Flashback Friday: Linda Evangelista for 90's era Chanel

 

Up until the late 90's, Karl Lagerfeld was on top of his game at Chanel. Remember the time?

Most Wanted: Runway Sneaks

No worries, it's just as savvy to rock a pair of New Balance's as it is the Chanel hybrids above - but they do look so cool for now (even for Chanel, dare we say).

Inspiration: Chanel Bon-Mot

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only; fashion is something in the air. It's the wind that blows in the new fashion; you feel it coming, you smell it. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

VagaBond NYC + Toto Cullen for DMAg

We worked recently with uber talented photographer Toto Cullen and so we would like to share some of the results of the creative process with you. Gwen, the model is resplendent in pieces from the VagaBondnyc archive.

Gwen wears Jean Paul Gaultier

Gwen wears George Boreham

Gwen wears Chanel

Oh Poor Atlas, the World's a Beast of a Burden

If ever there was an artist who so utilized her wardrobe so as to enhance (and not take away from, here's looking at you Germanotta) a performance it would have to be Florence Welch, often found accompanied by her 'Machine'.

Flowing locks and porcelain skin, Ms. Welch embodies ethereal fantasy. Her voice transcends the listener to whatever height she finds herself on when her voice emanates from her being.

Having just launched Ceremonials (on repeat here at VagaBond HQ!), the eagerly anticipated follow up to Lungs, Florence is about to embark upon a European tour. Something tells me that, unlike her contemporaries, she will stick to what works for her - beautiful flowing fabrics, delicate patterns and carefully selected vintage pieces - as opposed to violently revamping her image in accordance with a new album.

Everyone and their mother is award of her performance for Chanel in Paris at the S/S '12 show. When you're hand picked by M. Lagerfeld himself, what more reassurance do you need that your style is truly unequivocal? Added to this, she frequents our pop up store at Bond 07 and has selected some of our pieces for her own wardrobe. She's a true blue VagaBond girl...

Behind the Scenes shoot for D Magazine

Vagabond NYC delves into their collection, mixing together a study in masculine tailoring, punched up with riotous prints and technicolor brights.

80s Gianni Versace pique jacket and ladybug print bermudas

Vintage crepe hooded pullover, fit for a 40s film star; Chanel boucle wool trouser

Kristen Arnett, founder of Green Beauty Team, worked her magic on Grace, mixing intense pigments in hues of emerald and magenta.

80s Karl Lagerfeld top and skirt, Chanel chain belt

Grace Bol -- a Sudanese-by-way-of-Kansas City model who is represented by Major -- brought her experience and delightful demeanor to set. Her extraordinary beauty shines through even in these candid photos, and her self possessed confidence in front of the camera infused the pictures with a serene power. Appearing recently in the Thierry Mugler resort show, we believe Grace's trajectory shall continue to rise and wish her all the best!

Stephen Hawkes vest and trouser

A very special thanks to photographer Toto Cullen, cinematographer Tebbe Schoningh, hair and make up artist Kristen Arnett, model Grace Bol, and Major agent Eric Granwehr -- the shoot was a perfect storm of energy and creativity, culminating in some amazing photographs.

Oscars Best Dressed

Three of the 83rd Annual Academy Awards best dressed actresses may have dynamic persona's, but last night they let the flawless execution of their dresses take center stage. All three made the case for pure design stronger than ever.

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Haute Couture

Michelle Williams in Chanel Haute Couture

Florence Welch in Valentino Haute Couture

Smart Buy: 80's Chanel Jacket

This week's Smart Buy, this uber-chic navy Chanel jacket, comes from one of Karl Lagerfeld's early collections for Chanel at the beginning of the 80's & its timelessness only goes to show you that good design never goes out of style. We love its 60's Mod-inspired shape & its curved pajama style side slits and think we'd have a hard time taking this piece off if it were in our own wardrobes.

80's Navy Chanel Jacket-$398

Investigative Report #2 : You Copy-Cat, You!

Our latest Investigative Report had us floored! Usually Chanel accessories are dead-on and most often incredibly inventive, however this mixed bag patchwork tote(above) from Chanel's Fall 2010 collection is a dead-ringer for Louis Vuitton's more colorful and audacious number from several seasons back(below). We moved on from the cult of Kaiser Karl quite a while ago as we think Chanel needs some fine retuning & this obvious "borrowing" of an idea puts the house to further shame. Ah, what can we say besides long live Alber Elbaz at Lanvin!