Happy 86th Birthday to Chanel's Famed Logos

Not only does today signify your author's birthday, but one, like myself, can be immensely honored to share this historic day with none other than renowned fashion empress, Gabrielle Chanel. Although today is not her personal birthday however, February 24 marks the eighty-sixth anniversary of both her iconic text logos of "CHANEL" and the symbolic interlocking "CC" images being trademarked in New York City back in 1925. Unmistakably powerful in the world of fashion, Chanel's logos are recognized worldwide to symbolize style, elegance, perseverance, and unsurpassed luxury. As an undeniably loyal and devout admirer of Mademoiselle Chanel, I'm quite ecstatic to share my birthday with her legendary and historic fashion house.

London Fashion Week - Julien Macdonald's Dark Lady

Gothic Revival

With a drastic vintage aesthetic in mind, Julien Macdonald has gracefully designed a rather sublime collection based on gothic fashions from the 1500s. At first, one may find the first segment of the show to be overly focused on solid black ensembles but, with a second glance, the remarkable layering of silk, tulle, and embroidery awarded naysayers with faith over initial doubt. The show progressed with his lovely takes on the centuries-old peasant dress featured in lime, pink, and lavender pastels. Several models trotted down the catwalk with lovely pleated skirts and trains accessorized with knee-high boots and light make-up to parallel the presentation's dark and moody atmosphere. Overall, the romance and glamour of Macdonald's autumn/winter collection were smooth on the eyes and fully apparent in the designers intricate craftsmanship.

Photos courtesy of WWD

Glamorous Granny at Pringle of Scotland

Knitted Beauties

Who says grandmothers never exhibit impeccable style when it comes to dressing? Certainly not Clare Waight Keller, Pringle of Scotland's creative director, who churned out a rather delightful autumn/winter collection inspired by the traditionally influential matriarch for London Fashion Week. With a dominance of several grey tones, as well as a generous amount of browns, Keller's presentation revealed designs ranging from high-waisted tweed and Prince of Wales trousers to a sleeveless trapeze coat and poncho knit tops. Eerily similar to Lagerfeld's fall 2010 collection for Chanel were the knitted raccoon dresses & coats with fur detailing as well as the fur boots and shoes. Nonetheless, the lines were soft and slim but undeniably geared towards practicality and comfort.

NY Fashion Week: Victoria Beckham Advances in Fall 2011

Mrs. Beckham's Simple Elegance

Whether you know her as a world-famous Spice Girl, footballer's wife, or soon-to-be mother of four, Victoria Beckham's autumn/winter 2011 collection continued the style icon's wonderful maturity into the world of fashion design. Only six collections in, the fairly small and quaint show began with a deep magenta ruched neck nomad dress which solidified the designer's determination to reveal creations exhibiting an aesthetic of simple elegance. The show progressed with several body-slimming silhouettes, figure-hugging dresses, and pencil skirts featured in bright colors, such as orange and yellow, to similar designs offered in essential black and gray neutrals. Mrs. Beckham's lovely autumn presentation even displayed a limited number of asymmetrical designs cleverly updating classic styles such as a ribbed drape-fitted dress and a traditional cashmere wrap. Still maturing indeed, Victoria Beckham's foray into the world of fashion design has been a rather sublime journey to witness and is one that is far from completion. Well done, Victoria.

February 12, 1947 - Dior's New Look is Born

"In 1947, my first collection was successful beyond my wildest dreams." - Christian Dior

On February 12, 1947, precisely sixty-four years ago today, a humble man by the name of Christian Dior catapulted to international stardom with the launch of his debut haute couture collection. Immediately upon its reveal at Dior's studio, originally titled "Corolle", fashion critic and Harper's Bazaar editor-in-chief Carmel Snow exclaimed, "It's quite a revelation, dear Christian. Your dresses have such a new look!". Unbeknownst to her that moment, from merely uttering a sentence of gracious praise, Ms. Snow was to coin perhaps the most iconic debut collection of all time.

The Tailleur Bar ensemble & its respective sketch by Dior

In a firm response to the imposed fabric restrictions during World War II, Dior would zealously craft his revolutionary designs utilizing countless yards of extravagant materials. Inspired by his nostalgic emotions towards the Belle Époque fashions of the late 1800's to the first World War, Christian Dior's designs restored ultra femininity to both the fashion industry and women worldwide. Featuring a cinched waist, accentuated bust, and full-length pleated skirt, Dior's opulent New Look introduced his legendary "Tailleur Bar" ensemble (or simply the "Bar Suit"). With a dominance of boxy shapes popularized by houses such as Chanel and Lanvin in the 20's and 30's, Christian Dior's New Look would soon take the world by storm and begin the history of contemporary fashion.

On this day in 1947, Monsieur Christian Dior introduced an ultra-feminine silhouette which would ignite a global fashion revolution, restore Paris as the pinnacle of haute couture, and launch the legendary empire of Dior.

Joyeux Anniversaire, New Look :)

Gabrielle Chanel Film Interviews

This incredible woman has inspired me for years.

Rather than understanding the timeless legacy that has survived for nearly one hundred years, the average person finds it acceptable to think of a remarkable icon like Mademoiselle Chanel as "just a perfume". Equally shocking is when one hears talk of Chanel as though she's still alive producing renowned fragrances and beautiful clothing. With such instances occurring far too often in my life, and also in hopes of educating and inspiring, I've found it quite necessary to post about the very person responsible for launching her iconic fashion empire.

Please enjoy the following interviews featuring Mademoiselle Chanel filmed in 1969 and 1970.

Pre-Fall 2011: The Duchess of Dior

"Meet me at Balmoral Castle, darling. I'll need to stop at Dior first."

Known for her inimitable style in British royalty, as well as being a loyal client of Monsieur Christian Dior, John Galliano has crafted a pre-fall collection based on Wallis, the Duchess of Windsor. Featuring nods from her keen hunting lifestyle to her insatiable love of bold costume jewelry, it would seem the late duchess has been resurrected in the form of Dior's affectionate pre-fall presentation. With designs ranging from colorful argyle and cable-knit sweaters to variations in plaid topped with fox-fur collars, Galliano's pre-fall set is sure to spark any loving memories of the lively Duchess of Windsor.