Category Archives: karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld – Forefront of Fashion

October 14, 2011

Born in 1938, Karl Lagerfeld is a famous fashion designer considered by most critics and consumers as one of Germany’s most outstanding fashion experts. He belongs to a wealthy family in Hamburg, Germany, but it was in Paris where he studied fashion designing informally. his name came out of the news when he won the title the Wool Secretariat in 1954 for a piece of wool coat he himself designed.

Lagerfeld started working as a fashion designer in 1954 for Pierre Balmain. He ended his term there in 1957, and one year later he transferred to the House of Patou. He also worked as a freelance designer at Krizia. from the period of 1959 to 1978, he worked for Chloe, and it was during that time when he started designing delicate furs for the Fendi collection. Realizing that he can support his own needs as a fashion designer, he decided to establish his own company in 1975 under the name Parfums Lagerfeld.

From 1975 to 1978, he worked with supports coming all sides. but at the latter period of 1978, he started designing his own collection of fashion items independently. that venture lasted in 1982 however, when he decided to make designs for the House of Chanel. He mastered the art of haute couture, and with Gilles du Four helping him in realizing all his responsibilities, he was able to add the ready to wear garments of Chanel to his own fashion list.

Although Karl Lagerfeld continued his career with the House of Chanel, he was again able to establish his own lines of fashion items and accessories in 1984. He resumed his term with Chloe in 1992, but he again quit in 1997 when a new management took Chloe’s house. it was Stella McCartney, Paul of Beatles’ daughter, who took the new management. Recently, Lagerfeld is doing designs for three big fashion firms, including Chanel, Fendi, and his own label.

Speaking of designs, Karl Lagerfeld’s line of fashion products and accessories are all noted for their dramatic and structural touches. The designs are crafted for women though, and most appear in black and white color. two of the most notable lines he created are the Wunderbra and the Wundercorset, both were introduced in 1994.

Karl Lagerfeld, although he has made his name in the field of fashion, is also a known photographer. it was him who took his own press photos, and because of that the press named him as Kaiser Karl. his trademarks present three catchy details: a long ponytail for his white hair, sunglasses, and a fan. Noted under his trademarks are two major products: the KL and Karl Lagerfeld couture.

Other Notable Facts: Karl Lagerfeld, in 1996, made a license to produce a line of lingerie and beachwear. He was working with Furstenberg, a German lingerie expert, but this partnership ended after making just a single season due to conflicts of opinions and interests. Recently, the company is dealing with Tommy Hilfiger in the creation and production of a small, affordable fashion line.

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When to stop showing off

October 5, 2011

Sir David Tang, founder of ICorrect, globetrotter and the man about too many towns to mention, divides his time between homes in Hong Kong, mainland China and London. here he invites readers’ queries for his advice on property, interiors, etiquette at home (wherever you live), parties and anything else that may be bothering you.

What could you do to someone (and it has happened twice in the last week) who, at a small friendly party, produced a cigar and started to explain to everybody how good, special and expensive it was, and started smoking it without offering another one to anyone?

The only way to deal with selfish show-offs is to expose their vulgarity. There are two approaches: the elegant way, and the blunt way. For elegance, you might turn to one of your friendly group and make it fairly clear that you are referring to the braggart by quoting a bit of Shakespeare when everyone is listening: “I do not much dislike the matter, but the manner of his speech.” This of course comes from Antony and Cleopatra, and a description of Enobarbus, who was extremely blunt with his soldiers. If, however, your company is rather uneducated, you might choose the blunt approach, in which case, you might bark out something like: “If your cigar is so good, why don’t you stop talking and give us one each, and we will tell you if it is any good.”

While cruising through Tuscany’s wineyards as a wine journalist, I could not help pondering about a proper though temporary place for sunglasses in short moments of sun-absence. shall I keep them in hands, which I find inconvenient and slightly annoying, or shall I hang my shades on the upper button of my shirt, which I consider not-viewy? Thank you.

