CHANEL BAGS ARE GAINING VALUE FASTER THAN THE STOCK MARKET

Need some justification for buying another Chanel bag? Turns out, it's not just a statement accessory to tote around—it's an investment. That's the result of a new study, which found that Chanel handbags have increased in value by more than 70 percent in the past five years. That's a bigger jump than the stock market and the housing market.

The research comes from Baghunter, a website that resells luxury handbags, so naturally it's probably going to be a bit biased. After all, earlier this year, Baghunter also found thata Birkin bag was a less risky investment than gold or the stock market. So don't necessarily take this as solid financial advice, but rather a fun look at how high-end goods gain value over time. (As long as you don't actually use them and wear out the material, of course.)

Baghunter focused the study on the Chanel Medium Classic Flap Bag, which has been around since 1955. When the bag first hit shelves, it went for just $220, and by 1990, it sold for $1,150. Now, in 2016, it costs a whopping $4,900. Overall, it increased in value by 71.92 percent between 2010 and 2015, which outperforms housing prices and the S&P 500. The researchers found similar, if slightly smaller, price increases for the Chanel Reissue 2.55 in sizes 226 and 227 and the Chanel Boy Bag in small and medium. 

Source: harpersbazaar.com

STELLA MCCARTNEY TO DESIGN MENSWEAR

Stella McCartney has confirmed rumors that she is branching out into menswear.

The British designer announced her plans at Pitti Uomo, the menswear trade shows currently taking place in Florence. Her first collection will be for autumn/winter 2017. As with her womenswear line, everything will be fur- and leather-free.

McCartney's wish to move into menswear has been brewing for a while, with the designer telling The New York Times: "The desire to marry the Stella woman to a man has been inside me since the very beginning."

The move is a smart one. After all, McCartney's strengths lie in tailoring, knitwear and separates – menswear staples – and she was trained by the Savile Row trainer Edward Sexton. She has previously designed bespoke menswear pieces for her father, Paul McCartney, David Bowie and, of course, the Olympic team.

Source: harpersbazaar.com

EXCLUSIVE: GET A LOOK AT THE NEW MONDAY SWIMWEAR COLLECTION

​Plus, the bikini babes behind A Bikini A Day share their summer beauty essentials and their upcoming travel schedule. ​

What have the Bikini A Day girls been up to? Aside from walking around Manhattan in their swimsuits for Bazaar, launching an activewear brand, the bikini enthusiasts have also been busy working on their third collection for their line, Monday Swimwear, just in time for the first official day of summer. 

Inspired by Miami, their new collection which will drop on Monday, June 20th, features bright colors—from fuschia to turquoise in the cuts their followers have come to know and love—as well as new two-piece styles, including bandeau and wrap tops. 

Source: harpersbazaar.com

CINDY CRAWFORD AND DAUGHTER KAIA GERBER LOOK IDENTICAL IN THIS MAGAZINE COVER

Supermodel Cindy Crawford and her daughter Kaia Gerber take both the front and back covers of the newest issue of Chrome Hearts, a bi-annual publication by the L.A. rocker accessories boutique of the same name. A throwback image of Crawford in a strappy leotard takes the front cover while on the back, 14-year-old Gerber makes the same pose while wearing that Reformation "Cindy Crawford" sweatshirt and standing in the literal shadow of her mom's photo.


Gerber seems to be following closely in her mother's footsteps, as she continues to pursue her fledgling modeling career, plus a few acting gigs too. It's also helpful that she has her very experienced mother around for advice, whether it's on career or self-confidence.

"Yes, you can make a career out of doing what you love," Crawford told the bi-annual magazine. "But there's some days where it still sucks. It's still work, and that you do it anyway. That's like a life internship for them–watching us."

If you have been watching Gerber closely the past year, you'll realize this isn't her first time working with Chrome Hearts. In February, she made her fashion campaign debut when she posed for their eyewear ads.

Laurie Lynn/Courtesy Chrome Hearts

Source: harpersbazaar.com

SEE ALL THE LOOKS FROM DIOR'S 2017 CRUISE COLLECTION

The storied house took resort wear to London with interesting color combinations, layered slip dresses, classic suiting and tropical prints.

Dior 2017 collection

Dior 2017 collection

Dior 2017 collection

Dior 2017 collection

Dior 2017 collection

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/designers/g7343/dior-2017-cruise-collection/

Source:harpersbazaar.com

AURORA JAMES HAS FEMININE SUMMER STYLE DOWN

Aurora James puts as much emphasis on creating beautiful pieces for her brandBrother Vellies as she does creating those pieces with integrity. "I think these days if you're not socially conscious you're a big part of the problem. The world is such a beautiful, magical place and as people we have the power to create and cause so much good. Why not harness each of our ideas and potential into something positive?," the designer asks. "I'm not asking every single person to drop their jobs and volunteer in Haiti. I just think as entrepreneurs we must motivate ourselves and challenge each other in a way that benefits the greater good and not just the bottom line." Each Brother Vellies piece is sustainably handmade in South Africa, Kenya and Morocco—which creates artisanal jobs within Africa. That beautiful inside-and-out vibe extends to the girl herself. See how James approaches style for daily life—Brother Vellies included, of course.

