Beaux Bows; Winter Collection

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening”. 

- Coco Chanel

Although Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel may have passed away nearly forty years ago, her definition of fashion remains true.

In my experience, fashion and inspiration hold an inextricable bond, one fueling the other. Inspiration can be drawn from an individual, an image, music and poetry.

This week’s inspiration was provided by Dublin’s own ‘Beaux Bows‘. The store, owned by Ailbhe Stafford, is a hidden haven among the culture and bustle of George’s Street Arcade.

With an Arts Degree, specific to the History of Art, Ailbhe Stafford is unique in the presentation of her shop. The ambiance of Beaux Bows is difficult to define but cultivates a fashionista’s desire to be creative, comfortable and captivating.

Beaux Bows is peppered with elegant attire, delicate accessories and fairytale fashions. Their stock contains essential pieces for each young lady’s wardrobe.

Presenting their Winter Collection, the store collaborated with photographer Nikki Browne and model Fleur Moriarty whilst Ailbhe Stafford styled the seasonal shoot.

Fleur brings such effortless elegance to the photograph whilst Ailbhe’s craftsmanship proves that style is timeless and reflecting on the silhouettes of the past, definitely improves the fashion of the present.

On location around Dublin city, the photographs narrate the screenplay for many of the city’s young women. A chameleon lifestyle where the protagonist morphs into looks of sophistication, retro-glamour, professionalism and dainty elegance.

Chanel Haute Couture (A/W) – Paris Fashion Week

‘Haute Couture should be fun, foolish and almost unwearable.’

- Christian Lacroix

Wikipedia describes Haute Couture as a term which is protected in French law and defined by the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris. To enable a collection or fashion house to deem / publicise their work as Haute Couture, one must comply to the following regulations.

• A design which is made-to-order for private clients and include one or more fittings.
• The design house must have an atelier / workshop in Paris and employ no less than fifteen full-time craftpersons.
• Each season, bi-annually the design house must present a collection to the Parisian press. Each catwalk collection should include a minimum of thirty-five looks with ensembles suitable for both day and night-wear.

Chanel Finalé - Paris Fall 2011 Couture - Photo: Wire Image

Karl Lagerfeld showcased Chanel’s Autumn / Winter Couture collection on July fifth at the Grand Palais.

 

The location was fashionably transformed into the  Place Vendôme, with the designer replacing the Palais’ statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, to one of the design house’s namesake, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel.

 

This season’s Couture collection can be viewed as a map of Coco Chanel’s distinctive design career.

 

Tweed jackets and suit attire were the catwalk’s opening looks, reference was made to Paul Poiret‘s influence on Gabrielle in the middle of the show, whilst modern silhouettes and craftwork were represented at the collection’s climax.

 

The models paraded down the runway to an accompaniment by Michel Gaubert.

 

With cropped jackets and striking shoulders, this season’s couture imbued a vibe which was once connotated with the 1940′s.

 

Lagerfeld is constantly surprising the audience with his efforts to create an unforgettable experience at a Chanel show. Last night was no exception.

 

As the models paraded their final ensembles at the show’s close, the fashion house remained true to their geographical location; ‘The City of Lights’.

 

Lagerfeld’s appearance at the finalé prompted the models’ footwear to illuminate and cast light upon their deity designer.

 

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