Learn from Karl Lagerfeld how and why he keeps his sunglasses on even in the darkest eclipses. but I suspect his propensities are different from yours, and since yours clearly lean towards the vino, your best solution is to act like a sommelier. So dangle your sunglasses at the end of a chain round your neck. I know this might look a bit old-fashioned. On the other hand if you were to carry the tasse de vin as well as your sunglasses, you would be able to boast about the practical ingenuity of killing two birds with one stone. and if you were to be dramatic, you might even add to the chain a small napkin with which to do your wiping of both. but try not to clash the colour of your napkin with your shirt.

In a recent column you described Tangier as Tangiers. I realise it may have been a typesetter’s error, but in case it wasn’t, please allow me steer you away from the possibility of making a similar toe-curler. If you find yourself referring to Shepherd Market, please make sure you keep it in the singular. (I had to get Westminster Council to replace their street sign a few years ago after they’d put up one saying Shepherd’s Market.) I write this in the spirit of your column which I enjoy reading.

Did you know that the famous nightclub Tramp, which has now been going on for 40 years, is always pronounced “Tramps”? If you don’t know that, then you are as ignorant as you are trying to make me and my editor out to be. Actually, many learned sources give “Tangiers” as an alternative spelling. and if you would care for some entertainment around this subject, Wikipedia carries a rather beautiful picture of the town under which the words “The Bay of Tangiers” appear. in any event, I trust my FT editors who should get these things right. If he had left the “s” in, who am I to complain? As for “Shepherd Market”, I have always called it the “Shepherdess Market”. perhaps I should write to the Westminster Council, like you did, on grounds of accuracy.

May I ask you advice about the suitability of tight jeans on men over 36 years of age? I am reaching my mid seventies and still have an enviable figure for a man of my age and have a suitcase full of trendy admittedly fashionable and slim cut tight black jeans which I am prone to wear – I find that my wardrobe is often commented on favourably by the opposite sex, but one friend (female) recently announced, in front of a house full of guests: “Oh for goodness sake – your jeans are FAR TOO tight.” I was embarrassed and so were the others around – is it wrong to still be showing off one’s figure at my age?

E-mail questions to

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Fendi Fantasy

September 22, 2011

Ask every fashion enthusiasts on what’s currently the hottest name in world of glitz and glamor and you will surely get Fendi as the answer. Fendi has taken the world by storm and waves greater than any tsunami. All fashion districts and cities are not without the Fendi craze. It such a big hit that the fame reached multiple borderlines of race and culture. Shore to shore, Fendi has swept all lovers of beauty and function with a tide of elegance and functionality.

Originally owned by Adele Casagrande, Fendi started as a fur-leather shop in 1918 along central Rome’s via Plebiscito. the business was officially renamed in 1925 upon Adele Casagrande’s marriage to Edoardo Fendi. the marriage could have been so blessed that the business began to prosper and via Piave became the birthplace of the second Fendi shop in 1932.

The business even boomed when Karl Lagerfeld married one of the Fendis. Lagefeld is the one responsible for the creation of the renowned Fendi logo, inverted FF, and for the unprecedented success and popularity of the brand. Sooner than expected, the brand emerged as one of the top fashionable lifestyle must-haves. Word of mouth and quality products had destiny propel Fendi at the pedestal of the fashion world.

From what was once a traditional hard-to-wear fur outfit, Fendi evolved to become a light-to-wear glamorous clothing line. the makers came up with innovations to better the fur lines (tan, dye, and a lot more other treatments) for a whole new array of top-of-the-line fashion pieces. the first big debut of Fendi’s fur collection in 1966 marked the international invasion of Fendi clothing line and started the worldwide phenomenon that is enduring even more these days.

But as years of glorious existence have passed, Fendi included more items under its name. Fendi is no longer fur alone. It now includes scarves and ties for men, shoes and handbags for women, and sunglasses, watches, and wallets for both men and women– all breathe nothing but air of elegance and cutting-edge fashion beam.