Look 1: Summer Brunch

"I'm a sucker for a white dress and I fell in love with this one pretty quickly. It's great for a summer day outside or for brunch."

3 spots you love in Brooklyn?

Olea on Lafayette in Fort Greene for dinner or brunch
Oroboro Store for their incredible edit of all of my favorite brands.
AP Cafe in Bushwick for the ultimate weekend indulgence—chicken & wafflesPictured: 
Black Crane Dress; Brother Vellies shoes and bag...

Describe your style in 3 words

Whimsical, feminine, nostalgic

How would you describe the aesthetic of Brother Vellies?

"Valley of the Dolls" meets Marrakech

"The color of this dress is dreamy. It's a more playful way to stand out from the LBD crowd."
What's your vintage shopping philosophy/approach?

I love vintage to death. I try to look at quality, construction and cut. Always remember you can get things tailored.

Piece you wear the most from your own collection?

Brother Vellies Tufted Dhara Sandalsfor sure, I basically don't take those off

Pictured: Self Portrait dress; Brother Vellies shoes and bag

Look 2: A Night Out

What inspires you most as a designer?

The people we work with—everyone from those designing the shoes to the women wearing them in the end

Are you an online shopper or brick and mortar?

Both. But I've been very busy lately and Matches ships pretty quickly, so....

Wardrobe MVP (the piece that gets the most love in your wardrobe)

My Gucci kimono.

Look 3: A Day in the Park

"I have some go to jeans that are staples for me. They're great paired with a vintage blouse, vibrant sandals and a fun bag. Day-in-the-park perfect!"

First fashion memory?

My mom's snakeskin dress. I would hide in her closet and touch it.

Most exciting thing that's happened since launching your brand?

It's crazy and totally an eye roll moment for me to say this but it's true—every day is more exciting than the last. The three years since I launched this company have been such an incredible journey. I know the best is still yet to come, too.

Pictured: Vintage top; AMO jeans; Brother Vellies bag and sandals.

Style icons, one past, one present?

Cher in her Sonny and Cher days. Caroline De Maigret for present day.

If you weren't a designer what would you be?

A lawyer, or a gardener. Possibly/probably both.

Hair and makeup philosophy?

Keep it simple and just try to feel like your best self-every day. Never do anything during the daytime that would make you look totally insane if you suddenly found yourself hiking.

Are you a closet editor or builder?

Builder. Always building. Make a strong foundation and build up from there.

Special Thanks: AP Cafe.

Source: harpersbazaar.com

Karn Malhotra at Lakmé Fashion Week summer/resort 2016

Karn Malhotra at Lakmé Fashion Week summer/resort 2016.

Originally based out of Toronto, Canada the designer founded the label Karn Malhotra in the year 2010 catering to a small but significant clientele for bespoke garments as well as select styling assignments. In 2012, in order to further the label’s growth, while simultaneously targeting a new audience, the move to designer’s hometown, Mumbai, was initiated. 

In its early stages, the label positioned itself as an exclusive luxury apparel design studio for women specializing in couture gowns and evening wear. However, the label has also entered the Pret market after the successful launch of its day/evening wear collection at the India Beach Fashion Week (IBFW) held in February 2015 in Goa, India. 

The Label’s design philosophy is simple: ‘wear your attitude’. In the designer’s own words, “each of our creation is a lifestyle statement, a choice of self-expression and not just an outfit, it’s the way you choose to be seen and perceived it’s for this reason we are in the business of creating complete looks not just outfits. In my opinion there is not an ideal age group or body type that can wear my clothes I have something for everyone but most importantly you have to trust my vision and be ready to quit the safe zone for something more fun, edgy and yet chic.”

The Label presently houses its 2 floored workshop in Goregaon West, Mumbai and is in the process of launching an online store shortly this year for an exclusive retail presence

Source: vogue.in, lakmefashionweek.co.in

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s trick to looking great on the red carpet takes 1 minute

She’s been called ‘the most beautiful woman in the world’ more times than she can count, but of all her monikers—from Miss World to mom—it is the latter that makes her feel most beautiful. How does she manage to look stunning all the time? Her rule is to keep it simple. Read on to find out more:

Beauty philosophyI have always been understated yet elegant—it’s important to not lose your personality in the name of fashion or beauty and it’s very important for me to be comfortable. Fashion and make-up is like art—I have fun with it. There’s also a whole team of professionals involved, like the stylists, hairdressers, make-up artists and designers. But the bottom line for me is that I don’t lose my personality and I stay comfortable.

