A lot of street wear tees are usually based around the idea of “playing” with a famous logo or piece of art.  It’s not a new concept, people have been doing it forever.  Everything from Tide (early Freshjive) to Warhol portraits (1/2 the brands out there) have been given a twist to further the message of small brands.  The tees I saw in Vegas were no different - but I did feel like there was a giant increase in the number of tees touting very high end brands.  This too is not new, but I felt that this time around there were so many more.  Maybe it’s the economy crunch?  Can’t afford real YSL but I can feel close to the brand by wearing a tee with it’s logo?  Or, maybe it’s a t-shirt brands way of aligning itself with what it thinks is cool, for example, girls that like Chanel should like my brand.  Whatever it is, there were a million (not quite, but almost) of these “designer” tees - I didn’t take pics of most of them but I’d be confident in saying that almost half of the clothing brands we looked at had some kind of designer reference - Chanel and Karl being the most used.  We even saw a shoe that made a designer reference.

Oh, and by the way, word on the street is that Fucking Awesome is coming back and re-issuing the Karl Lagerfeld “Gangsta Situations” tee (Yay!) - you heard it here first.  Check out more pics after the jump . . . .

Brian Lichtenberg for Blood Is The New Black - YSL

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The internet has been blowing up about this. Maybe I am making an assumption but I really wonder how many people knew who/what Steiff was until this. I grew up surrounded by Steiff plush animals. My mom has been a long time collector of these stuffed German wonders with the button in the ear. And now I am figuring how I can get one of these for her. And at $1500 a piece theres lot’s of thinking to do. 11 days and some hours and mins to you can get yours on-line. Set your alarms now.

See more picts after the jump!

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We’ve posted about Darkhorse for some time now, but I finally got to meet Andrew, the designer, last week at Slate.  Andrew has designed several solid collections but I can easily say that his was one of the best lines I saw last week.  He’s really bringing it for the ladies with really clever graphics, embellishments and leather jackets.  He’s brought back the beaded tees (yes!) and not only does it look (and sound) amazing, but it’s also a reference to Stevie Wonder and his braids - the shirt reads “Part Time Lover” - clever on so many levels!  He’s also got one of the best “designer” t-shirts I’ve seen - a tee with a caricature of John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Karl Lagerfeld (psssst Andrew, I NEED this shirt).  That’s not all he has for the ladies who know their labels.  There’s more Chanel and Louboutin references.  I’m also a sucker for tromp l’oeil and Darkhorse has a really cute “purse” graphic.  Last but not least, Darkhorse introduces some cut & sew pieces including a Paris hoodie complete with Eiffel Tower zipper pull and buttery soft leather jackets in candy colors and satin linings - I need one of those too.  Check out the craziness after the jump.

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While we were in Vegas we had a chance to catch-up with Mitra from Blood Is The New Black at the Pool Tradeshow. There were two artist series’ that really stood out from her new line that we really loved. First, were a series of tees of women’s faces illustrated by Kime Buzzelli of Show Pony fame. Second, was a series by Brian Lichtenberg that catered to the high-fashion lovers amongst us with tees that declared “RIP YSL,” a tromp l’oeil motorcycle vest with Karl on it, and a tee that featured Balenciaga cult favorite shoes. I’m really excited for the launch of these tees and think I need to get some for myself! Check out the rest of the pictures of the tees and the Blood Is The New Black mood board after the jump.

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Whether it’s Audrey or Coco, when I think of either of those fashion icons, I think of pearls and the elegance that they exude.  They are so simple and classic though, that sometimes they get a bad rap and can look too “good girl” or boring.  I recently saw the pearl confections by jewelry designer Husam el Odeh and I was instantly excited.  He’s taken the ubiquitous pearl and done some extraordinary things with them.  He’s made hoop earrings out of them and attached long strands to combs (to insert in your hair) and collars.  My favorite by far are his ear cuffs that he created in collaboration with Marios Schwab, that are meant to be worn behind the ear.  They are elegant pieces of jewelry that outline the outer part of your ear - very sexy!   They’re at once a nod to the classic, but so new, so different, that there is no way these pearls can ever be boring.  You can view his other styles online on Husam el Odeh’s website.  With Karl Lagerfeld on his client list, I can only wonder if the 2 would do a project for Chanel????

