Obsessions
by haley sherif
In order to kick off this new section, I had to think really hard about what topic would do its unveiling justice, and with great deliberation, I chose a designer whose work has continually inspired me with his sheer innovation and constant production of beautiful collections. But, without further adieu, my weekly obsession is - Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel Couture!
In honor of his July 3, 2012 revealing of his Fall 2012 Couture collection, I decided to dedicate this week to Karl Lagerfeld and his genius. Since the 1980’s Karl has been the chief designer for Chanel (a French couture legacy formed by the late Coco Chanel in the early 1900’s). His ability to transport both the viewer and models into sleek innovative interpretation of both ready-to-wear and haute couture has continually left an impression on both fashion and designers, making Chanel a modern legacy and household name within the international fashion world. Most importantly, his latest collection, the 2012 Fall Couture, was reviewed with a continuation of his great success, due to his ability to modernize classic vintage looks. Lagerfeld quotes, “Vintage is depressing. But ‘new vintage’ is something to come. It’s preparation for something that could last.”
What does this “new vintage” look consist of?
“Broad shoulders, swingy coat, cape backs—in a color palette of black, gray, silver, and dusty pink that spoke of film noir interiors. Their hair also had a forties flavor, with a Rosie the Riveter snood. In other words, there was nothing new about this particular vintage” quotes Tim Blanks of Style, “But it worked, in a gutsy, grown-up way. Lagerfeld’s portrait of Chanel adorned the invitation and, in keeping with that nod to heritage, the spine of the collection was suits. Except that the classic tweed was actually embroidery on tulle. Thousands of hours of handwork. Couture in excelsis.”
So, with that I continue to praise both Lagerfeld and his vision of modern femininity. Lagerfeld’s ability to bring both class and couture from the past into our present world highlights his timeless ingenious of both feminine couture and eternal beauty.
SOPHIE KEARNEY
