The Swelle Life: Marc Jacobs Three for Three with Louis Vuitton

Top 15 Spring 09 RTW Collections

1. Balenciaga
2. Marc Jacobs
3. Alexander McQueen
4. Eley Kishimito
5. Basso & Brooke
6. Luella Bartley
7. Chanel
8. Rodarte
9. Sinha-Stanic
10. Richard Chai
11. Sabyasachi
12. Jonathan Saunders
13. Lanvin
14. Erdem
15. Christopher Kane

This list is interchangeable, really! And could easily have been a Top 25. Selections from these shows can be seen in the 'Spring 09 Wish List' category in the right sidebar

Top Facts about Coco Chanel

1. Began as a hat designer in Paris in 1908.
2. Part of the revolutionising of fashion during the 1910s, freeing women from restrictive clothing such as corseted gowns
3. Launched the famous Chanel suit in 1923.
4. Influential in the creation of the 1920s flapper image.
5. Popularised the LBD with a backless, strapless version that created much controversy.
6. Introduced costume jewelry to the world and the multi-strand style of layering necklaces.
7. Fashion's only figure to be named on Time Magazines 100 most influential people of the 20th century.

October 08, 2008

Marc Jacobs Three for Three with Louis Vuitton

I was going to say Marc Jacobs scored a 'hat trick', but then re-thought the relevance of a hockey analogy. Doesn't quite fit. (I grew up in Canada in a family with three brothers, it slips out sometimes). I'm not sure how Marc Jacobs does it, Louis Vuitton was his third and final collection for Spring RTW 09 and it is said to have left everyone in the industry excited about fashion again after a tiring four + weeks of collections in four countries. He and Karl Lagerfeld must have a chip in their brains enabling them to focus on delivering the essence of three distinct brands in so little time.

I have to admit, I've lagged on my Paris posts because after following New York, London and Milan, I'm pooped! I love what I see but I need a break. It's not you, Paris, it's me. I just need some space, time to get my head together. Then everything will just fine. I promise.

But like those who were lucky enough to witness the show, I am never too weary to get geared up for what Marc Jacobs has created for us. His namesake show in New York was To Die For, and his diffusion line Marc by Marc Jacobs offered the perfect fix for those of us who crave playful, feminine and easy clothes (I do). His Louis Vuitton collection, his take on French chic, reminded me of his New York stunner but with a distinctly unique feel - texturally rich, some Asian influences, a lush palette - expertly crafted pieces that we can use however we please. But how enticing were the head-to-toe looks the models wore down the runway - no hats this time but fantastic African earrings and neck pieces, so lively. And those waistcoat-cut jackets with the strong, padded shoulders...drool, drool, drool. Times are rough for everyone right now, but a jacket like this is one you would love forever, and considering the awful news as of late, likely one of the wiser investments!