I Barely Recognized Kristen Stewart At The 2016 Met Gala: ‘Manus x Machina’ Event

There were a few outstanding looks at the 2016 Met Gala: Manus x Machina event, but I really liked Kristen Stewart’s look; there was something provocative about it and I barely recognized her. Kristen Stewart’s interpretation of the Manus x Machina theme was really more focused on her hair and makeup.  Participants were asked to embrace fashion and technology; the future of fashion. I’m not sure she embraced the technical aspect of the challenge, but she doesn’t look like she took any fashion steps backward.

Kristen Stewart at the Met Gala 2016 ~ Image via The Cut.

She’s what I consider an enigma; there is something so confident yet panicked about her. She’s one of those rare celebrities that isn’t desperate for attention. While scrolling through the Gala photos on The Cut, I had to stop and stare because it didn’t look like her, but I could see her in her outfit if that makes any sense. In other words, she pulled it off, and she did it in Chanel, but a lot of the attendees did. Chanel was a prominent fixture.

Kristen Stewart and a model wearing a dress from the Chanel Fall 2016 RTW collection ~ Images via The Cut and Vogue.

Stewart wore a dress from the Chanel Fall 2016 RTW collection (actually my favorite dress from that collection) but it goes beyond her dress; it was the whole package. It was minimalist; barely-there lips, one earring (she doesn’t seem to wear earrings), the necklaces she wore were hidden beneath her dress, and her hair was haphazard. Her makeup featured silver graphic eye shadow and dark liner. Her presentation wasn’t overdone or cartoon-ish, it was still fashion-forward. She could have easily pulled this look together herself without a stylist.

Kristen Stewart wearing a look from the Chanel 2015/16 Cruise collection.

She seems to favor Chanel, she wore it to the Met Gala in 2013, she skipped the Met Gala in 2015 in favor of a Chanel show in Seoul, where she wore a look from the Chanel 2015/16 Cruise collection, and again for this year’s Met Gala. I understand her Chanel obsession and personally, the look from the Seoul show would have worked at the 2016 Met Gala, perhaps better than the one she wore.

Feature Image by Dimitrios Kambouris

Watch “Making-of the CHANEL Spring-Summer 2015 Haute Couture Collection”

A look from Chanel’s Spring-Summer 2015 Haute Couture Collection.

 

I’m a dedicated Project Runway fan and thanks to that show, I have become even more intrigued with the fashion world. It’s fascinating to witness the creative process of true artists and this video of Chanel seamstresses working on dresses from the Spring-Summer 2015 Haute Couture show, shows us a fraction of the 200-hours it takes to make just one of these masterpieces. It is an intimate, behind the scene peep at the people who make Karl Lagerfeld’s vision come alive, and you get a real sense of the environment, the mood, the craftsmanship, and the dedication involved. If you ever wondered why high-end fashion costs so much, watch the “Making-of the Chanel  Spring-Summer 2015 Haute Couture Collection”:

 

CHANEL Spring-Summer 2015 Haute Couture Collection:

Art and Stroll: CHANEL Spring-Summer 2014 Ready-to-Wear (Video)

Chanel Spring 2014 RTW

 

Is there a spell that compels tweed to magically mold into fantastic pieces for the Chanel brand? If you’re wondering like I am how something so seemingly conservative and male-oriented as tweed continually come to life so fresh and completely feminine year after year? I am still stunned at how Karl Lagerfeld has managed to keep the essence of Gabrielle Chanel’s revolutionary style while keeping each collection fashion forward and full of surprises.

Chanel Spring 2014 RTW

 

Pearls, chain, and tweed still reign but as newborns. The sleeveless tweed jackets that were adorned with drops of pearl made me daydream. Speaking of pearls, did you check out the humongous pearl chokers and bracelets? I can’t decide if I like them or not but isn’t that the idea, to confuse and provoke thought?

