This really shouldn’t be news as it should have been done years ago but it is. Don’t get too exited as you wont be able to purchase a Chanel 2.55 in caviar online but you will be able to get Chanel No 5 and later eyewear and accessories. Developed by R/GA New York the platform will launch near the end of the year. Unlike Chanel the Marc Jacobs site will feature select pieces from various collections as well as accessories and fragrances. The Marc Jacobs ecommerce is set to go live in August.

Rumor has it that Alber Elbaz from Lanvin may replace Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel. After scratching my head for 20 minutes and scramming for my phone so I can call Karl the idea almost seemed possible. Unlike the Anna Wintour leaving vogue to be replaced by Carine Roitfeld rumors, Karl’s potential predecessor is extremely qualified. Before I continue I must say that Karl Lagerfeld is Chanel, Coco may have founded the house but it’s Karl Lagerfeld who really gave the house the edge that it has now. Going back to Alber Elbaz he is another fashion prodigy, a God of amazing cuts, and tailored perfection. All reasons why I can see him taking the helm at Chanel.

Karl Lagerfeld from Chanel Vs Alber Elbaz from Lanvin

But Chanel sans Lagerfeld would be weird for some and a delight for others. For the Chanel enthusiasts they may not want to weather the changes that Alber Elbaz would make while others are craving for some new blood and a new take on Chanel. I know some people believe that rumors stem from the truth but in fashion they usually come around the time that contracts are up for renewal. Cathy Horyn recently asked Lagerfeld about the rumors and he answered, “forget about it” and that he will die in his boots. Not to mention the fact that Alain Wertheimer, whose family owns Chanel, said he would sell the house when the designer leaves. No formal word on what that means but my guess is it’s safe to assume that the Kaiser will not be leaving Chanel for now.

Two years ago you’d have to be in Paris during the Haute Couture shows to receive up to the minute updates on the showings but that’s all ancient thanks to the Twitter and other social media platforms. Everyone is twittering fashion updates and twipics from Elle Creative Director Joe Zee to male social and freelance writer Derek Blasberg. So what went on in Paris? Everyone seemed to be talking about what may be Christian Lacroix’s last show as he faces bankruptcy, the stage and that random hottie at Chanel, and the best backstage sign to date at Givenchy.

Tweets from Joe Zee a.k.a @MrJoeZee at the Christian Lacroix showing

TwitPic from Joe Zee at the Lacroix Showing

…Click to continue reading | Twittering from the Haute Couture Shows in Paris

Hermes has outfitted the Smart Car and the Bugatti Veyron par Hermes Edition, Louis Vuitton has a concept Infiti infused with touches of Damier Graphite and now Chanel with the Fiole Concept Car. Concept cars hold a special place in my heart as they are the truest form of design and craftsmanship, some may even say they are the Haute Couture of the car world.The Chanel Fiole Concept Car is designed by Jinyoung Jo a South Korean student from Hong-ik University. The car is created with a female customer in mind. In keeping the Chanel essence alive it is designed in Black and White. The car features a predominant Chanel Logo and seating for three or a driver and plenty of Chanel shopping bags.

The Chanel Fiole Concept Car

…Click to continue reading | The Chanel Fiole Concept Car

The fashion business as we know it has gained huge momentum over the last decade. Everyday more and more people are inspired to attend fashion school in the hopes of creating their own line. As cliché as it may sound when it comes to fashion the competition is fierce. With so many labels currently available and thousands more to come how does one stand out? If you’re thinking about entering the market you should think about your Signature. What will you create that you will credited for ? or what will identify your designs/brand among others? From Chanel’s Quilted handbag to Christian Louboutin’s red soles the possibilities are endless.

Red Sole Christian Louboutin

Louboutin Red Sole

…Click to continue reading | Luxury Signatures

In another sign that the economy is on a steady decline Chanel has cancelled the remainder of the Chanel Mobile Art Tour. Designed by Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld and architect Zaha Hadid, the pre-fabricated pod was used a mobile museum that featured art work inspired by the Chanel quilted 2.55 chain-strap handbag. The Mobile Art tour was launched in Hong Kong in March, followed by Tokyo and recently made a stop in New York. It will not continue to Paris, London or Moscow. According to a Chanel spokeswoman “Considering the current economic crisis, we decided it was best to stop the project. We will be concentrating on strategic growth investments.”

Karl Lagerfeld and Zaha Hadid inside the Chanel Mobile Art Pod

…Click to continue reading | Chanel Mobile Art Tour Cancelled

There’s always something special about a collaboration because it brings about the best of both collaborators. In some instances the collaboration is to target a new customer in others it is to bring a new take to a product. Whether you favor them or not collaborations are big for both parties involved as well as the end user. For the artist(s) their work gets presented to a whole new audience and for the consumer they are seeing something new and fresh that is sometimes more affordable. In the past few years’ collaborations have gained momentum and has introduced a wide variety of artist, designers, and stores to a broader audience.

Some of my favorite collaborations

Takashi Murakami for Louis Vuitton: Monogramouflage

…Click to continue reading | Collaborations: from Louis Vuitton to H & M