A Modern Take On A Classic, The Chanel "Boy" Bag

Imagine a Chanel bag without the signature quilting, no tweed in sight and absolutely no remnants of the coveted intercrossed c's. What kind of Chanel bag would that be? One of the new classics they say. Celebrities and socialites have been spotted around town with the new Chanel Boy bags which capture the simplistic and terribly chic essence of Coco Chanel.

The Chanel boy bag range is named after Chanel's great love, Boy Capel who betrayed her by marrying another woman but they still continued their affair to the day he tragically passed away in a car crash. The eerily nostalgic bags are fashioned after a cartridge bag carried by hunters that Coco was fond of.

The simple yet very elegant bags are made from luxurious glazed calfskin accented with strong hardware in a choice of silver or brass. The bags comes in an array of shapes from perfect daytime tote to a petite evening clutch. The bags come in subtle colors like white, black, green, red, and grey.

In a city like Delhi where logo flashing is a way of life the new Chanel range is made for those very few in the know. For more information visit, www.Chanel.com, Starting at $2500.

Fashionista's Prêt-à-Portea Via London's Berkeley Hotel

Yummy Miu Miu heels, delicious Lanvin dresses and scrumptious Burberry trenches are so good, you just want to eat them up. Well now The Berkeley, invites fashionistas to nibble on Christian Louboutins, Valentino gowns and Stella McCartney body con dresses. Prêt-à-Portea is the Berkeley's fashionable and modern take of the high tea tradition.

The iconic British hotel's Prêt-à-Portea is served in the Caramel Room daily from 1pm to 6pm and girls about town can't get enough. The service includes a selection of loose leaf teas from Assam tea to Pear Caramel & herbal infusions like Posh Pomelo & Melon, Gorgeous Ginger and Chocolate Mint Truffle. the teas are accompanied by a mouth-watering selection of mini-skewers, taster spoons, elegant canapés and tea sandwiches. The best bit is the collection of cakes and fancies mimicking the latest fashions from the world’s finest designers. For Fall 2011 the selection includes:

• Valentino orange and ginger clutch cake closed with oversized chocolate bow
• Bottega Veneta colour blocking pink and gold pear mousse and clementine cremeux coat with matching macaroon button
• Dolce & Gabbana signature gold starred chocolate éclair dress filled with hazelnut cream
• Stella McCartney must-have polka dot sponge cake dress
• Burberry Prorsum stylish black and white double breasted chocolate biscuit coat with snow white vanilla icing
• Miu Miu winter spice glittery high-heeled shoe biscuit
• Jill Sander pomegranate and grenadine mousse dress topped with colourful chocolate flower pattern
• Lanvin show-stopping cassis bavarois dress with crème de mûre jelly topped with signature folded meringue
• Sonia Rykiel striped chestnut cream and almond sponge cake dress complete with trendy metallic sparkles

For Prêt-à-Portea reservations and delivery service, please call +44 (0)20 7107 8866. The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London. SW1X 7RL

From Bombay To Paris With Love - Chanel Pre Fall 2012

Karl Lagerfeld took a breathtaking passage to India for his latest Chanel Pre-Fall 2012 Metiers d'Art show, inspired by the effervescence and vibrancy of India. The collection rightly named "From Bombay to Paris" featured some of the most beloved Indian sartorial touches From Nehru collars, sari-like draping, supple white leather boots which mimicked the chudhidar to fabulous dresses painstakingly drenched in Indian-inspired embellishments with a Chanel touch.

The collection was a glamourous melange between Eastern and Western. Pink tweed met kurtas and immaculately tailored tuxedos jackets topped saris. Let's not forget the models, many of which were of Indian descent who were adorned in headdresses, tikkas and jingling anklets (Kind of sounds like a Bollywood song).

The Chanel Pre-Fall show was indeed a spectacle, with the runway snaking around a lavish dinner party adorned with crystal chandeliers. Attendees included the usual editors, socialites and special guests including The Princess of Jaipur. The collection will be available come May via Chanel boutiques worldwide. We are counting the days. -LX

Hermes “Winks” At Indian Customers With Limited Edition Saris

So how does one of the most renowned luxury brands (if not THE most recognized luxury brands in the world) Hermes “wink” at Indian customers? With limited edition Hermes saris, of course!

