Met Ball 2014: 10 Faves

After somewhat of a long hiatus (it has been productive I promise), I reckon the Met Ball warrants a post. One of the biggest nights of the fashion calendar, this year the museum celebrates couturier Charles James, the theme of the evening; 'White Tie and Decorations' but as you can imagine not many kept that in mind. Here are my ten fave looks of the evening, in no particular order.

1. Emma Stone in Thakoon
My favourite from the night. I feel like this shouldn't work but I just really love everything about it. Her shoes even matched beau Andrew Garfield's jacket, adorbs.

2. Beyonce in Givenchy
I don't feel like justifying this, she is the queen. Love the veil and I will never get sick of her and Jay Z.

3. Gisele Bundchen in Balenciaga
Ever stunning Gisele could of turned up in a bin bag and still look flawless. *crys*

4. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen in Chanel and vinatge Gianfranco Ferré
You either love this or hate it. Amongst an array of bright somewhat tacky gowns, in dark, vintage Victorian-esque gowns I think they both look so chic, kudos.

5. Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham
Beautifully understated in one of her own designs, wins award for best accessory of the night, we all need a David Beckham for special occasions, such as every day.

6. Kendall Jenner in Topshop
Stunning in nude custom made Topshop, weeping at her tiny waste. Cue week of starvation.

7. Jourdan Dunn also in Topshop
I'm so obsessed with Jourdan I probably wouldn't care what she wore. Also in custom Topshop, bit OT on the satin tho. Ultimate milf.

8. Diane Kruger in Hugo Boss
Diane always seems often overlooked even though she often looks impeccable, simple but effective in grey Hugo Boss.

9. Leighton Meester in Emilio Pucci
Hate gold and a deep v paired with a thigh slit sounds like a recipe for disaster, but she just looks sooo good.

10. Blake Lively in Gucci
Ugh, another power couple of the night Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, so good looking it hurts.

A few notable fails of the evening, first RITA ORA, I can't even, I won't even. Alexa gets so much hate in the fashion industry, I tend to love her but I'm not loving this, how can you go from her incred tux look back in 2010 to this, how?! Maggie Gyllenhaal choses one of the worst looks from Valentino Couture. I hate saying anything bad about Lupita Nyong'o, I love her and she's beautiful but I can't even persuade myself to like this mismatched Prada ensemble.

Chanel's 100th Anniversary: Once Upon A Time

Chanel has, for many years, been one of the biggest luxury brands to emerge from France and will no doubt continue its success for centuries to come. That being said, celebrating the brands centenary was destined to be a big deal for creative director Karl Lagerfeld. Of course opening two new stores in London, one in Covent Garden and another on New Bond St, would never be enough for the French designer.
Its a known fact that Lagerfeld has in recent years taken to photohraphy and filmmaking and it seems Lagerfeld likes life behind the lense. Having already created one short film and directing the campaign for Bleu De Chanel, Lagerfeld is once again taking his seat in the directors chair for a short film commemmorating the 100 year anniversary of the brand. The film looks at the heritage of the infamous house and will feature actress and brand ambassador Keira Knightly as Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel, the founder of the house, the film documents the rise of Chanel, commencing in 1913 with the opening of the very first Chanel store in Deauville, Northern France. 
The film also features a few guest appearances from some of Karls favourite models and muses including Stella Tennant, Lindsey Wixon, Baptiste Giabiconi and Jamie Bochert among others. No sign of Choupette much to my dismay!
The film is a beautiful homage to the brand even if it is a little awkward in parts (its believed that Karl wanted it to seem natural so gave the actors their line just hours before filming) it is executed beautifully and everything from the exquisite period costumes down to the use of black and white express what Chanel is all about, its classic, its elegant and its beautiful. Its well worth a watch for the cameos and costumes alone.
Chanel has, since its inception, been solely about class, elegance and true craftsmanship and the film goes hand in hand with this ethos moreover will teach youth of today about the birth of one of the biggest fashion labels on the planet. I feel that Chanel has aged exceptionally well, it is as fresh and forward thinking as it was 100 years ago and I feel that even the youth of today think of it as it should be, Lagerfeld has done an excellent job of translating the Chanel message for all to understand the brand fully, lets hope he continues to do so for many years to come. Happy Birthday Chanel!

THE RISE OF LUXURY

Recession, what recession? recent reports have shown that consumers are still spending big bucks on luxury goods. Considering the current climate this probably comes as a big surprise it did for me, someone tell me who's buying all this Moët and Ferrari's and give them my number please. 

A recent Harris poll shows the continuing rise in profits for luxury brands so I want to work out why and HOW they are purchasing luxury goods when a lot of us are struggling to afford Primark right now

Top of the pile in fashion brands we have giant conglomerate LVMH and french brand Hermes. In just a year LVMH's worth has grown by 2 billion, from its 16 billion in 2012 to 18 billion in 2013, which is pretty astonishing considering we are meant to be in a recession. So why are we choosing to spend our hard earned cash on luxury items? 

It is believed that after years of tightening their belts, consumers are starting to think more about the quality and longevity of what they purchase, which makes sense. Its all well and good buying a couple of 5 pound tops from Primark, but will you still want to be seen in them in two months time, or a more likely question will they still be in one piece? It seems we are looking for investments and that comes at a price I'm afraid.

Moreover it seems extravagant dressing is a way of showing that you are coping with the recession its a clear mark to people of your wealth. 

Paris brand Hermès have also seen a sharp rise in profits recently, net profit for the year jumped 24.6%, being one of the biggest names in the luxury fashion industry Hermès are making sure they hold on to their crown as one of the most prestigious apparel and accessories brands in the business. 

Something you may or may have not noticed is that one of the biggest consumers of luxury brands is China, part of the emerging BRIC economy, every year they flee to shopping capitals (oh and Bicester Village, we all love a bargain) to get their fix of luxury goods.

It looks like luxury brands are still reigning in fashion and will for some time so get saving girls.