Fashion Imitates Art, Art Imitates Fashion: Anselm Reyle For Dior

Dior has dazzled us again with the brand's latest collaboration with Berlin based designer Anselm Reyle. The eccentric artist known for neon flashes, cameo prints and bold statements has shaken up the Avenue Montaigne couture house with his fresh take on Dior's most coveted handbags and accessories.

"I loved working on the Lady Dior handbag. Most of my work build on objects that already exist, which I then transform. I applied the same philosophy," says Reyle.

The collection is filled with Dior favorites reinterpreted by Reyle with vivid bursts of color, fluorescent camouflage and metallic leathers. 

Anselm Reyle's Dior stunners made their debut at whimsical pop-up shop during Art Basel Miami Beach which concluded this past weekend. The exclusive collection will be available for purchase again in Dior boutiques on January 9th. 

For information please visit www.Dior.com -LX

Valentino's Revolutionary Digital Museum

Via NY Times

Valentino Garavani might have had his last fashion show in 2008 (we shed a few tears that day) but the designer is still on helm of fashion ever since he began his career over five decades ago. Valentino will be the first ever international fashion designer to curate a permanent exhibition of his work in a dynamic digital museum. Now fashion lovers worldwide can divulge in the world of Valentino like never before right from the comfort of home.

The virtual museum is a desktop application users can download that is connected to an online portal that uses a real time 3D technology to create an immersive environment. Over 300 decadent dresses from the Valentino's archives previously worn by his A-list clients of the likes of Jackie O, Elizabeth Taylor and Julia Roberts were captured for the museum and organized by theme. The collections are arranged in a museum style layout where users explore the different galleries and wings covering what would be over 10,000 square meters in an actual museum!

An Exclusive Look Into The "Red Room" Of Valentino's Latest Online Museum

Each dress is accompanied by exclusives such as sketches, illustrations, advertising campaigns, editorials and red carpet as well as event photos which give life and context to each dress. Special events and exhibitions from Valentino’s history are celebrated with photos and video – from the 1968 White Collection to the 2011 White Fairy Tale Love Ball.

Oh and if that's not enough for you, the application features a media library which catalogues the over 5000 images including dresses, photos, drawings and 95 fashion show videos.

The e-museum is set to launch on December 5th via http://valentino-garavani-archives.org -LX

Tarun Tahiliani Watch Collection

Sumptuous jeweled Jadau work, beautiful stone embellishments, pearls and contemporary gold detailing to add luster. No, we're not talking about a designer sari. In fact we're describing Tarun Tahiliani's latest designs for his exclusive watch collection in collaboration with Timex.

Each piece explores traditional Indian craftsmanship and history. The jewelled watches compliment and pair well with a variation of Indian fabrics from beautiful, vibrant bandhini to elegant chikankari.

The watches are reminiscent of the timepieces worn on the wrists of Nizams of old world India, the contemporary bride looking to complete her look or the individual searching for effortlessy chic timepiece which will be treasured for a lifetime. The beauty and glory of the Indian heritage are tastefully reflected through Tahiliani's watch collection.

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

The Sexiest Shoes of The Year

The Winner, Valentino Lace Pumps

Ladies prepare to burn some plastic because FN (Footwear News) and Saks Fifth Avenue have announced this year's sexiest shoes! The 25 finalists chosen by FN editor's included alluring skyhigh heels from the likes of Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, Dior, Givenchy, Gucci, Oscar de la Renta, and Stuart Weitzman.

Jimmy Choo

Shoe fanatics worldwide voted for their faves online throughout October via the FN (Footwear News) web site. The winning pair of shoes was selected by more than 35,000 votes.

This year Valentino's sultry lace-embroidered leather peep-toe pumps won the contest followed by Jimmy Choo's Swarovski crystal-encrusted sandals with double ankle straps in second place, Prada's knee-high leather boot with covered platforms coming in at third, and Chrissie Morris's Suede, mesh and stingray peep-toe ankle boots came in at fourth runner up. 

To check out all of the stunning finalists click here.

Vacheron Constantin Now Open On Madison Avenue

Every serious watch collector knows that no collection is complete without a timepiece from Vacheron Constantin.  The iconic Swiss manufacturer of prestige watches (in the same league with likes of Jaeger-LeCoultre and Audemars Piguet) opened a lavish boutique last week on Madison Avenue, 180 years after Jean-Barthélémy Vacheron wrote a letter expressing his great desire to expand to the U.S.

Now New Yorkers can experience the rich history of Vacheron Constastin through the breathtaking boutique that offers shoppers a private world-class shopping experience. The boutique is reticent of a contemporary Paris parlor complete with modern luxe details.

It's the 28th boutique for the brand with locations worldwide in Dubai, Moscow and its birthplace Geneva. Legendary historical figures from Napoleon Bonaparte to the Duke of Windsor have donned Vacheron and the tradition of immaculate craftsmanship lives on for a new generation of watch fanatics through the Madison Avenue boutique, the first Vacheron Constantin boutique in America.

The opening of the Vacheron Constantin boutique is all the more special thanks to an exhibition of remarkable historical timepieces related to the brand's American heritage. The exhibit opens September 12th and runs through the end of October at the Vacheron Constantin boutique in New York.

Vacheron Constantin

729 Madison Avenue, At E64th St

New York, NY 10065

(212) 317-8964

Mademoiselle Chi Chi Introduces An Exclusive Fashion Collection Made From Milk

From the outside these dresses look like any other frock you would pass by at a high-end department store but little do you know that these dresses are made from something you can find in your fridge, milk!

Anke Domaske, a 28-year-old German fashion designer microbiologist has come up with a way to make a revolutionary fabric out of high concentrations of milk protein called, QMilch. Celebrities of the likes of Mischa Barton and Ashlee Simpson have already been seen around town in the Domaske's fashion label Mademoiselle Chi Chi and the fashion world is also taking notice.

The organic milk fiber is the first manmade fiber that is created entirely without chemicals. It is derived from the milk protein casein extracted from sour milk. The fabric is extremely green, antibacterial and can be created in less than an hour without using pesticides and chemicals.

Domaske claims the fabric has a lovely silky feel, is much cheaper than silk (no more anxiety over ruining a pure silk dress) and since it is made from protein it us extremely easy to care for, you can jus throw it into the washer.

According to the designer QMilch fabric is environmentally friendly but also has a plethora of health benefits. The amino acids in the milk protein are proven to be antibacterial, anti ageing and can help regulate body temperature and circulation.

Can it get any better?

For more information visit http://www.mademoisellechichi.com