Accolade for Karl Lagerfeld

- Hand the kaiser what is fit for the kaiser -

The fashion industry will have to consider swapping Karl Lagerfeld's much-cherished term of endearment "Kaiser Karl" to "Commander Karl" in future references, as Karl Lagerfeld has been decorated as Commander of the French Legion of Honor by French President Nicolas Sarkozy in the Elysee Palace in Paris, yesterday, June 3rd 2010. The order ( Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur), once established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 is the highest civilian decoration of France and comprises highly acclaimed members of the likes of  Queen Elizabeth II, Laurence Olivier, Walt Disney and Clint Eastwood as well as fellow designers Ralph Lauren, John Galliano, Giorgio Armani, Valentino and Yves Saint Lauren.

Being the over-achiever he is - keep in mind, that Karl is currently designing for Chanel, Fendi, his eponymous collection, plus has earned himself a reputation as a photographer and recently debuted as a director for his short film  "Remember Now", obviously, Mr. Lagerfeld did not bother with trivia and skipped straight to Commander of the Legion of honour, which is the 3rd of 5 classes of the order.

The outstanding designer with German origin, who has quite successfully transformed himself into a well-recognized brand all over the world, can surely call 2010 a good year, as it also has been announced that he will be honoured by the Couture Council of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology with a Special Visionary Award later this year.
Furthermore the multitasker has he been tapped to shot the much anticipated 2011 Pirelli Calendar, which will be unveiled on the 30th of November in Moscow and is likely to feature amongst others Karl's favorites Iris Strubegger, Heidi Mount, Natasha Poly, Elisa Sednaoui and Magdalena Frackowiak as well as some until now unknown male models (Anybody up for a bet that his muse Baptiste Giabiconi will be amongst the lucky bunch?!).

Back to his new title - I have to say Commander of the French Legion of Honor goes very well with Karl Lagerfeld's royalty status in the fashion world and am happy to congratulate him to this much deserved honour!


xoxo
Glamazone

Source: WWD.com, chanelbagmall.com, vogue.com, nitrolicious.com, lachanelphile.com
Picture Source: vogue.com,

Saint Tropez Spirit

It is likely that during spring time, no place is more glamourous than the Côte d’Azur in Southern France. With the 63th edition of the Cannes International Film Festival just around the corner (btw. this year's jury president is Tim Burton), another glorious event heralded the opening of the glamour season. The occasion is the launch of Kaiser Karl's Chanel Cruise Collection, which was launched yesterday in Saint Tropez in front of Sénéquier, one of the Riviera's hotspot bars to see and being seen.
Chanel's cruise collection '11 had to outgrow its atmospheric precedent collection for '10, which had been taking place at the Lido di Venezia and had Thomas Mann's Death in Venice as its theme. I cannot help remembering last year’s extravaganza and wondered, if Chanel - the brand which is arguably offering the most important cruise collection amongst the designer brands, can live up to last year’s sensation.
This time, Karl Lagerfeld's approach was a lot lighter in comparison to last year’s literary backing. Chanel’s multitalented chief designer tried to revamp the Côte d’Azur feeling of the 60ies and 70ies. Another designer gone director, Lagerfeld launched his short film "Remember Now", at the Cinéma de la Renaissance the night before the défilé of the Cruise Collection ’11.

Karl basically cross linked his short film, which portrays an ageing playboy’s (Pascal Greggory) nocturnal foray into the carefree night life of the jeunesse dorée in Saint Tropez – starring Lagerfeld’s entourage and inspirations – amongst others Elisa Sednaoui, Freja Beha Erichsen, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Heidi Mount, Leigh Lezark and his omnipresent muse Baptiste Giabiconi. Some wicket pundits may call it another midlife crisis masterpiece – however, considered as the frame work to his collection, I believe it perfectly embodied the Saint Tropez life of its rich and/or beautiful (seasonal) inhabitants strained to the point of cliché.
Back to the actual collection: Karl Lagerfeld had his models disembark a speedboat, barefoot and wearing loose summer clothing like tunics, light, flowing trousers and jumpsuits. The impression was that after sunbathing and partying on a yacht all day long, its glamorous priveleged occupants came ashore for a sunset apéritif and a stroll at Saint Tropez’ harbour. Light accessories, dangling necklaces, bangles, sumptuous anklets, strappy sandals, layered summer outfits with frills- the collection itself appeared surprisingly youthful and fresh, yet with the unmistakable Chanel signature elements and a well-thought-through setting in front of a beautiful scenery.
Pastels and pinks, cropped bouclé jackets and dresses – even the occasional denim skirt has caught up with Chanel. Lagerfeld’s collection seemed very relaxed, carefree and felt a lot lighter than previous years'. You could clearly feel the enjoyment and Mediterranean ease of Saint Tropez in the youthful overall-concept.

In particular if you had seen the short film, one could detect Karl Lagerfeld’s homage to the golden times of his second home - the Côte d’Azur- in the 60ies and 70ies. His references paid tribute to Jade Jagger and the white pantsuit she wore at her wedding to Mick Jagger in 1971 , to Brigitte Bardot – embodied by the sensuous Giorgia May Jagger and generally to the spirit of the times. High-waisted denim flares in brown, black or white, flowy hippie inspired tops and tunics, knitwear as well as the suede leather overknee boots gave a clear flair of the bygone era.
All in all, Karl Lagerfeld once more managed to present an intrinsically coherent collection -and beyond that an entire concept - which framed his inspirations beautifully and once more proved that he is a man with a vision and an enthusiast for the big picture.

xoxo
Glamazone

Picture Source: style.com, WWD.com, independent.co.uk