FASHION Magazine

Karl Lagerfeld fans rejoice! The designer is introducing a more affordable line called Karl launching on Net-a-Porter in January and on his own site in February. The line, with pieces that will run from $85–$415, is described as “rock” and “street” and will feature lots of denim, leather, fingerless gloves, and silvery jeans, which isn’t a far stretch from Lagerfeld’s daily attire. If dressing like Lagerfeld isn’t enough for you, various items of clothing from the line will feature Lagerfeld’s silhouette, including the waistbands of underwear.

Lagerfeld will also introduce a higher end line, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, that will target Europe, Asia, and China, and only be available in select stores in North America. No word yet if this line will include underwear.

Find out how to dress up as Karl Lagerfeld »

Halloween is just a week away, and that means it’s officially costume crunch time. In order to stir up some inspiration, we’re turning to some of our favourite and most interesting fashion icons. Each day this week we’ll showcase a costume that doesn’t involve devoting all your evenings to sewing sessions and papier-mâché messes. (And if you do end up dressing up as one of our suggestions, please share it with us on Twitter or Facebook!)

First up, everyone’s favourite fashion uncle, Karl Lagerfeld. We think this is a très chic costume for both guys and gals, and that’s not just because you get to wear a white old-timey powdered wig.

Since yesterday’s sad news about Apple co-founder Steve Jobs’ passing, it seems everyone has been mourning the loss in some shape and form (a tribute song blasted from your iPod? A sad phone call placed from your iPhone? A sad collage made on your iPad? The possibilities are endless). While it may not be as clear a fashion connection as the loss of Alexander McQueen, we got to thinking about the numerous ways the industry has changed because of Apple inventions. Here are five:

Has True Blood fever hit France? In celebration of Carine Roitfeld’s new book, Irreverent, she held a vampire ball in Paris last night where fashion’s biggest stars were expected to dress up and get into character. Naturally, some were more enthusiastic than others. Riccardo Tisci showed up with fake blood dripping from his mouth and Anna Dello Russo wore a Stephen Jones X Giles scarlet swan feather headdress that she described as “aggressive.” Other partygoers like Kanye West and Karl Lagerfeld dressed as per their usual. Perhaps they didn’t get the memo. Perhaps Kanye was still mid-fit.

Is Roitfeld is a Bill or Eric fan? We’re hoping the latter.

View the photo gallery »

Sculpted bags that mimic pearly seashells at Chanel; a cross-sectional view of a jacket’s shoulder pads at Lanvin; treated silk so slick you’d swear it was leather at Balenciaga; and intricately embroidered ruffles at Yves Saint Laurent. When it comes to decadent details in a collection these French heavyweight houses win hands down.

By Laura deCarufel

Michel Gaubert has a laugh that makes you want to get him alone with a gin and tonic and a confidentiality vow, and ask him to dish about his three decades in the fashion world. Rarely in the spotlight but always in the vanguard (and on the guest list), Gaubert is an insider’s insider, the style set’s most trusted DJ. He’s partied with Thierry Mugler and Jerry Hall, collaborated with Longchamp, and created runway soundtracks for power houses such as Balenciaga, Dries Van Noten and—most notably and consistently—for Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel.

For those of you who are really into that Natasha Bedingfield song, you know, like Emma Stone in Easy A, we’ve got the perfect accessory for you! Introducing Sunpockets, the recently relaunched line of foldable sunglasses. Available in two original models and a multitude of shades, the mirrored lenses are ultra light (we mean it) and noticeably more comfortable than most sunnies.

After Monday’s Dior mess, we could only hope to have our faith restored by the rest of the collections at Paris Couture Week. And we got our wish with the stellar back-to-back Givenchy and Chanel shows last night.

In his typical presentation format, Riccardo Tisci showcased, yet again, why his designs could more accurately be described as works of art. Ten painstakingly detailed gowns were adorned with feathers, fringe, plumes, pearls, zippers and beading, and ranged in colour from beige to white (a break from the designer’s usual proclivity for darkness). Accented waistlines, bodice cutouts and sheer skirts exemplified Tisci’s own description of his collection as “pure couture.”

Later in the evening, Karl Lagerfeld’s collection for Chanel was showcased against a sparkling, neon-outlined recreation of Place Vendôme at the Grand Palais. In the centre, a glass statue of a suited Coco Chanel held court. A grand showcase of the enduring Chanel suit (shown in navy, fuchsia, grey and black), the collection effortlessly straddled the classicism of the storied house and the modern strides of its current designer. And did we mention that the heels lit up?

Miu Miu’s muse: Take a look at the first shot from Hailee Steinfeld’s fall ad campaign for the label. [Fashionista]

Models Iselin Steiro and Kinga Rajzak get snippy and cat fight for Lanvin’s Spring 2011 campaign video shot by Steven Meisel. Rawr! [Fashionista]

Watch out biographers! If you were considering writing a book on Karl Lagerfeld, you might wanna rethink your plans. [Elle]

Making up the most insanely bizarre fashion trifecta EVER, Dree Hemingway stars in the Terry Richardson-shot ads for Justin Beiber’s new fragrance. Never say never? [StyleCaster]

Expect a lot more It girls where she came from… Chloë Sevigny x Opening Ceremony Resort 2012 will be the label’s first collection to ever be shown on the runway. [Style File]

Crabhat’s off to Princess Beatrice who auctioned off her royal wedding hat on eBay and raised $130 767 for the Little Bee Initiative to raise money for UNICEF and Children in Crisis charities. [The Cut]