Top International Fashion News of the Week | 09.07.17

 

From the luxury hotel suites designed by Karl Lagerfeld to Iris Van Herpen’s underwater musicians, these are the top international fashion news stories of the week.

 

Iris Van Herpen’s 10th Anniversary Features Underwater Musicians, Swarovski Crystals and Björk

Iris Van Herpen is renowned for her avant-garde designs and awe-inspiring runways. For her Spring Summer 2016 show, the designer programmed robotic arms to 3D print, laser cut and weave a dress onto a model live on stage. Now, for her brand’s tenth anniversary Couture Fall 17, it appears Van Herpen may have surpassed even that memorable performance. The first event took the form of her latest runway show, which presented aquatic-themed couture. This year, although the stunning garments defied reality and what is possible with clothing, they were not the only thing catching the crowd’s eyes. Creating the melodic music that accompanied the show were a group of musicians submerged entirely underwater in giant, glass tanks. As the performers sung and played peculiar custom made instruments underwater, they reflected the surreal, otherworldly allure of Van Herpen’s designs.

 

Following this, a cocktail party was held to present Iris’s crystal designs for luxury jeweller Swarovski. As stars took over the sky, guests made their way to a club for the final afterparty event. Appearing in a mysterious beaded mask, Icelandic singer and songwriter Björk made a captivating performance. Looking ahead to the next decade, Van Herpen discussed her hopes to “continue combining other worlds into fashion.” With technology rapidly evolving, it is likely that this talented designer will continue to make the impossible possible.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWFnD9jAXRE/

 

Karl Lagerfeld Designs Luxury Suites at the Historical Hôtel de Crillon

Looking over Paris’ Place de la Concorde, the Hôtel de Crillon has held an important place in history. Marie Antoinette took piano lessons there. Benjamin Franklin signed the first treaty between the United States and France there. Now, Chanel’s iconic creative director, Karl Lagerfeld, has also made his mark on the historic hotel. Initially built in 1758 as a private residence, the palatial venue was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1909. Over 100 years later, it was decided that the venue was in need of a makeover, and the hotel consequently closed its doors for renovations. After spending four years, 200 million euros and enlisting the help of Mr Lagerfeld, the hotel reopened this week.

 

In case his schedule wasn’t already packed with organising fashion shows, receiving awards, and most recently, reconstructing an Eiffel Tower inside the Grand Palais for Paris couture week, Lagerfeld redesigned two of the hotel’s suites. Named, ‘Les Grands Appartements’, the fourth-floor suites offer views of the citie’s famous landmarks. With no expense spared, they include a dining room, marble bathrooms, and a personal, private butler for guests. True to fashion, Karl dedicated one of the rooms to someone close to his heart. A suite, therefore, is titled, ‘La Choupette’ after his treasured cat.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWKEaG3jdda/?taken-by=rwcrillon

 

Paris Celebrates Dior’s 70th Anniversary with Retrospective Exhibition

In the midst of Paris Haute Couture week, a fashion house whose name has become synonymous with couture celebrated a milestone anniversary. As Dior turned 70 this week, a new retrospective exhibition opened at Paris’ Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Titled, ‘Christian Dior: Couturier du Rêve’, the exhibition is the largest ever staged by the museum and features over 300 gowns. Although dedicated to the fashion house’s founder, the exhibition reflects on and showcases the creativity of each of the seven designers who have led Dior over the years. This, therefore, includes Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, and current creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri.

 

Prior to his foray into fashion, Christian Dior was a director of an art gallery from 1928 to 1934. The current exhibition features a range of paintings and sculptures amongst the couture gowns. Transporting visitors into the world of Dior, there are also photographs, fashion sketches, and letters, as well as jewellery, bags, shoes and perfume bottles. The gallery spaces evoke atmospheres of an art gallery, workshop, a street, boudoir, and a peaceful garden. Additionally, the galleries nave has been transformed into a ballroom, where dresses worn by clients such as Princess Grace of Monaco, Lady Diana and Charlize Theron, dance under a ceiling painted with celestial figures.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWLBnwQlsV9/?taken-by=dior&hl=en

 

Edward Enninful Adds Four More Famous Faces to his Powerful British Vogue Team

Although he does not officially join British Vogue until August 1^st, the new editor in chief, Edward Enninful is already wielding his power over the publication. This week, Enninful added four new fashion heavyweights to the ranks of his team. These included Vogue royalty, Grace Coddington, and supermodels, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss who will act as contributing editors. Joining this trio is English award-winning director and artist, Steve McQueen.

 

The move follows Enninful’s controversial decision to switch out the magazine’s long-standing fashion director, Lucinda Chambers. This role was then awarded to Venetia Scott. Meanwhile, the deputy editor, Emily Sheffield, has announced her resignation amongst this flurry of changes. Enninful has undoubtedly already set a new path for the future of the magazine. Readers are now curious to see where it shall lead when he begins in August. Regarding the latest Vogue announcements, the new editor in chief has stated that Grace Coddington is “synonymous with the title”. Additionally, he noted that “as two of the biggest international style influencers and supermodels, the impact Naomi and Kate have in today’s culture is enormous,” while Mcqueen will contribute “an increased depth to the arts within the magazine.”

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWM_IttjAQh/?taken-by=edward_enninful

 

Model Emily Ratajkowski Co-designs Must-Have Handbag

American model Emily Ratajkowski can tick fashion designer off her career to do list following this week’s launch of The Kooples’ ‘Emily’ bag. Emily, who is currently also the face of the brand’s Fall collection, co-designed the Italian made bag. To celebrate the launch, The Kooples hosted a glamorous cocktail party in the newly renovated Hôtel de Crillon.

 

Available in stores from September 1, the bag currently comes in red, black, and taupe. A larger range of colours is being released in the future. Features include gold hardware finishes and a detachable strap. Accessorising like a top model will cost you anywhere from $400 up to $700, depending on which size bag catches your eye.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWNpYsLAANj/?taken-by=thekooplesofficial&hl=en