For ladies items, top picks are the Fendi bags. the choices are so wide and many but picking the right one for any occasion or purpose is so easy. each item is a testament of Fendi’s tradition of quality and functionality — the elegance is a given, of course. currently, the spy bags are the hottest picks. the phython spy bag, cognac spy bag, satin spy bag, and pleated spy bag list some of the must-have bags of Fendi. Trends for 2007 Fendi bags are now starting to set, with the spy bag 2007 and spy pleated bag 2007 promising more out-of-the-box choices for women’s undying penchant for handbags. with more and more celebrities sporting Fendi handbags, it will be no surprise to see Fendi bags at the hands of other women as well.

Still in women’s line, Fendi shoes are also irresistible. Ranking in the likes of Prada and Manolo Blahnik, Fendi’s shoe line is a certified A-lister. the summer 2006 collection sets a high tensity shoe fever and hits women’s shopping radar all over the world. the lovely pumps (black zucchino leaf, brown Zucchino, canvas leather trim, etc.) accentuate all humps for a sexier overall feel. the slides and sandals (casadei camel leather, casadei black cut-out, etc.) make a perfect match to booty jeans and sexy shorts.

Men, too, are captivated by Fendi’s delight. the neck ties are hot finds for men of contemporary style and vibe. with over a hundred designs, no long-sleeved polos are too hard to find with the perfect tie match. the colors are great — just the right vibrant and elegance to command reasonable attention. Fendi wallets, sunglasses, and perfume lines also top men’s list of Fendi choices. Fendi Uomo is for spontaneous vibe and sensual scent. It comes in three notes (top, middle, and base), each with variants to suit all men’s scent needs. the Life Essence’s after shave and Eau de Toilette Spray are perfect for men of strength and substance.

Finding Fendi is no painstaking task. probably one reason many are so into it is its accessibility and availability. One need not go to fifth Avenue in new York or traverse to the streets of Rome to get a hot Fendi product. in raffaello-network.com, one can go all-day Fendi discount shopping with great ease and convenience. Few easy clicks are all it takes to get that posh Fendi product in your cart. for Fendi watches, watchesplanet.com has long list of selections for Fendi watches. for shoe cravings, styledrops.com is the online discount shopping mall you’ll all ever need. with good discounts and sale promotions, online Fendi shopping is a sure craze the world can never get over with.

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!!!!!!!!!! HELP! HELP! HELP! What should I wear !!!!!!!!!!?

September 13, 2011

Next week, I met a friend. I have not seen him for ten years. he is head of a large advertising firm. The man is very intelligent, modern and very proud of his personality and what he has achieved in life.

The big question: I want to surprise him in his office. What should I wear?

1. suede jacket (brown), bootcut jeans, cowboy boots

2. Karl Lagerfeld jacket (black) , noble black jeans and shoes

The second outfit seems like a classic choice. The first seems to informal.

( ~ 8*

I would definetly have to agree with the answer b4 mine. The 2nd one seems perfect.

I like the second one because the first one is to cowboyish.(howdy)

Definitely the second one is my favorite one.

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Karl Lagerfeld diet rules, do's and dont's?

September 7, 2011

Can anyone tell me the rules, like for example the do's and dont's with the foods you can and can't eat? Thankyou x

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Overcoming Emotional Barriers to Weight Loss

September 2, 2011

When the workouts don’t work fast enough and the latest fad diet fails again, frustration sets in. what will it take to lose the weight? Working out is difficult enough, but good nutrition can be even harder. Often it is the emotional battles that truly seem to stifle weight loss. why is that? what can you do about it?