I would encourage anyone to look at the video as well as the slide show. It’s worth it to really see the detail and artistry in this collection. I’m not usually as ga-ga over the clothes as much as I am over Chanel accessories, but this one had me from the start. The way the Tweed was treated, and the use of color struck me from an artistic perspective. It was simply fashionable art. I don’t think either can exist without the other.

Chanel Spring 2014 RTW

 

Even the makeup looked like strokes of paint on canvas, and because the Grand Palais was plastered with paintings and sculptures to resemble an art gallery, the art of fashion message was clearly intentional. There are so many outfits I want I can’t stand it.

Chanel Spring 2014 RTW – Karl Lagerfeld threw a guy in so I thought I would too.

 

Sorry sweetie, that print looks better on the handbag, but you’re still pretty!

Chanel Spring 2014 RTW

 

Ok, seeing an actual Chanel Show in Paris is going on my bucket list.

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2013 MET Gala Ball Exhibition and Fashion Notables

Everyone is salivating over what the celebrities wore to the 2013 MET Gala Ball, when the real fashion moments were courtesy of the Costume Institute‘s Punk: Chaos to Couture Exhibition. Those who were lucky enough to participate in the event, barely put forth the effort to follow the theme. The majority simply wore what they wanted or let their hair and makeup do the talking.

The Costume Institute’s exhibition, led by Andrew Bolton, mixed distress with luxury to tell the history of punk and how it inspired and continues to influence today’s fashion. At this very moment, punk is surging as a trend; so did the MET’s theme influence what’s next, or is this just a coincidence? There was a total of seven galleries, some were interactive, but all of them offered visual homages to a style that will never die. Take a look at a sample gallery of what the exhibition offered and for more pictures visit – Costume Institute: Punk: Chaos to Couture Exhibition.

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I was so excited about the punk theme for the 2013 MET Gala Ball’s Punk: Chaos to Couture Exhibition, because every fashion icon still breathing was there and  punk, THE ‘no rules’ style was being honored. I was anxious to see how creative the participants would be. I have to say, I was disappointed in the lack of effort. With the exception of Madonna, Sienna Miller, Nicole Richie, and a few others, the majority neglected to take the theme seriously, or dressed to impress no one but themselves. Perhaps their anarchist attitude was punk enough?

The one person I wanted to see in reimagined punk was Anna Wintour. Apparently, this floral Chanel couture gown from the Spring 2013 collection, is as punk as she gets. This was her show, and she didn’t even bother to play along. As lovely as that Chanel gown is, it isn’t remotely MET worthy. Boo, Anna! Boo!

Anna Wintour punk’d everyone by showing up dressed for a garden party. Photo courtesy of Refinery29.com

Let’s give a shout out and a round of applause to those who made an effort and paid attention to the memo.

Best Dressed ~ Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles. She knocked it out of the park in re-imagined punk & topped it off with Philip Treacy’s mohawk headdress. Photo Courtesy of InStyle.com

Sienna Miller and Tom Sturridge looked like they knew what they were doing. She kept her dress simple and let her studded Burberry jacket and nails handle it. The studded headband was another great choice. Photo Courtesy of Instyle.com

Ginnifer Goodwin’s look is a complete departure from her Snow White persona wouldn’t you say? She punked it up head-to-toe with dark eye makeup, punked out nails, and a Tory Burch gown. Photo courtesy of InStyle.com..

Madonna in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci ~ Go ahead diva, show them how it’s done. She took the theme seriously, down to the shredded fish net dress. Who else was this daring? I love that she wore Casedei pink blade heels that complimented her ageless body. Photo Courtesy of InStyle.com.

Miley Cyrus in Marc Jacobs ~ This is her category so I knew she wouldn’t disappoint. Simply and elegantly punk. Sometimes you can make your point without all the bells and whistles. Photo Courtesy of InStyle.com.

