Sunday, November 9, 2008

Iconic Bags, Fashion Star of the Week and Much More!

Hey girls!

We're gonna start this post off with Some of the Most iconic bags, or what i think are a must have in everybody's closet even if they are a knock-off.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Ellipse
Launch Date: 1959History: Louis Vuitton opened his first luggage store in Paris in 1854, selling monogrammed steamer trunks for wealthy travellers. At the turn of the century, the accessories designer was given the ultimate honour of setting up a travel stand at the Paris World Fair in 1901, but it wasn't until 1959, 23 years after the death of the designer, that the first monogrammed bags were crafted. When Marc Jacobs joined the company as head designer in 1998 the bags were elevated to super-star status thanks to his seasonal makeovers.Celebrity Fans: Madonna, Beyonce, Scarlett Johansson, Sharon Stone, Audrey Hepburn, Catherine Deneuve Did You Know? The LV logo is the most copied for designer fakes. Authentic Louis Vuitton bags are only available to buy from the boutiques worldwide and on the official Louis Vuitton e-boutique
Yves Saint Laurent Downtown
Launch Date: 2006History: A modern classic if there ever was one, the Downtown stands apart from so many other It-bags for the absence of monograms and logos. It was designer Stefano Pilati's second hit bag after the Muse, and has been followed with several more celebrity hits.Celebrity Fans: Kate Moss, Jessica Alba, Hedi Klum, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Biel, Ashlee SimpsonDid You Know? The success of the Downtown spawned the creation of the Uptown, a boxy, lady-like bag suitable for New York's chi-chi park Avenue crowd

Prada Nylon Backpack
Launch Date:1985History: Miuccia Prada's grandfather started the accessories company in 1913. When Miuccia took command in 1978, the label, which had a reputation for excellently-crafted luggage, fell into decline. It was up to the young Miuccia to turn the business around and that she did thanks to the creation of hard-wearing bags made from the waterproof nylon fabric, Pocone. Of all the bags, the practical backpack was the best-seller of the early Nineties.Celebrity Fans: Tilda Swinton, Victoria Beckham, Mary-Kate And Ashley Olsen, Helena ChristensenDid You Know? Miuccia Prada inherited the company from her mother at the tender age of 28.


Balenciaga Lariat
Launch Date: 2001History: Designed by Nicolas Ghesquiere, the bag was an instant hit when it launched in 2001. Inspired by motorcyle clothing, its rivets and fringes appealed to boho babes like Kate Moss and Sienna Miller. The bag is still seen out and about on a host of celebrities and more colours are added to the spectrum every season.Celebrity Fans: Sienna Miller, Nicky and Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Vanessa Hudgens, Kate MossDid You Know? The Lariat was one of the first designer handbags to have a waiting list.
Chanel 2.55
Launch Date: February 1955History: Coco Chanel's design was considered revolutionary thanks to the addition of the chain strap as most evening bags of the time were clutches, making it difficult for society women to juggle their champagne flutes and personal belongings. The famous quilting was inspired by the padded coats worn by jockeys as the designer was a keen lover of horses. In 1983, when Karl Lagerfeld took over as creative director, he reissued the bag in its original design, but gave it a face-lift to mark its 50th anniversary in 2005 by modernising, among other things, the clasp.Celebrity Fans: Mischa Barton, Chloe Sevigny, Diane Kruger, Emma Watson, Katie Holmes, Rachel Bilson, Lauren ConradDid You Know? The 2.55 contains a secret pocket inside the front flap where it is believed that designer Coco Chanel hid love letters received from an admirer.

Hermes Kelly
Launch Date: 1956History: The legendary French luxury goods house began as a saddle maker in Paris in 1880 under the name of Hermes–Freres. Launched in 1956, the Kelly was the result of a collaboration between the design house and Grace Kelly, who commissioned the bag to hide her pregnancy. Celebrity Fans: Grace Kelly, Carla Bruni, Sarah Jessica Parker, Victoria BeckhamDid You Know? There was originally no intention to make the bag available to the public, but when the princess appeared on the cover of Life magazine sporting an oversized version, there was such demand that Hermes decided to go to market.
Fendi Baguette
Launch Date: 1997History: With its humorous name and signature logo clasp, the Baguette became the most identifiable It-bag of the Nineties and Carrie Bradshaw and co's constant companion on Sex and The City (remember when Carrie was held up at gunpoint but still took the time to point out the name of the handbag to the thief?). On the bag's 10-year anniversary last year, Fendi issued the 10+ — a plain white canvas baguette with 10 Pantone markers to personalise, plus monogrammed versions in each of the colours.Celebrity Fans: The entire cast of Sex and The City, Jennifer Lopez, Scarlett Johansson, Kate Bosworth Did You Know? The baguette was named after the French loaf of bread because of its long, rectangular shape.


Dior Saddle Bag
Launch Date: 1999History: The Saddle was designer John Galliano's first hit bag. It reached celebrity status at the height of the logo bag phenomenon thanks to the saddle shape (another homage to horse riding), which tucked comfortably under the arm, and the dangling 'C' and 'D' hardware trinkets, which added that signature Dior bling.Celebrity Fans: Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyonce, Kate HudsonDid You Know? The Saddle Bag made several appearances on Sex and The City, most notably the episode when Carrie and Big fell into the pond in Central Park and Big had to swim to retrieve it.