Everyone has a breaking point propelling them into their weight loss journey. For some it’s a photo that ushers in the reality of weight the years have put on. For others it may be realizing you can no longer do something that you were able to do previously. Maybe a trip to the doctor brought the prescription – lose weight or else

Regardless of what your breaking point is it becomes a critical moment of personal stress. A moment where you can choose to change or simply continue down the road that leads to increased decline in your physical health. The ball is officially in your court and you must decide. Will you do it this time or not? You’ve heard the saying: Nothing good in life ever comes easy. it is no different in fitness. When you make the decision to workout on a regular basis and change your eating habits; there still may be emotional battles that stop you from achieving weight loss goals. here are three Insider Tips to help you deal with these emotional issues surrounding weight loss:

1. Avoid the marketing and advertising trap. We are overwhelmed by fitness and health advertising. it is in magazines, newspapers, on-line, in the grocery store. Products and exercise contraptions that will make you thin. Programs with fake photos, fake food or fake pills that will give you desired results. Who should you believe? Consumers get so caught up in the hope of a quick fix that they believe what would ordinarily seem ridiculous. do you really think a pill can make you thin? If it truly did, wouldn’t everyone who bought it be thin? Millions of dollars are spent annually on advertising for fitness and health care products. why then is obesity at an all-time high?

o Don’t be fooled by clever packaging or advertising key words.
o Keep a health journal. When you see something and want to find out if it is legitimate, write it down. Research the product and find out what is being said about it.

2. Block the outside noise. those around you can be your biggest supporters and your biggest distractions. this may not be intentional but it can affect your progress. You may find those close to you criticizing you in strange ways. Comments about your food, your workouts and your goals may be innocent but they stick with you and may affect you more than you think. You can brush off a snide comment by a co-worker or a certain look from your spouse under most circumstances but when the workouts get tough or you’re faced with a trigger food; those comments matter. how much it matters is up to you. You can decide to listen to negative remarks or you can decide to ignore them.

o Choose your reactions wisely. You can simply not say anything and walk away or you can be defensive. neither of these solves the problem. Practice stating your goals and your weight loss desires in a clear way. If you continue to feel misunderstood remember this is your program. The approval of those around you is not necessary for success. your unwavering commitment is necessary for success. your friends and family did not sign up to be your cheerleaders and that responsibility should not be placed on their shoulders. this is your life change.
o know your goals and reasons. Write them down in your health journal. Review them often so you see you’re making progress. When you feel that those around you are discouraging let this encourage you. put some motivational quotes in the journal to lift your spirits on those days.

3. Head or heart: which is more important when it comes to weight loss? Hypothetically speaking, your head tells you what you can and cannot do. You cognitively plan your workouts and your food plan. but what about your heart, that drive to succeed? That ability to stick with it when giving up looks so attractive. You can make all the plans in the world, but if your heart’s not in it what will happen? I believe you have everything you need inside of you to succeed. The desire to be a healthy, fit person and make changes that stick is inside of you. That little voice that speaks positively to you and encourages you and knows the dreams of your heart; start listening to that voice. If you know a food is bad for you, don’t eat it. plan your workouts and then commit to get them done. Emotions will come and go and they will lie to you. start listening to your heart and what it tells you is right or wrong.

o Get rid of negative thoughts. Replace them with positive and encouraging ones.
o Continually set goals and then take action. again, keep these in your journal.
o Listen to the desires of your heart, discern truth from lies and do the right thing.

Healthy weight loss is achievable when you educate yourself, block out the noise, and focus on what you can do. Now put your heart into it and go to work

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German Clothes – At The Forefront of Today’s Fashion World

August 30, 2011

Today’s German clothes have taken a severe turn from those of years ago. The clothes German people are wearing nowadays no longer tell us of their status by way of color and style. This is because the highly rated German fashion houses produce a less expensive version of the haute couture designs for the rich and famous, to enable more or less any budget the pleasure of affording such fabulous examples of fashion.

Within the top name German fashion artists of today you will find garments of a classic traditional style as well as a very off the wall variety of clothing. German clothes are proud to take their place at the forefront of today’s fashion world whether designed by a long standing fashion house or by new and young talented designers.

The Clear Classic Style of German Clothes

In day to day life, Germans are inclined to concentrate on the more down-to-earth fashions. As well as practical business clothes they tend to favor informal sportswear, such as Strenesse and Boss and although these two labels have their headquarters in the south of Germany, they have been established for many years on the international markets.

