A Golden Christmas by Christian Dior

"This agile genius of our time whose magical name contains Dieu (God) and Or (Gold)." - Jean Cocteau

Merry Christmas everyone :)

Lady Dior - The Film - L.A.dy Dior

From her global travels to Paris, New York, Shanghai, and London, the mysterious yet opulent Parisian woman known only as Lady Dior arrives in Los Angeles to etch her style mark on the famed Californian city. Once again calling on its beloved spokeswoman to portray the character, renowned French actress Marion Cotillard, Christian Dior has filmed yet another chapter of its creative marketing campaign saga to promote the label's signature Lady Dior handbag. In the new film L.A.dy Dior, although she has never been given a name, Cotillard portrays a shaken A-list actress called "Margaux" who wants nothing more than to be free of the intense Hollywood lifestyle. From the limo and make-up studio to the ultimate movie set in the Hollywood Hills, the entire short-film features countless variations of the remarkably elegant Lady Dior handbag as well as a cast fully styled in nothing but Dior. Keep watching to see where in the world Lady Dior is to visit next.

For the previous four chapters of the Lady Dior Saga, please click the following link:

The Lady Dior Saga

Lady Dior The Film - L.A.dy Dior


The Making of "L.A.dy Dior"

CHANEL - N°5 - Story of an Icon

N°5 - The number says it all. In 1920, Gabrielle Chanel and master perfumer Ernest Beaux were to create the most mythical and best-selling fragrance of all time. From the several magical tales of its creation, whether true or false, to the formula's provenance, Chanel would preserve her legacy to unmistakable proportions with the release of N°5.

Initially presented to Chanel in vial sets numbered 1-5 & 20-24, the couturier would swiftly inform Beaux of her luck with the number 5, ("I present my dress collections on the fifth of May, the fifth month of the year and so we will let this sample number five keep the name it has already, it will bring good luck."). But luck had nothing to do with her business intellect and undeniable determination. N°5 began as a complimentary gift to her most loyal couture clients during Christmas 1921 and would be sprayed immediately prior to Chanel's entrance into her famed Rue Cambon boutique in Paris. Upon the intense interest and acclaim the scent garnered by wearers, Chanel knew it was time for mass production of N°5 to commence. Through a friend Mademoiselle was introduced to Pierre Wertheimer, an established French businessman, who would use his extensive experience in commerce to manufacture massive amounts of the perfume for worldwide distribution. Officially released in 1922, Chanel's iconic N°5 has become the world's best-selling fragrance and remains the most famous perfume of all time.

Mysterious as it is opulent, Chanel would instill her inimitable style, presence, and personality into a perfume known simply as N°5.

N°5 - Story of an Icon


N°5 - The Film - Featuring Audrey Tatou

CHANEL - Paris-Bombay Metiers D'Art Full Fashion Show (Pre-Fall 2011/2012)

Monsieur Karl Lagerfeld has once again presented a rather charming pre-fall collection for the House of Chanel. Last year's brilliant set was inspired by the ancient empire of Byzantium; while this year the fashion legend has gifted onlookers with a presentation exuding all things Bombay. With a relaxed soundtrack featuring the unmistakable sounds of India, the show began with model Stella Tennant walking down a banquet-styled runway in a typically designed Chanel tweed ensemble. From facial jewels and hair ornaments to the abundance of greys, nudes, and pinks, Lagerfeld's pre-fall set evokes a mood of chic, relaxed, and warm Mumbai evenings. Particularly enchanting and romantic were the sari-inspired dresses toward the end of the runway presentation. Well done, Monsieur Lagerfeld.

Interview with Karl Lagerfeld

Lady Gaga in Custom Chanel Haute Couture

Lady Gaga in custom Chanel Haute Couture (l) & Lagerfeld's respective sketch (r)

At the unveiling of her very own "Gaga's Workshop" at Barney's New York department store, superstar Lady Gaga debuted a one-of-a-kind custom fitted dress designed by none other than Karl Lagerfeld for the legendary house of Chanel. Clearly inspired by the classic tweed suit Mademoiselle Chanel is renowned for creating, Lagerfeld's white with black piping detailed design was an undeniable homage to the house's historic trademark style. Although, given Chanel's aversion to both figure-hugging silhouettes and excess fabric, the sweep of the dress was not something that would warrant the iconic designer's stamp of approval. Nonetheless, when dealing with the superstar caliber, and eccentric fashion sense, of Lady Gaga, one can only fully comprehend the blending of such an individual with the house of Chanel.

CHANEL & Black

“I imposed black; it's still going strong today, for black wipes out everything else around”.