Nicole Richie in Topshop ~ This is another style icon that thinks outside the box. Thank you Nicole for dressing for the occasion and straying away from clichés. Her Bordeaux lips, silver hair, and white Topshop gown were the very definition of anarchy. Photo courtesy of InStyle.com

Even though I was disappointed with the lack of punk fashion, there were some outfits worn by Jennifer Lawrence, Christina Ricci, Anne Hathaway, and other fashion notables that made up for it.

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Not Punk But Who Cares?

For more pictures from the 2013 MET Gala Ball visit InStyle’s Photo Gallery.

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Azature’s Black Diamond Collection Are Your Nail’s Best Friend

I was a fan of Azature Pogosian’s black diamond jewelry long before Kelly Osborne wore his super-expensive nail polish to the 2012 Emmy’s and then had to defend wearing the ultra expensive manicure to her haters, as if they wouldn’t wear it if they had the chance. That lone bottle of black diamond nail polish is $250,000 and on display at Selfridges still waiting on a buyer. I am so excited that he decided to take away a few zeros and bring black diamond luxury to the masses with the “Black Diamond Collection” of nail polishes.

Azature is a Los Angeles luxury jewelry designer that specializes in black diamonds and the handsome provacateur has boutiques scattered around the U.S., Paris, London,Riyadh, and Moscow. The Kelly Osbourne stunt was genius really, and a great way to transition further into the beauty and fashion niche really especially since Azature studied fashion at Parsons School of Design. What better way to introduce yourself to consumers who have never heard of you then making sure they hear of you?

I mentioned this collection last month, and I am going to get my hands on the blue, black, green, and red shades from the Black Diamond Collection. I have paid more (Chanel had this iridescent blue shade about 10 years ago that was around $30, and I bought two)  for nail polish, so why not? At $25 a bottle I think it will make one hell of a manicure, and a great excuse to get out of housework. If you want a reason to be a diva, pick up a bottle or two at Selfridges, Harvey Nichols Saudi Arabia, Ron Robinson, Ron Herman Japan and Kitson.

 

I Want – The Chanel Chain-enlaced Biker Boots

From the Autumn/Winter 2013-2014 fashion show in Paris. These are some bad motha…..

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Vogue: Carey Mulligan – Great Expectations

Photo Credit: Mario Testino – Oscar de la Renta Dress. Jewels by Tiffany & Co.

Photo Credit: Mario Testino – Dior Haute Couture top, sautoir from Stephen Russell, and bracelets from Gray & Davis, Ltf. Headpiece created by Julien d’Ys.

Photo Credit: Mario Testino – RARE BLOOM -Chanel Haute Couture sequined dress. Necklace from the Three Graces with enamel portraits (worn as headband). Lorraine Schwartz earrings. Diamond ring from De Vera.

“It’s like she’s living in a movie of her own life,” says Mulligan of Daisy. “She’s constantly on show.”

Photo Credit: Mario Testino – Alexander McQueen ostrich feather dress with chiffon-covered pearls. Tiffany & Co. earrings. Miu Miu jeweled heels. Fred Leighton bag.

Photo Credit: Mario Testino – Nina Ricci silk-satin dress with flower appliqués. Chanel Fine Jewelry diamond-and-onyx earrings. Bracelet from Gray & Davis, Ltd.

See the behind the scene video of the Great Expectations Cover Shoot

Photo Credit: Mario Testino – Oscar de la Renta beaded silk organza top and matching skirt.

Photo Credit: Mario Testino -Chanel Haute Couture chiffon, feather, and tulle dress with flouncing open shoulders. Twenties headband from New York Vintage.

Photo Credit: Mario Testino – Miu Miu dress, embroidered with Swarovski Elements, and heels.

Great Expectations: The Inimitable Carey Mulligan | Vogue.com

Set design: Mary Howard.

Produced by: GE Projects.

Costume Designer: Catherine Martin

Makeup: Mark Carrasquillo.