German Fashion Design

Germany’s high fashion features firmly on the international catwalks. Designers such as Jil Sander and Wolfgang Joop have been global players for over twenty years, the latter having recently taken pleasure in remarkable success with his sensational new Wunderkind Couture label. The big galas and balls in cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich are regular showcases for the successes of German fashion-makers like Escada, Unrath & Strano, Talbot Runhof and Anna von Griesheim – who are not only popular with the high society of Germany.

There are ample opportunities to experiment with fashion in the larger German cities where a host of artistic fashion designers produce strong competition to the London and Paris fashion houses. The bread and butter fashion show has established a valuable position in Berlin, the epicenter of creativeness.

Insiders have been familiar for a long time with the new German fashion avant-garde, consisting of Coration, Eisdieler, Kostas Murkudis, Sabotage and Thatchers from Berlin, as well as Anja Gockel from Mainz, Blutsgeschwister from Stuttgart, and Susanne Bommer from Munich. Young German fashion designers such Markus Lupfer, Dirk Schnberger and Bernhard Willhelm have gone as far as conquering Paris, London and the ever fashion-conscious city of Antwerp.

Nevertheless, the most well-known German couturier outside of Germany is without doubt Karl Lagerfeld, who was born in Hamburg and the current Creative Director of the legendary French haute couture company, Chanel.

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Fashion for Women Over 50

August 21, 2011

A Mature woman exudes confidence, strength and knowledge. You have a wealth of life experience and best of all you know your body.Let us then look at Fashion for Women over 50.

What do I wear in bed? Why, Chanel no 5 of course – Marilyn Munroe

Now that’s decadence with a HINT of luxury

Coco Chanel: was renowned for her immaculate style, two piece suits, quilted handbags, pearls and chic dresses. Karl Lagerfeld stated . Coco always borrowed from the boys. She took their jackets, and made them into uniforms for women. the House of Chanel is still as successful today. Why is that? Coco Chanel left a legacy, her designs were classic pieces that stood the test of time.

She was a true style icon of her time. other iconic women amongst others would be: Audrey Hepburn, we associate her with the ultimate little black dress and elbow length evening gloves. Jackie (Kennedy) Onassis, she adopted the sophisticated style of Chanel, with her suits, slim fitting dresses and pillar box hats.

My point being here is about elegance, dressing well and looking chic. Just because we maybe 50 plus does not mean to say we are ‘over the hill’. Sack cloth and ashes should be reserved for biblical characters.

So ladies, rise up Let us now go to our closets and be ruthless give to charity anything that you have not worn for 2 years. Then, let’s go shopping. Are you ready for this?

But first: a little research.

What are your best features?

We are going to make the best of them all.

What is your lifestyle like? Do you socialize much? Are you going on vacation soon? Is there a special occasion coming up?

Do you have a budget? if so (most of us do) what is it and how are we going to make the best of your budget?

Who do you admire in the fashion industry? Who’s style do you want to emulate? Better still create your own style.

What are the things you would like to change? For example Hair – color and cut.

A professional stylist can work wonders and take years off you. go to a stylist such as Vidal Sassoon/ Toni & Guy or a recommended top stylist for advice.

As a minimum invest in a regular manicure and pedicure. Treat yourself every so often to a facial or massage. You could ask your family to buy vouchers for you for your birthday or special occasions. Money well spent.

It is really essential that we all look at our diet and eat healthier. there is an obesity problem worldwide, it is so important that we look after ourselves. it is not just the mortality aspects, but morbidity too. look at the consequences – diabetes, heart disease, circulatory problems.

A healthy diet, high in anti-oxidants, regular daily amounts of fruit, vegetables and protein. Minimize carbohydrates and fats. Drink more water. Take some exercise, walking even a little everyday doesn’t cost anything and you will certainly feel the benefits to your body and your skin.

Look after your skin, avoid the sun especially on your face or make sure you have a moderate SPF lotion. Moisturise day and night. our bodies will inevitably change over time, we cannot stop the aging process, but we can make the best of it.

