Wednesday 13 July 2011

my new chanel & fashion talk


I've received yet another book! I KNOW, I'm feeling so utterly spoiled. Yesterday the postman rang the bell yet again, this time to deliver Chanel: Collections and Creations by Danièle Bott, a birthday present from one of my best friends in Iceland, who is visiting me in August. I haven't started reading it yet but I've already browsed through it to admire the 159 illustrations. It looks so good on my coffee table; the silk camellias on the cover are so beautiful.

By the way, that photo to the left in the bottom photo is by Karl Lagerfeld himself. It shows sequinned hand makeup for the Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2000 collection. I find it stunning and have been looking at it since yesterday.

Just out of curiosity I looked up reviews about this book and I found myself laughing at the negative ones, because they weren't really about the book itself, more about Karl Lagerfeld's person. What's with some people's bitterness when it comes to the fashion industry? What does the fashion world owe these people? One even mentioned Coco Chanel; that "she'd be quite horrified at where her line has gone." Really? Would she? How can one make a statement like that?

That leads me to people asking, often with contempt, 'who dresses like that?' when they see runway photos. I've heard this question asked more often than I like to recall. Hello people, this is a show; it's supposed to be fun. Do you watch the latest 007 film and wonder 'who does that?' when you see James Bond jumping from one airplane to another or whatever it is he is up to? Do you storm out of the cinema with your fist in the air, outrageous by the unrealistic approach of it all?

Relax. It's a show.

My own opinion has changed over the years, the way I approach fashion is totally different. When I was younger I was more occupied with the models. My wardrobe certainly is not filled with labels; they're way beyond my budget. But that doesn't mean that I don't like and enjoy the show. Now I just look at the clothes, at the design, especially the details and use of fabrics. And I'm drawn to the history of the fashion houses; I want to learn more about them. I couldn't care less who is modelling, whether that model is too thin or fat. But there are plenty of the so-called fashion experts out there who like to jump in that mud, often revealing how little they actually know. I simply stay away from their columns.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

photo credit: Lisa Hjalt

8 comments:

  1. Oh lucky you! That is a book I would love to get my hands on. Karl is such an innovator. I don't care what they say. I think he would do Coco proud. But as you say, who really knows what she would think. :)

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  2. I liked this post! It looks like a beautiful book that would be fun to look through. I've found myself enjoying fashion for what it is lately, not so much for myself but just having fun looking at it!

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  3. Beautiful book (again, very jealous!) I completely agree with you, fashion is meant to be innovative and fun. I don't really own any labels (budget won't stretch) but I follow the developments and history of fashion and fashion houses. I'm not really fussed about the politics of it all.

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  4. I'm a little jealous here, Lisa. I can't wait for that book to make its way to my coffee table too. Ah, yes, the neverending critics on Karl's work. I have always said that I admire the way he carries on Chanel's legacy. He is an innovator. I so agree with your take on fashion and big fashion houses: yes, I am interested in the runway shows and collections because they are so inspiring to me and let's face it, to all the other fashion brands with a more approachable price range. A colour combination, the mixing of so many influences, of fabrics, the attention to detail. They make it easier for us to develop our own style. :)

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  5. your poor mailman has been lugging those heavy coffee table books to you for the past month ;) I agree with your points on fashion and people's conception of it....I appreciate its luxury, but since I can't afford it for myself, I look at it as art, as design. Have you seen Valentino's documentary on Netflix? You should, its a really great look into his life.

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  6. This book is so great! With so many wonderful photos!
    Hugs,
    YVonne

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  7. Looks like a great read!
    And like Karl Lagerfeld as a person or not - the man is a fashion genious and there is not much more to be said about that! I mean - the man made me want to wear tweed last season - even if that is just sooo not me ;)

    Hugs,
    Signe

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  8. i totally agree. honestly i know nothing about fashion. but i LOVE books and i LOVE clothes, and i have no doubt that this looks amazing on your coffee table and that it will be fun to flip through and randomly read for years and years to come. kinda like fashion...

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