Images via NYMag

Fendi had retro shapes and sensibilites for Spring 2012. The color palette was black and white with blue stripes and pops of color throughout. This collection took its inspiration from the 1950′s, it was visible in the exaggerated sleeves and slightly fuller skirts. Everything was updated with above the knee hemlines, and more refined details. The hair was intentionally teased and wind-swept to contrast the well-made pieces on the runway.

Chanel’s new Fall 2011 campaign was shot by Karl Lagerfeld, and styled by Carine Roitfeld.  The images were captured in a photo booth.  Model Freja Beha Erichsen was the subject in these ads, and she brought just enough playfulness and whimsy to make them work.  I love that they played with proportions, they added a forest green bolero jacket over a black blazer.  The lace look was daring because of the illusion of nudity, but the veil over her face gave it an artistic quality. 

Here is the  first of Blake Lively’s ads for Chanel.  This is merely a preview of others to come for her Mademoiselle handbag.  Karl Lagerfeld really captured a different side of the Gossip Girl actress; he was behind the lense.  The red leather and gold chains on the bag are a perfect contrast against her black feathered top.  The mirror provided various levels of both Blake and the red hot accessory, it was like a visual echo.

Karl Lagerfeld took a little time from his Chanel design duties to star in a new Volkswagen commercial.  The designer brought his personal style and charismatic sensibilities to the set, he was also impeccably dressed.  His real life creative skills were highlighted as he pondered the elegance of the automobiles while holding a professional camera, hinting at his photography background.  Karl apparently believed these models belonged in Paris, even if they were not intended for Paris.  The ad is in German, but the humor still translates very well.

Karl Lagerfeld is collaborating with Macy’s department store to bring us a limited-edition capsule collection.  We have coveted his work at Chanel since forever, and now he is bringing more accessible pieces to the masses.  The designer was the first to team up with H&M several years ago, and he has returned to the mass market arena.  How will Karl translate his couture sensibilities to a more affordable market?  This will be an eagerly anticipated line.  You will find his designs at Macy’s when it launches next fall. 

Karl Lagerfeld has given life to one of our most recurring fantasies, a day of unabashed shopping at Chanel.  The designer directed a short film called Shopping Fever, with Dree Hemingway, Baptiste Giabiconi and Abbey Lee.  A room filled with shopping bags with the Chanel logo is a dream for many women; and a shopping spree like that would have to stem from a fever as the title suggested.  Even so, leave it to Karl to know what women want.

Every year the rumors surface about Karl Lagerfeld’s named successor at Chanel, only to be shot down almost immediately by the fashion house.  Why would they want to alter the right formula?  Each season the 70 year old designer manages to update the iconic label just enough that it is coveted by young Hollywood, yet remain grounded in its history that it still appeals to socialites and ladies who lunch.  That is a delicate balance, and Lagerfeld has found a blend of perfection.  The brand still carries the same notability it enjoyed during the years of Coco Chanel.  This video simply highlights the designers achievements.

Daphne Guinness is the proud owner of the late Isabella Blow’s collection.  The legendary fashion stylist had a wardrobe consisting of 50 Philip Treacy hats, a few John Galliano dresses and several pieces by her dear friend Alexander McQueen.  In total, Daphne Guinness has acquired a 90 piece collection that is worthy of display in a museum.  She intercepted a planned Christie’s auction scheduled for September to sell off  Blow’s wardrobe and photographs.  Photographs by Steven Meisel, Mario Testino and Karl Lagerfeld are also among her new acquisitions.  “It’s Issy – it’s her D.N.A., it should not be scattered to the four winds.  Like any artist, it should not be dispersed, but remain as a monument with people having access to it,” says Guinness.

Isabella Blow Collection is Sold [Elle UK]

Karl Lagerfeld shot the new Chanel ad campaign featuring model Georgia May Jagger.  Georgia appears to have Lagerfeld’s seal of approval because she walked Chanel’s Cruise 2011 runway show in St. Tropez last week.  The 18 year old has also been the face of Versace.  She is already building an impressive portfolio that would rival most veteran models in the industry.  What else would we expect from the pouty offspring of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall?  Georgia is styled in several signature looks for the ad.  The tweed and black-and-white looks are very Chanel, but the short shorts and sheer top are a departure from the label.  Maybe the house wants to appeal to a younger demographic.  If that’s the case, then Georgia May Jagger is the right choice.