras galavant down the runways.  It is fun, though!

The Chanel Spring 2009 Couture show seems to be widely loved by the critics.  Sure, it is wearable and looks chic and well-tailored.  And, it has the crazy paper head-dresses.  But, it is missing something.

Tweed.  The Chanel show seemed to be completely void of their most signature look of them all--the tweed blazer.  Sure, the nice white tailored blazer pictured is lovely.  But, it isn't the signature Chanel look that will never, ever go out of style.  It is so....weird.  Hopefully, at the ready to wear show, the tweed will make a reappearance.  Because, what is Chanel without tweed?

Picture from style.com

Follow The White Rabit!

 Sometimes Chanel can seem stuffy and tired, but there are times where Karl is able to pull out something that has the perfect amount of edge and fun!  This rabbit pin has just that!  It is a gold-tone and enamel Chanel pin in the shape of the cutest rabbit with a ribbon and logo-ed necklace.  

This pin would look so good by itself on the lapel of a classic suit or as part of a bijoux ensemble on a bag or dress.  The fun part of the pin is that it is so unexpected--it isn't a giant mound of strass or a flower, instead it is an adorable little bunny.  Not, just any bunny, it is a white rabbit, while for all of his innocent looks can also be used as a cheeky double-entandre for some not so savory activities...  But, who cares?!  It is Chanel!

Picture from bluefly.com

It Is All In Black & White!

Vintage is a wonderful aspect of fashion!  If it once was glamourous, surely its day will arrive once again.  And, well, this dress' day has arrived again!

This is a vintage black silk and velvet art deco-era dress.  It has a white ermine collar and an extended peplum around the waist that forms a sort of skirt that goes over the longer column skirt.  

What really makes this dress so special is how of-the-moment the cut is again!  The extended peplum was seen again this season in Giles Mendel show.  And, the whole combination of black with white details never goes out of style.  You can see the influence that Coco Chanel had on the cut of this dress--it is feminine while still being gamine.  

Photo courtesy of ebay seller timesupvintage.