- Mademoiselle Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel

Mademoiselle Chanel on Fashion

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

- Mademoiselle Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel

Monsieur Dior on Elegance

Elegance must be the right combination of distinction, naturalness, care, and simplicity. - Monsieur Christian Dior

Dior's Arrival on Twitter

After waiting for what seemed to be a lifetime, today legendary fashion house Christian Dior announced their arrival to the wonderful world of Twitter. Naturally, one, like myself, is immensely ecstatic by the launch of Dior's Twitter account. One can wonder if Monsieur Dior would have been tweeting had he been alive for technology in social media? Nonetheless, be sure to follow Dior to stay abreast on runway presentations, boutique launches, new product announcements and simply all things Christian Dior.

Follow Dior and welcome them by visiting http://www.twitter.com/dior

Charlize Theron & Dior

J'adorable

C'est manifique! Charlize Theron and Parfums Christian Dior have teamed up once again to produce a rather glamorous short film to promote the latter's iconic fragrance, J'Adore. Filmed exclusively at Versailles in the Galerie des Glaces, the set is generously adorned with all things gold featuring models colorfully styled in nothing but haute couture opulence; a feat only capable by the house of Dior. As if there were no other charming attributes to be noted of this mini-film, be sure to catch a glimpse the strikingly close look-a-like of the one and only Marilyn Monroe.

I say it time and time again, and how appropriate it is now, j'adore Dior. :)

Darren Hayes' Two New Singles & NYC Album Playback Session

Secret Codes and Battleships

With his immensely high quality pop music, this genius of a man never disappoints. After the lead single's June reveal, "Talk Talk Talk", taken from his forthcoming studio album "Secret Codes & Battleships", Darren Hayes releases two new tracks for different territories across the globe. First, Black Out The Sun will see a release of October 2 in UK & the rest of the world while "Bloodstained Heart" is slated for a 5 September release in Australia.

As for the album, I was lucky enough to be selected to attend an incredibly exclusive playback session at the Soho House for Secret Codes & Battleships here in New York City. Without going into much detail, the album opens with an epic number and bookends by closing with an equally stunning track. Throughout the album, deep melodies soar, smooth electronic production prevails, all the while Darren's magical vocals pierce what felt like every nerve ending in my body. Shortly before the album playback, Darren recorded a video for attendees stating he felt this album was his best work yet. He was right. :)

Black Out The Sun:

This video, and track, can be summed up quite concisely in two words: remarkably epic.

Bloodstained Heart (Animated Lyric Video)

Stunning, stunning, stunning. :)

Darren's new album, Secret Codes & Battleships, is scheduled to drop 17 October 2011.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.darrenhayes.com

twitter.com/darrenhayes

facebook.com/darrenhayesofficial

WWD: Marc Jacobs in talks to design at Dior

Marc Jacobs

An American at the helm of Christian Dior? According to Women's Wear Daily, the aforementioned rumor may prove to be true indeed. Earlier today, WWD reported LVMH chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault is in serious talks with Marc Jacobs to move from Louis Vuitton to Christian Dior becoming the latter's new head designer. Although Dior declined to comment on the reports, both the house's management & Marc Jacobs are said to be excited about the prospect. If Jacobs is to become Dior's new couturier, he would replace John Galliano who was ousted in March due to anti-semitic allegations which lead to court proceedings in Paris.

Happy 128th Birthday, Mademoiselle Chanel

Poise, elegance, simplicity = Mademoiselle Chanel

On August 19, 1883, the world was graced with a woman who would revolutionize fashion with her incomparable elegance, simplistic vision, and endearing perseverance. Her name is Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel. From her humble beginnings as an orphan in Aubazine to her complete domination of the fashion industry, Mademoiselle Chanel was a woman of unbelievable triumphs and survival. Chanel is directly responsible as to why people wear comfortable jersey knits, costume jewelry, little black dresses, shoulder-bags, and the timeless Chanel style to this very day. As a devout admirer of both Chanel and her global brand, I'm quite proud and happy to celebrate this day for such an incredible woman I've respected and loved for as long as I can remember. Even though she has come to pass, the Chanel legacy will never die.

Joyeux anniversaire, Mademoiselle Chanel :)

Happy 75th Birthday to Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent

Dressing is a way of life. - Yves Saint Laurent

A mere initial abbreviation symbolizes elegance, sensuality, and class into one; those initials are YSL. Even though he has come to pass on June 1, 2008, the legacy this man created will live on for an eternity. From beginning as Christian Dior's assistant, ultimately becoming head designer upon Dior's death, to popularizing mens looks in women's fashions and being the one designer attributed to making ready-to-wear reputable worldwide, Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent has adorned the fashion industry with timeless elegance and incomparable sophistication. Happy Birthday to one of the kindest and most humble legends fashion has ever seen.

