Bombay Sapphire

The annual Chanel metiers d'arts is the holy grail of fashion fiestas, a spread of utter splendour and aesthetic decadence as can only be expected from Karl Lagerfeld, who has become a caricature of his uniformly stylish self and emblematic of luxurious taste; a purveyor of aesthetic perfection. Every year Karl creates a solid theme and this year East met West as an aromatic feast of Indian style food, decor and fashion came to Paris. The grand Parisian venue was filled with the heady colours, scents and visuals of bustling Bombay. Karl's latest Asian inspired creations were modeled around an intricately decorated set of a banqueting table laden with delicious delicacies and flower arrangements. Fashionistas and frowers flocked to get their bindi and bhaji on, at this sumptuous spectacle. All the models wore flat shoes and tunic and trouser combinations inspired by salwar kameez as well as sari draping. Nehru collars and heavy ornate jewellery were plentiful, and Freida Pinto was present as muse and ambassador of the event. As Karl is always a fan of a celeb or personality endorsement, mother and daughter combo of Yasmin and Amber Le Bon walked for Mr Lagerfeld at this momentous soiree.

the life aquatic

Darryl Hannah as Madison in the 1984 film Splash

It appears that next spring there is noticeably something in the water, as fashion goes under the sea. Perennial fashion favourite Florence Welch was the latest brit girl to be noticed by Karl Lagerfeld as his muse du jour. The ethereal songbird emerged from a giant clam shell at Paris fashion week earlier this year and belted out 'What the water gave me' for a well-heeled crowd. Chanel's subaquatic fantasy collection set the tone for many other designers.

Chanel's whimsical sea shell clutch SS12

Charlotte Dellal screams Hollywood siren, with her tongue-in-cheek approach to dressing in this clam shell fascinator

Gaga as a Mermaid on a magazine cover

Underwater life prints at Mary Katrantzou

Surfer clutch by Jimmy Choo

Disney's Ariel - the original Mermaid

Florence and the Machine performing at the magical Chanel show

Hermes fishtail braid

McQueen SS12

Versace SS12

who would dance on the floor in the ROUND

an Olsen in glorious Chanel half tints

Topshop

DVF

Nicole Richie at Coachella

best of the rest:: Met Ball 2011

I think Isabel Lucas' stunning look at this year's Met Ball takes a lot to beat! However these are my other favourites!

Blake Lively arrived to the event on the arm of Karl Lagerfeld, as the new face of Chanel. She looked radiant in a taupe tulle pailette embroidered dress with chiffon sash from Chanel’s Autumn/Winter 09/10 Haute Couture Collection. The dress was set off by her newly copper locks, a colour that technically shouldn't work on anybody but looks beautiful!

I always love Rihanna, and this asymmetric black jewel encrusted thigh slit dress with scalloped edges was no exception. Her mermaid plait made the dress feel young and contemporary.

 

Lastly was Christina Ricci who embodied gothic glamour, looking like she has come full circle since her Wednesday Adams days, wearing a mega watt Zac Posen cobweb lace fishtail number. J'adore!

Wardrobe Wishing

Here are a few designer pieces I am currently coveting. They are a diverse and random mix. The pieces really need little introduction as the images should speak volumes about my momentary label lust. While grouped together the items below look like an eclectic selection, they are all very much seasonal, statement party pieces. Whilst the tongue in cheek Russian doll clutch back may not be a timeless style staple it is certainly delightfully inspired, and a guaranteed collectible! A girl can dream...

1. Burberry boots

2. Halston dress

3. Chanel bag

Don't Get Jaded

In case you have not already heard the new nail colour du jour is green; not apple or lime but jade. The Chanel ready to wear show for Autumn/Winter 09/10 featured an unusual injection of mint and pistachio to a habitually very monochrome collection. Runway models were sporting this very shade on their nails, and since then we mere mortals have been waiting to get our manicured paws on the polish. The limited edition colour has just launched and is available only at Chanel boutiques so believe the hype and get your name on that waiting list!

Best of British

With the current 90s renaissance and the Beatles anniversary celebrations, people seem to be embracing British pride. While the Oasis reunion was short-lived, Blur are still going strong and people are digging out their hooded parkas and Union Jacks. Get patriotic with some of these beauties:

1. Union Jack bag by Chanel

2. Vivienne Westwood cushion

3. Alexander McQueen clutch

4. Miss Moss

5. Weekend bag by Paul Smith

6. Georgia Jagger models Hudson jeans

Is it Just me or....

Is there a spooky resemblance here?? See below Mary Kate Olsen channeling the legendary Karl Lagerfeld...