Are you ready to go shopping?

Look at your underwear. Thongs are out go for well-fitting knickers, Spanx, or full pants are so sexy and comfortable. it is important that you have the right underwear to give your shape definition, this is essential to make your clothes hang properly. our breast shape and density changes after childbirth and after menopause, so get measured professionally.. try on a shirt over the bra before you purchase it. You will see then the overall shape it gives you. move around a little. make sure you are not spilling over the top of the bra cup.

Keep in mind what you want to buy. For example: day wear, holiday wear, evening wear, or essential pieces for your wardrobe?

Don’t be tempted by sale or closeout items if it is not what you went out to shop for. Just because this evening dress was $500 and is it now $90 What a bargain? Not so if it becomes a ‘wardrobe filler’ and is never worn. Believe me we have all made that mistake.

Stores have personal shoppers, so use them to assist you. however, have the confidence to say no, if you are not happy with the style of the clothes chosen.

Don’t be afraid though, to come out of your comfort zone. the tendency is; if you wear ‘baggy’ casual or colorless clothes you will go for the same. Think out of the box. Think chic, think stylish, think flattering. Think of your style icon. What is it you want to achieve?

The world is your oyster. being fifty plus is the new age. an age for the confident, sassy and smart woman. That woman is you

Interested in more personal shopping advice?

Check out my blog stylebyladyg.wordpress.com

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Yves Saint Laurent’s Parisienne Perfume Review

August 7, 2011

Yves Saint Laurent’s new Parisienne perfume launched just in time for the coming spring and summer, where it will compliment your optimism, as well as the warming air and blooming flowers beautifully. Parisienne captures the essence of a fresh and romantic woman who is not from Paris, but who belongs there. It captures an essence of freedom and life. Unlike its advertisements however, Parisienne is not a seductive fragrance. It comes across as more of a clean, flirtatious and delicate fragrance. But don’t get me wrong. If you love rose and violet, you will be pleasantly surprised by their wonderful appearance in Parisienne.

The perfume is quite linear, so you are met with all of the notes at once. the fragrance notes include bright cranberry, romantic rose, light violet, earthy patchouli and vetiver, and sandalwood and musk. the combination of the cranberry’s citrus with the rose and violet comes off almost like a tart and delicious candy that is more mature than girly. I think if there were slightly more woods or vanilla to this fragrance it would warm up ever so slightly.

When you wear Parisienne, you feel like you are in Paris, meeting dawn after an incredible night where you danced until you couldn’t dance anymore. You enjoyed the company of a beautiful Parisian man, whose name you can’t quite remember, but it does not matter. It is the city of Paris that currently has your heart. As you head home you feel the energy of a new day building, and you can’t wait to see what the next will bring. this is a fragrance that does not take itself too seriously, although should definitely be worn with high heels ladies.

Yves Saint Laurent has an interesting story. In 1953, he entered three sketches into a contest for young fashion designers and won third prize. while at the awards ceremony in Paris that December, Yves met Michel de Brunhoff, editor-in-chief of the Paris edition of Vogue magazine. de Brunhoff encouraged this young talent to study in Paris, which Yves then did. not long after that, he submitted sketches to the same International Wool Secretariat competition and took first place this time, beating designers like Karl Lagerfeld, who was a young student at the time. and after Michel de Brunhoff saw these most recent sketches, he sent Yves to leading haute couturier Christian Dior, who hired him right then and there.

In August 1957, Christian Dior selected Yves as his successor, and unfortunately in October of that year, Dior passed away due to a heart attack. at only 21, Yves Saint Laurent was the head designer of the House of Dior. Three years later, he was forced to serve in the French Army during the Algerian War of Independence. during his some 20 days in the military, he soon found out that he had been fired from Dior, and decided to begin his own design empire with companion Pierre Bergé. and the rest is history.

Yves Saint Laurent fragrances are very elegant, intoxicating, and often stand out from the masses. and Parisienne is a great addition to the collection.

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