CHANEL Haute Couture Autumn 2011/Winter 2012 (Full Video)

Perhaps one line may suffice for what one may think of this wonderful collection by the legendary Karl Lagerfeld: C'est manifique!

Dior Fall Winter 2011-2012 Campaign Video

Pinot Noir, please?

The House of Dior has unveiled a rather charming short-film presenting its fall 2011 collection inspired by the legendary love affair between Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, and Edward VIII. With Scottish tartans and Balmoral tweeds to Prince of Wales checks, Dior's collection leads one to imagine an elegant evening in the English countryside with ensembles that symbolize true glamour and decadence. What more could one ask for?

Take note of the tweed variations of the iconic Lady Dior handbag. :)

All photos courtesy of Christian Dior

Christian Dior & Red

Christian Dior Haute Couture A/W 10/11

"A very energetic and beneficial color. It is the color of life. I love red and I think it suits almost every complexion. It is good for any time, too. There is certainly a red for everyone. " - Monsieur Christian Dior

Christian Dior Haute Couture S/S 09

Lady Dior handbag

Dior's signature red lipstick

Christian Dior 1947 "Samourai" handbag

Christian Dior signature cannage pattern shoulder bag.

"In winter I think a red coat is very nice because it is such a warm-looking color; and if most of your frocks and suits are in neutral shades, a red coat will go very well with them." - Monsieur Christian Dior

Christian Dior: Eau Sauvage Short Film

Today legendary fashion house Christian Dior released a new campaign video for the timelessly masculine fragrance, "Eau Sauvage". Featuring scenes from the 1968 cult classic film "La Piscine", with music by the Rolling Stones for its corresponding soundtrack, one can't help but find themselves hypnotized the short film's masculine sensuality. J'adore Dior.

For more information, and to stay updated with all things Dior, please visit & "like" the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Dior

The Fundamentals of Fashion Cannot Be Bought

"Simplicity, grooming, and good taste, the three fundamentals of fashion, cannot be bought. But they can be learnt by rich and poor alike."

- Monsieur Christian Dior

Anna Wintour's PSA for Marriage Equality Initiative

"As far as I'm concerned, having the right to say 'I do' is as fundamental as the right to vote." - Anna Wintour.

Participating in the "New Yorkers for Marriage Equality" initiative, Anna Wintour, Vogue's legendary Editor-In-Chief, along with the Human Rights Campaign, have released a public service announcement of the journalist announcing her full support for same-sex marriage in New York. There's another solid reason to keep flipping through Vogue magazine.

For more information, please visit: www.hrc.org/ny4marriage

Inspiration Dior Exhibition

The "Inspiration Dior Exhibition" has launched at the Pushkin Museum in Moscow to record crowds and rave reviews. Featuring over sixty-four years of extravagant history and haute couture heritage since 1947, the exhibit fully chronicles the inspiration behind Monsieur Christian Dior's gowns to the remarkable designers that have succeeded him in a myriad of fashion displays. Venturing through the exhibit, which begins with none other than Monsieur Dior's revolutionary New Look, one will experience a unified vision of the most remarkable fashion house the world has ever seen. Long live Dior.

Note: I pray this exhibit is brought to New York.

A Spring Bride for Marchesa

Here comes the bride

Lace, tulle, and pearls, oh my! Upon viewing Marchesa's sweet bridal collection for spring 2012, one cannot help but imagine a rather splendid and elegant wedding ceremony. With silhouettes ranging from short cocktail dresses to a fairly stunning A-line skirted gown, Georgina Chapman's bridal collection features intricate pearl beading, vastly detailed embroidery, and delicate lace-work techniques. With tulle for structure and gathering for volume, Marchesa's brides will be met with both awe and envy at the chapel's altar.

All photos courtesy of WWD

Balmain Gives Christophe Decarnin the Boot

Christophe Decarnin

Another one bites the dust. After five years of blissful and sexy fashions, Balmain and its head designer Christophe Decarnin have sorely decided to part ways. With an official announcement expected at some point today, the French label's decision comes swiftly after Decarnin's mysterious absence at last month's ready-to-wear show during Paris Fashion Week. Apparently due to a severe depression with supported doctor's orders to skip the show, those close to Decarnin disagree and stress the designer's relationship with Balmain to have suffered dramatically in recent months. Rumors suggest Decarnin and Balmain's chairman and CEO Alain Hivelin had widely opposing views on the brand's strategy and future image causing a rupture in the professional relationship.

Decarnin is largely attributed to the recent spike in Balmain's sales thanks in part to his renowned dresses, destroyed shirts, and strong-shouldered jackets which have become a signature look of the Parisian brand.

In the meantime, it is expected that Balmain will announce an internal employee as Decarnin's successor.