Hair and Headpieces: Julien d’Ys.

Fashion Editor: Grace Coddington

Photographed by Mario Testino

Are You Fashion Savvy? Create Fashion Sets With StylEnigma’s Stylemaker On Facebook

A couple of weeks ago I stumbled into Polyvore and have been hooked ever since. I blame Pinterest. If you have followed the Shoe-aholics Dilemma series, you know that I have used Polyvore to create the images. I have had a blast discovering different brands, seeing how other’s are wearing the current trends, and most importantly, seeing how the fashion savvy are creating trends on their own. I have been truly inspired and revitalized with the amazing fashion sets I have seen.

The image displayed above is called “Feeling Dainty” and I created it with the Polyvore “mini editor” on StylEnigma’s Facebook page. I would have loved to have the mini-editor here, but WordPress doesn’t support the application, which is a travesty in my opinion. Thankfully, Facebook does, and I would love to see what my blog followers can come up with, seeing as many of you are fashion bloggers, or are otherwise creative creatures. I don’t consider myself to be particularly artistic, and I impressed myself creating Feeling Dainty, so I know you guys will blow me away.

Please visit my Facebook page and play with the mini editor and don’t forget to follow PLEASE!!! All images will be saved in the mini editor gallery for others to enjoy, you can pick your favorites and I can feature them here. I am excited, and I hope to see you there – and here.

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” Chanel is …”

” Chanel is above all a style. Fashion passes, style remains.”

~ Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel ~

The Regal and the Rebellious – Chanel and the Diamond

“If I have chosen the diamond, it is because it represents, in its density, the greatest value in the smallest volume.”

~ Gabrielle Chanel ~

I have always been a Chanel fan. I have my crushes, but in the end, if given a choice, I will always choose Chanel because the style is timeless and trendsetting. It started with a handbag, the black caviar leather handbag with the gold chain straps to be exact, a gift from my now ex husband. I opened the bag several times the first few days to look at it, too afraid to touch it because I could not believe I actually owned a Chanel. Through the years I have had the privilege of owning several Chanel accessories, but I wasn’t that interested in the clothing until I had the opportunity to see Chanel clothing up close. It was then that I began to see how easily I could make it work with my style.

I was admiring Burberry’s new handbag “The Blaze” online at Vogue UK, when I came across a snippet about a short film called “Chanel and the Diamond”, which was  about Coco Chanel’s legendary fine jewelry exhibit the “Bijoux de Diamants” in 1932. The film was the third installment from a series titled Inside Chanel, which highlights pivotal innovations from the House of Chanel.

 Coco, a.k.a. Gabrielle had a tendency to think outside the box and make her own rules. When she was commissioned by diamond merchants to rejuvenate a weakened diamond industry, she created a lavish diamond and platinum jewelry collection, and when I say created, I mean she performed a complete overhaul that revolutionized the way jewelry was made and worn forever.

 Apparently, reinventing the wheel was not what the male dominated world of  diamond merchandising had in mind when they hired the talented fashion and jewelry designer, and they were even less impressed that the “Bijoux de Diamants” was shown in her Paris apartment on mannequins, instead of cradled in velvet and encased behind glass domes in a boutique. Perhaps they should have been more specific.

Photo: Courtesy of Chanel

Photo: Courtesy of Chanel

Photo: Courtesy of Chanel

 The “Bijoux de Diamants” was Coco’s one and only fine jewelry show, and her audacity was talked about for some time. Chanel recently celebrated the 80th anniversary of the exhibit with a stunning fine jewelry collection,  “The 1932 Collection”  that is inspired by the original collection. The invitation only festivities took place at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, where Chanel decked guests enjoyed dinner and a viewing of both collections.

It’s amazing that 80 years later, Coco’s classic style, whether it be clothing or accessories, is still relevant, inspirational, and on trend.

 

For more insight on the timeless magic of Chanel, watch the other installments of Inside CHANEL series.

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