Source

Yesterday Chanel unveiled it’s Autumn/Winter couture collection at the Grand Palais in Paris. The collection had a strong militaristic undercurrent that was at one medieval and futuristic. As I was watching the collection, Joan of Arc definitely was running through my mind. The severely bobbed hair of the models was reminiscent of the flappers that Coco Chanel epitomized, as well as, Joan of Arc, the teenage warrior and martyr. If that wasn’t enough of a reference, some of the models had “halos” framing their faces - very saintly indeed. The color palette of white, grey, steel and black gave the collection a serious and sombre feel, while pin tucks and pleating gave the appearance of armor. Strong shoulders, nipped waists and interesting volume, and distinct shapes are all big themes for the collection. Check for more pics and a video after the jump!

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For the first time ever, Chanel will be available at Dover Street Market and feature limited edition pieces, as well as a selection of iconic pieces from the Chanel collection. The Chanel products are showcased in ephemeral boutiques on five of the six floors, showcasing an edited selection of Ready to Wear, accessories, and shoes from the unique Metiers d’Arts Paris-Londres Collection. Chanel will be available at Dover Street Market beginning today through June 25th. I especially love the Karl Lagerfeld cut-outs in the boutique - I want one!! Unfortunately, I don’t think they are for sale.

More pictures of Chanel at Dover Street Market and videos of the Metiers d’Arts Paris-Londres Collection runway show after the jump . . .

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 I couldn’t wait to see to see the pictures from the show in Miami and I have to say, it was definitely worth the wait. Karl Lagerfeld never disappoints and this season’s resort show looked amazing. The models “walked on water” with a custom catwalk built for the show. Though the show took place in Miami, the aesthetic of the show looked more 1970s inspired with smoking jackets, high waisted leggy pants, disco dresses, wide-brimmed hats, tie-dye shirts and bell-bottom jeans. It looked fabulous in the usual black and white color palette with the addition of pastels like pink, lilac and light blue. BUT my favorite thing by far was the accessories. Check out the chain link/leather giant heart loops with interlocking C’s in them (see photo below). Hello? I need them - like now!! The oversized chain link bracelets and head bands were amazing too. And last but not least, the heart shaped bag with interlocking C’s was also a really cute new twist on the iconic logo.
  
See the rest of the photos after the jump . . .  You can also view parts of the show on the Chanel site here.
Images: Style
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I managed to find some sneaky peaks of last night’s Chanel Resort show at the Raleigh in Miami.  I’ll update later with pics and highlights from the collection. I’ll leave you with these for now.  The beach balls and life savers are so fun!!  The  pool is beautiful the way it’s lit at night and they really did have synchronized swimmers.  Not one details was left to chance.  Can’t wait to see the rest of the collection.  Stay tuned!

The rest of the pics after the jump!

Images:  Getty

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Thursday night Kaiser Karl will unveil the Chanel 2009 Cruise Collection at the Raleigh Hotel in Miami. The Raleigh, an art deco beauty, was built in 1940 but is now one of Miami’s boutique hotels as part of the Andre Balazs family (of The Standard fame). The runway is rumored to mimic the shape of the pool and the show is supposed to end with U.S. Olympic team synchronized swimmers performing a water ballet. Wow! Somehow, Karl manages to outdo his past shows at a Santa Monica airport hangar and Grand Central Terminal in New York. Here’s what he said about choosing the location:

“I like the Raleigh because it is like old Hollywood, even if the collection has nothing to do with it,” he said. “Miami is the starting point, but this collection is made for the world.”

All I know is that I can’t wait to see!

Info & Photo of Karl Lagerfeld: WWD

Other Photos: Raleigh Hotel