Mulberry Bayswater
Launch Date: 2000History: Mulberry was established in 1971 as an accessories label creating leather agendas and purses which were stocked in the It-store of the time, Biba. The turn of the century saw the creation of the Bayswater and the Roxanne, which quickly became cult favourits among fashionistas. Several partnerships including a line of bags with Luella Bartley and currently a range of shoes with Jonathan Kelsey have pushed the brand to the forefront of English fashion. Celebrity Fans: Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss, Fearne Cotton Did You Know? Kate Moss has several bespoke versions of this bag, including a cream ostrich skin version with 'K' and 'M' tassels hanging from it.


Now onto something new: Fashion Star of the Week: Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington in Yves Saint Laurent
Kerry Washington was the epitome of chic at a Beverly Hills pool party in a halter-neck YSL dress and chunky platforms.

Kerry Washington in Chanel
The actress belted her navy satin frock and accessorised it with two-toned Chanel pumps and a quilted clutch.

Kerry Washington has another hit on her hands: this grey Armani Prive gown adorned with a crystal-encrusted asymmetrical strap is stunning.

KERRY WASHINGTON in Oscar de la Renta
The actress dazzled in this bright yellow Oscar de la Renta gown at the Hollywood premiere of her latest film, I Think I Love My Wife.

Kerry Washington in Roberto Cavalli
Kerry Washington was pretty in pink at the 18th Annual Broadcasting & Cable Hall Of Fame Awards in a flowing halter-neck gown by Roberto Cavalli.

Kerry Washington in Peter Som
Kerry was uber-chic in a silver prom dress and statement black accessories at the International Women's Media Foundation Courage in Journalism Awards in Beverly Hills. We are especially digging the actress's blunt new fringe.

Kerry Washington in Tory Burch
Kerry Washington was on hand at the Ace Awards to deliver the Accessory Brand Launch gong to her pal Tory Burch in a silver minidress by the designer herself.


This Week's Fab Favorite: Olga Kurylenko
Oh, Olga. The Ukranian actress hasn't even shown us her acting skills in the new James Bond Quantum of Solace (can't wait for it, btw), and she has us girl crushing already. You loved her in casual clothes, and I guarantee you'll love her evening ensemble. This black Dolce & Gabbana mermaid gown she wore to the film's Rome premiere reminds us of the power of noir on the red carpet. It helps that Olga has a model figure, and she knows how to vogue for the camera. Her hair seems naturally wavy and her makeup is understated — this beautiful woman does not need to pile on the face cake. Her black and white choker adds a deco touch, while her tasseled metallic clutch is simply fun. Are you crushing yet?

What do You Think of Katy Perry’s Wacky Wardrobe?

Katy Perry has been anything but shy with her wardrobe choices since hitting the top of the charts with equally bold single “I Kissed a Girl.” And while hosting the MTV Europe Video Music Awards last night in London, she turned up in 11 over-the-top looks! While she looked sweet in a swirling pale pink Elie Saab, we couldn’t take our eyes off her more daring looks. She hit the red carpet in a eye-popping Jean-Charles de Castelbajac satin dress, changed into a carousel-inspired frock and then got the audience riled up with another Jean-Charles de Castelbajac dress — this one with Barack Obama’s head shimmering in sequins. Can we still have fun with fashion and music?

This week, celebrities attended fashionable fĂȘtes dressed in a surprising array of hues. From yellow to mint green, these beauties showed us how to rock color in the Fall. Take my quiz to see if you paid attention to their rule-breaking ensembles.

Beyonce’s Bold Fashion Choice: “She Looked Fantastic”

Beyonce Knowles is known for her glamorous wardrobe choice, tending to glittering gowns, curve-hugging minis and elegant creations from Armani for her many red carpet events. Which is why we did a double take when the singer turned up at the MTV Europe Awards in not one, but two dresses from notoriously edgy British designer Gareth Pugh. Beyonce’s stylist Ty Hunter tells PEOPLE, “Gareth Pugh’s work is explosive and she had to wear it. She thinks he is an amazing talent.” The young Brit is a master of dark, almost-goth looks with incredible architectural details. Beyonce’s performance dress, which is made of elastic bands and rows and rows of YKK zippers, first appeared on the designer’s Fall 2008 runway with matching leggings that Knowles wisely skipped. Pugh himself tells PEOPLE, “I’m delighted she wore my dresses, she looked fantastic.” We agree, and we love that Beyonce is supporting up-and-coming young designers while trying out cool, new looks. That metallic robot glove, we’re a little less sure about.


New Dior Ad:
When Dior first announced that their new “Lady Dior” ads would feature the Oscar-winning French actress Marion Cotillard, we couldn’t wait to see what they had in store. Now they’re giving us a preview of the first of four dramatic ads which won’t hit magazines until January. The print campaign, which is meant to evoke a cinematic feel, will feature the actress in a narrative of mystery and romance. In this first ad, Marion, dressed in Dior S/S 09, poses atop the Eiffel Tower clutching the timeless and classic “Lady Dior” bag. What could be better than the French actress and the Parisian landmark! We can’t wait to see the next three.
I will be posting another post soon telling you what i wore today!
Bisous,
Fabulous Fashionista

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