Chanel goes to Shanghai: Pre-fall 2010 Collection.

Here are some of my favorite looks from the show.  The show took place on a 280 foot long barge on the Huangpu River with the skyline of Shanghai in the background.  For the most part, I like Chanel's modernized approach in styling traditional Chinese garments.  Chanel's combination of tweed, silk embroidery, jewels, and leather takes the already-refined cheongsam to an edgy new level of sophistication by integrating unexpected Western parts (the tweeds and leathers) into Chinese-inspired apparel.

       

I will admit that I hate Chanel's use of the coolie hat in its fashion show.  Why is a French couture fashion house embracing this symbol of abject rural poverty?  The coolie hat ruined some otherwise chic outfits in Chanel's pre-fall 2010 runway show.  For reference, see image to the left.


Sybaritic note to self: I need the red sequined Chanel purse.

Spotted

Kate Hudson, seen on December 3, 2009, wearing my dream wedding gown designed by Versace. ♥

Blog Shop Alert

Check out my friend lilmissB's new blog boutique!  Click here for some great deals on authentic designer shoes!

First Asian Model To Ever Appear in Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Liu Wen is Chinese, 5'10," and an aspiring teacher who also happened to walk the runways in the fashion shows of top designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, Chloe, Lanvin, and Anna Sui.  This 21 year old Chinese supermodel actually looks her age, unlike many unbelievably prepubescent-looking Chinese models.  Below, she is rocking her complicated metal lingerie for Victoria's Secret notwithstanding the tackiness of the sheet metal design or the failed attempt by VS to produce alluring futuristic underthings.

I think her makeup looks better in the following photoshoot entitled "Across the River" with art direction, styling, and costume design by Sean Kunjambu.

Editing my wardrobe

I set up a new blog to sell both designer and high street items from my personal wardrobe.  Click here to check it out.  So far, there are only Louboutins on sale in my blog-shop, but the Paypal "BUY NOW" button is up and running!  I will add approximately forty more gently-used items to the shop around Christmas.

My Favorite Bridal Gowns

Monique Lhuillier

I love everything about this 1920s-inspired dress - the high neckline topping off a Victorian lace bodice, the youthful sash, and the flowing mermaid skirt.  This design is a refreshing and girlish departure from the ubiquitous, overtly sexy, and often unflattering strapless wedding dresses that seem to be the only option at many bridal shops.  Unfortunately I am not sure whether this dress even exists, because Monique Lhuillier submitted the design as a potential wedding dress for the character, Bella Swan, of the Twilight film series.

Emanuel Ungaro

The draping is sublime.  I am attracted to the simple elegance and avant-garde cut of this bridal gown.

Marchesa: Resort 2010

Two words: Greek goddess. 

Christian Dior: Spring 2009 Couture
A Disney princess would wear this, as would I.

Versace: 2009 Atelier
If I am in the mood to party like a rock star at my wedding . . . 

I would like the back of the last Versace dress more if there were (1) a zipper instead of a lace-up; and (2) no cut-out.

Bringing Sexy Back to the White House

When was the last time you saw a First Lady of the United States wear something nearly as unabashedly sexy as the gown that Michelle Obama wore to the first state dinner of President Obama's administration?  I admire her confidence and style in addition to her sharp intellect.

President Obama is debonair as per usual.

Lady Gaga rocking in Alexander McQueen

Check out her new Bad Romance music video.  Lady Gaga moves with amazing grace in those intricate lobster claw shoes.

Her whole outfit is from Alexander McQueen's spring 2010 collection.  I would love to borrow this ensemble from Lady Gaga, especially because she is only an inch or two taller than me.

From the runway (below):
 

Christian Louboutin for Barbie

Forget the shoes.  I want Barbie's pink dress!  And Monsieur Louboutin, while I ardently admire the shoes you produce for women, I will stand by my opinion that a pink suit would flatter no man other than Chuck Bass.

Will female superheroes follow Barbie's lead on wearing fierce spike-heeled Louboutins?

Showgirls originally inspired Monsieur Louboutin to design shoes for women.

Only supermodels like Barbie get to pose with two elephants and Christian Louboutin (the man and the shoes).

Barbie, I hope you're not thinking about having an affair with your gardener, even if he does create luxury shoes.

Barbie wears leopard print boots with ease and sophistication.

All images in this post (c) 2009 Mattel

Peacock

My Matthew Williamson dress sold on eBay!  I will miss it very much.  I decided to wear it for 2 minutes today before letting it go.