Chanel Coco Cocoon Collection

"Mademoiselle Chanel was a rebel for her time and I find this same free spirit in Vanessa Paradis, both in the way she lives and in the way she dresses. She has a very special kind of magic. She is able to communicate something that is invisible to the eye, but that comes across on the screen. Her attitude and charm appeal to everyone," says Karl Lagerfeld.

It is only natural, therefore, that a strong bond has formed between CHANEL and Vanessa Paradis.

"The better we know each other, the more we love each other. My admiration and my love just keep growing. I feel amazingly lucky to be able to work with CHANEL. Coco Cocoon bags are as beautiful as they are cozy. The fabric lets you be chic, while at the same time you can rest your head on it and feel comforted," says Paradis.

Coco Cocoon features luxurious detailing like quilted caviar calfskin, quilted lambskin, orylag fur accents and quilted alligator.

Making-Of: Vanessa Paradis for Chanel Coco Cocoon from LesMads on Vimeo.

Thinking you've heard of Coco Cocoon before? You have. The collection debuted in 2009, only at that time the face behind the bag was Lily Allen.  Paradis replaces Allen for this incarnation of the collection and the slender, french beauty is said to better fit the understated allure of the french fashion house.

Shot at Studio 7L in Paris, in front of Karl Lagerfeld’s lens, Vanessa Paradis picks up the irresistible bags from the Coco Cocoon handbag line.

“I have often photographed her for magazines or advertising campaigns and each time it’s a pleasure,” explains Karl Lagerfeld in between shots. “She really gives the impression that she is instantly on your level when you are working with her. People think she’s wonderful. She plays the game spontaneously, she is super natural. And above all, she creates harmony all around her. We have formed a real bond in our working relationship. She has been to my studio a number of times, and it’s as if she were coming to the house for dinner.”

For more on Chanel Coco Cocoon, including behind-the-scene images of the photo shoot and more product detail, visit Coco Cocoon online.

source/images: Chanel Coco Cocoon

Is Chanel Courting a New Head Designer?

Not sure how I feel about this. I really, really don't want to see Karl Lagerfeld retire or leave Chanel, though I certainly wouldn't begrudge him his intentions for future leisure if he is so inclined - plus, I do adore Alber Elbaz.

What's this all about?
All the fashion world's a-buzz with talk that Karl Lagerfeld may be exiting Chanel and Alber Elbaz, of Lanvin, may be about to enter. NY Magazine reports rumors surfaced last summer that Karl Lagerfeld did not renew his contract at Chanel and that Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz would take his place. At the time both houses, Chanel and Lanvin, quickly denied that rumor, but it was resurrected this past weekend on grazia.com.au.  Sources say Grazia became alarmed after fashion blogger Tommy Ton tweeted he was sitting on some news that will "SHAKE the fashion world":

We at grazia.com.au think we might know what this earth-shattering news might be — with rumours circulating that Karl Lagerfeld’s tenure at Chanel is coming to an end and none other than Alber Elbaz will be announced as his successor. There’s no doubt the talented Lanvin designer is more than capable of filling Big Karl’s CC-logoed shoes.

Saying they expect an announcement to come "very, very soon," we're all ears ourselves for the plans. Whatcha think, can you imagine Chanel without Karl? I don't know; I'm really having a hard time with this.

sources/images: NY Mag, Allure, eonline

Chanel Spring 2010 RTW

I'm in love with Karl Lagerfeld's Spring 2010 RTW collection for Chanel shown in Paris yesterday. Still trying to get all the deets on hair and beauty, which was stunningly feminine, but will share what I know at this point as I just can't wait. x




The catwalk: country life amid a farmhouse reminiscent of Marie Antoinette's petit hameau. The clothing - exquisite. Models looking like Bardot-esque french maidens daintily clad in pale pink, white, black and gray painstakingly beautiful creations of tweed, lace, hems with frayed edges, sheer ribbons woven into fabric accentuated clothing and accessories, jackets belted and loose, suits and skirts cut into sculpted bells, floral frocks, high-heeled clogs - Lagerfeld nicknamed "5 o'clogs" - and flowered heels befitting of a queen. An occasional piece in french red or pale, shimmering gold enlivened the collection, adding warmth and intrigue. Sheer, delicate red, white and blue dresses lent the spirit of Paris in springtime to the show.

Of course, already firing up twitter waves, the blogosphere and online beauty mags alike is the revelation of Chanel Beauty Creative Director Peter Philips' nail polish for the season, a blended purplish, taupey gray, which is being compared to OPI's You Don't Know Jacques and Parlez Vous as well as Sephora's Metro Chic (a creation by OPI as well). Well, we knew taupey grays were gonna be BIG come fall, didn't we? Looks like they'll be around, in varying shades and mutations, for a while.



Lagerfeld left no detail unchecked; and would we expect anything less? Current muse and face of the new Coco Cocoon handbag collection for Chanel, Lily Allen, performed the show opener beneath a rustic pergola. Fair french countryside maidens romped through the hay adorned with soft penciled tattoos displaying iconic Chanel imagery and faux chain garters (the temporary tatts - a popular trend throughout Spring 2010 fashion shows, e.g. Rodarte, Galliano too). Lagerfeld took his ending walk down the runway amidst a staged menage a trois delighting in a playful romp in the hay. The collection, as the show itself, is such a splendid treat in visual stimulation, it's almost too gluttonous for earthly consumption. Just delicious!

images: elle, wwd, nymag

Lily Allen: The Face of "Coco Cocoon" Chanel's New Handbag Collection

British singer Lily Allen proves to be perfect for the launch of the new Coco Cocoon handbag line. She won over Karl Lagerfeld, who photographed the singer for the new Chanel handbag campaign.

Karl Lagerfeld: "I love Lily Allen. She looks a lot like Gabrielle Chanel and she is a self-made woman. She is cool, young, and extremely witty. Photographing her for the advertising campaign was fantastic fun. She is extremely inspiring and is completely taken with the bags - with her typical English reserve!"

Um, word to Karl, who wouldn't be completely taken with a Chanel bag?!?! Droooooooling!

The Coco Cocoon Handbag Collection will be available in Chanel boutiques Oct. 3rd.

For more information and more delicious photos from the campaign, visit Fashion Trends on Chanel online.