Hermes has launched an initiative to create a limited line of silk saris inspired by its famous silk scarves which are worn by some of the most glamourous women in the world. The saris range in price from $6,100 to $8,200 USD.

Hermes is looking towards the future by investing in India. It might be because India’s fashion market is estimated at over 2 billion dollars and is growing by 20% each year. Also, most Indian women still wear traditional Indian clothing while opting western luxury bands when choosing their shoes, handbags and accessories. Hermes is taking the next step by offering Indian women more than just accessories and rather a one stop shop for an entire outfit.

The brand launched their second boutique in Mumbai this year where the saris are now available. However, the brand is still unclear on whether this is going to be a long term venture. We’ll keep you posted.

Images via The Telegraph

Cantamessa Fifth Avenue Boutique Launch

Last Thursday, Cantamessa, the internationally renowned Italian high–end jewelry line with over 70 years of history hosted a lavish soiree to commemorate the opening of their Fifth Avenue Boutique in New York City.

The event was attended by the likes of, supermodel Irina Shayk, actress Susan Sarandon, model Carol Alt, Miss USA Rima Fakih, music mogul Damon Dash, Miss Universe 2002 Oksana Fedorova, New England Patriot’s safety Brett Lockett, celebrity hairdresser Frédéric Fekkai, restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow, among other distinguished guests.

The swank party took place at the Manhattan Motorcars Showroom in NYC and was sponsored by top luxury brand including Bentley, Lamborghini and Christie's auction house.

Irina Shayk, Susan Sarandon and Carol Alt were decked out in over $5 million dollars of jewelry and in over 6,000 diamonds. They showed off the latest Cantamessa designs to the crowd as they walked the showroom’s floor and posed for photos.

The brand already has a very strong foothold in Europe, Asia and Russia. The new boutique on Fifth Avenue will be the brand’s first venture in to the States.

Cantamessa features designs for both men and women. The company boasts over 100 elaborate, proprietary designs that are inspired by flora and fauna. The jewelry collections include necklaces, earrings, brooches, rings and bracelets; each piece is customizable with an array of precious stones set in gold or platinum.

Le'Xa relishing NY Fashion Week

If Lady Gaga's meat stunt wasn't enough here's more for carnivores like us. And with 2 Grammies, 13 MTV Video Award Nominations 8 wins, she seems to get away with murderous fashion. Now she joins the elite club of Celine Dion, JLo, Gwen Stefani, and others by launching her fragrance with Coty Inc. Quite curious but must wait to smell it next Spring when it hits the stores. Looking back in '95, there were just 10 Asian sounding names; now there are easily more than 30 designers of Asian Origin at the NY Fashion Week. Dad would've loved this…Asian- American week of fun. Capturing the Kill-Bill armor like fantasy Vera Wang gave us some Obi belts and interesting quilted mini-vests. Great layering ideas for workwear... Halston Heritage went scarlet with its absolutely ravishing President. The NY Sex Idol Sarah Jessica Parker, laughed around in a scarlet jersey dress. The line up so far had fresh and familiar sounding names...Elie Tahari had a laid back take on the 70s Retro sporty America. Loved the use of completely different natural fabrics…Denims with Paisely print silks.The studio Front Row dazzled for Luca Luca's show, with Beth Ostrsky, Debra Cox and the other Knowles (Solange). Greek Chignon's caught my eye!…the delicate ultra feminine fine silk and hair can be excellent for a special daywear look. Its like, you can't love animals and Dennis at the same time. Known for crazy fur ideas, Dennis Brasso played interesting looks with his Venus de Milo inspiration. Couldn't stop myself from asking for more. My hot pick, would still be the next big Holiday thing definitely, the 'weave' peek-a-boo Rosa Cha Swimwear in a Good morning colour pallet. To sum up, I'd quote the daddy of Fashion himself Lagerfeld who said, "You cant look to the past." People yet again bowed down to him at the Chanel Soho re-opening party…