Couture Kicks from Chanel

The recent Chanel Couture Spring 2014 collection showed that, whilst Karl Lagerfeld may have an aversion to sweatpants, he's not above jumping on the high fashion sneaker trend. 

CATWALK CHEAT: CHANNEL CHANEL COUTURE IN UNIQLO'S BOWLER HATS

The key accessory from Chanel's stunning Autumn 2011 Couture show was undoubtedly the Bowler hat.

Karl Lagerfeld's mainly monochrome couture collection took inspiration from the brand's founder and former hat maker, Coco Chanel, with every look being sent out with a corresponding bowler. 

Worn on the back of the head, these iconic hats leant a rebellious, tomboy touch.

This trend has been around for a few years now, championed by celebrities including Mischa Barton and Daisy Lowe, and featured on the catwalks of Hermes (2010) and Sonia Rykiel (2008) amongst others, as well as being featured in Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle perfume ads, and looks set to hit the High Street in a big way this winter.

Check out these great Bowler hats in black, charcoal grey or brown wool from Uniqlo (below) for a very reasonable £19.90, available in store or online now.

All catwalk images courtesy of Chanel

DIVA ON DEMAND: ANOTHER CHANCE TO CATCH VALENTINO DOC

Great news for anyone who missed this 2010 BBC documentary about the legendary Italian designer and couturier, Valentino - Valentino: The Last Emperor is now available for a limited time on BBC iPlayer as part of the Storyville season.

The film crew follow the designer, who turns 80 next year, across the globe tracking his every move, documenting two of his collections, his spectacular 45th anniversary exhibition and celebrations, but it is his personal relationships which give the most insight into this notoriously guarded man.

Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino's saintly patient partner of over 50 years and the honorary President of the Valentino house, talks openly about both their personal and business relationships.  This is a man who has clearly taken on a hugely stressful supportive role, absorbing any anxieties on behalf of his partner so that he can truly shine.

It is fascinating to see the human, playful side of Valentino's character in their interactions as well as in his encounters with respected peer, Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld - not to mention his beloved dogs.  How cute??  I think they deserve their own show.

Despite its 90 minute run time - mostly involving the many takeovers and edgy business dealings of the company which lead to his retirement in January 2008 - I could easily have watched an entire series on Valentino alone.  It is just so warm and gripping for anyone with an interest in people watching regardless of their love of fashion.

From backroom seamstress tantrums and sneak peeks into the designer's many homes, to flashbacks from his career throughout the decades and some of the most exquisite gowns for both catwalk and from his archive worn by clients including Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O, I just didn't want this delicious, humorous, diva-packed documentary to end.  Must see TV.

Click here for more images or to watch the show visit BBC iPlayer - available until 14th July.

HAUTE 1990's STYLE FROM DIOR COUTURE

Somewhat understandably given recent goings on at the Paris fashion house, Bill Gaytten's Fall 2011 Haute Couture collection for Christian Dior was a bit of a mish mash of styles and colours pillaged from across the decades which, whilst not hanging together well as a collection for me, demonstrated some flashes of absolute brilliance.

 Who would have thought of elevating 1990's leisurewear patterns to the ultimate luxe level?  

Fresh, fitted and fun to relaxed glamour and dreamily flirty, the colour palette ran the spectrum from ice cream parlour pastels to earthy autumnal riches with hints of metallics. 

Apparently Mr. Gaytten has not actually been confirmed as John Galliano's permanent replacement - hopefully this is enough to get him through to the next round at least - I want to see MOREMOREMORE from him! 

These pictures show my perfect looks from the Dior Haute Couture catwalk... See the full collection on Style.com here.