Sandra‘s Closet

Tomorrow, May 14, “Kaiser Karl” will reign over the world of fashion once more. Lagerfeld will show his Resort 2013 collection for Chanel at Versailles. Of course, it will be a big production, but all details are still under wraps. Past Chanel Resort shows have been presented at the Lido in Venice (Resort 2010), and one of my favourites, in St. Tropez (Resort 2011). Their locations usually bewray the inspiration for the collection.

Versailles was the famous place where the French royal family ruled in extravagance for 100 years before the French Revolution. What does come to your mind? As for me, I could only think of excess, rich fabrics, opulence.

 I am truly curious what Karl Lagerfeld has been thinking of.  If anyone is up to the task to pay tribute to Marie Antoinette or to revive those decadent moments in time, it is definitely him. I am sure that he will surprise us as the setting has to be different from his S/S 2011 Chanel show that was based on Versailles’s extensive gardens (see above).

If you look in fashion history, this won’t be the first time Versailles has been used for a show.

In 2007, John Galliano rented out the palace for a huge spectacle – Dior‘s 60th anniversary couture show.

In 1973, five upcoming US-designers, Anne Klein, Stephen Burrows, Halston, Bill Blass, and Oscar de la Renta faced off against French couturiers Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Pierre Cardin, and Emanuel Ungaro in a runway spectacle that became known as the Battle of Versailles.

The French designers were certain of victory, due to their long tradition and know-how. But the Americans had a secret weapon; a vibrant group of eight African-American models plus the wish to conquer the European world of fashion. And the celebrity-packed audience of 800, including a tiara-wearing Princess Grace cheered to their performance. It was that chilly night changed the face and colour of fashion forever.

There have also been numerous fashion editorials photographed at Versailles over the years.

Above:
1 Shalom Harlow by Steven Meisel for Vogue October 1994
2 Diane Krüger by Gilles Marie Zimmerman for Paris Match March 2012
3 Trish Goff by Steven Meisel for Vogue October 1994

Please enjoy this little summary of some of the most beautiful ones, along with other palace-set shoots by Karl Lagerfeld himself.

Jessica Stam and Snejana Onopka by Karl Lagerfeld for Harper’s Bazaar Romania November 2007

Gisele Bündchen by Karl Lagerfeld for Harper’s Bazaar June 2007

Vanessa Paradis by Karl Lagerfeld for Tatler Russia July 2012

Stay tuned for the photos of the Chanel Resort 2013 show.

LoL, Sandra

The PS1 bag was launched in 2008 as the first bag of the New York based designer duo Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough for their label Proenza Schouler (their mothers’ respective maiden names). Since then, it has been seen on the arms of the most fashionable people in the world. It comes in three different sizes, large, medium and as a clutch.

My own PS1 obsession!

Its hype seems to have no end. Probably because it is a very practical and stylish bag in one. The medium and the large size have a handle and a detachable knotted shoulder strap, compartments at front, inside and at the back, plus a foldover flap with lock.

The favourite of editors, stylists and A-listers alike, Proenza Schouler’s satchel is a must-have style. Available among others at net-à-porter and Barneys.

For Resort 2011, the duo gave their bestseller a little make-over and called it the Weekender. It will be released in two different sizes medium and large.
Moreover the iconic PS1 will get a little sister: The Mini PS1 bag.

For this F/W 2011 Proenza Schouler introduced the PS11, the more structured take on the PS1, let’s say the sophisticated sister that will also be staying for Resort 2011.

PS11 for F/W 2011

PS11 for Resort 2011

One thing is for sure, those bags update every look with downtown cool!

LoL, Sandra