Mom’s the wordThe beauty advice I would pass on to my daughter is simple—always drink a lot of water, nourish your skin and hair with vitamin-rich food and keep it simple. I think the biggest learning I can give her is to be at peace with herself and be happy—that will make her a naturally beautiful human being, inside and out.

Get-glamorous tipRed lips have the power to attract everyone’s attention and make you feel red-carpet-ready instantly. Also, walk with confidence and flash a 1,000-watt smile—it will always make you feel glamorous.

Signature lookFor the day, I am partial to lip colours in shades of nude, pink, peach, beige and earthy brown with mascara to highlight the eyes. For a night out, I normally opt for light shimmery shades for the lips and smoky eyes. I don’t have a signature look for the red carpet either. My team and I look to do something different each time, although my favourite is winged eyes matched with bold red lips—my signature red from the L’Oréal Paris Pure Reds Collection, Lincoln Rose, looks great with most of my red carpet looks.

Mane intentionHow I wear my hair de
pends on my mood, the occasion and what I am wearing. I’m not fussy about wearing it a certain way—I
 like experimenting. I do feel 
it’s extremely important to nourish and oil your hair regularly, and essential oils are
 my biggest indulgence. It’s also really important to eat healthy, as what you eat has a direct impact on your skin and hair.

Body beautifulI believe that every woman should be comfortable in her own skin—I wouldn’t want to change anything about my body.

Vanity caseI always carry my signature lipstick from the L’Oréal Paris La Vie En Rose Collection—Aishwarya’s Delicate Pink. It’s a lovely creamy matte lipstick that’s perfect for the day or an evening out. To play up my eyes I use a volumising mascara and, thanks to my genes, I am blessed with great skin. But on days that I feel I need to even it out, I use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Liquid Foundation.

Heaven scentMy all-time favourite fragrance is Clinique Happy.

Beauty iconsI’ve always admired Jane Fonda for her grace and warmth and I love how Eva Longoria keeps experimenting with her looks and manages to dazzle everyone. Both these women are complete stunners. I learn something new from them every time we meet and I love them both to the moon and back.

Source: vogue.in

Fall 2016 Jewelry Trend: The Right Angle

Ron Hami's multiband 14-karat gold ring with diamonds; pasquale bruni's 18-karat gold ring with diamonds; Cadar's 18-karat gold ring with diamonds; Efva Attling's 18-karat gold earrings with diamonds.

Antonini's 18-karat gold and diamond cuff and Stephen Webster's 18-karat white gold and pavé diamond collar with detachable feather.

FROM LEFT: Paige Novick's Three Row Cuff in 18k yellow gold with white diamonds; Mania Zamani's 18-karat yellow gold ring with diamonds; Dana Rebecca Designs' 14-karat rose gold ring with diamonds; Mimi so's diamond rings in 18-karat yellow, white and rose gold; Tejen's 18-karat gold earrings with diamonds; Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry's 18-karat rose gold earrings with black and white diamonds.

FROM LEFT: Deborah Pagani's 18-karat white gold pendant with diamonds and sapphires and hearts on Fire's 18-karat white gold and diamond ring.

Messika Paris' diamond earrings in 18-karat pink gold; John Hardy's sterling silver necklace and Roberto Coin's diamond bangle in 18-karat rose and white gold.

Roule & Co.'s bangle in blackened 18-karat white gold with sapphires; Lynn Ban's black rhodium and gilver earrings with colored sapphires and 14-karat white gold clip; Yossi Harari's rings in oxided gilver with rubies and black diamonds (top) and white and black diamonds (below).

Eva Fehren's 18 karat rose gold necklace; Selim Mouzannar's 18 karat pink gold bracelet with diamonds and tanzanite stone; 1884 Collection's 18K yellow gold earrings with diamond and bronze coins.

Qayten's ring in white gold with diamonds and blue tanzanite stone; Hueb's earrings in 18-karart white gold with diamonds.

Source: wwd.com

Burberry one and only menswear standalone store



Burberry standalone store

Burberry have announced it will open a menswear standalone boutique. The company has seen strong menswear sales, which played a key role in its profit growth in the past year. Demand for Burberry's menswear collections triggered “a significant growth opportunity” and the company said new initiatives such as tailoring, range intensification, retail merchandising and increasing men’s only marketing all contributed to the performance with menswear sales growing by 26%.

The first men's standalone boutique is expected to open in Knightsbridge later this year, and chief executive officer Angela Ahrendts commented it could be “the beginning of a brilliant new concept”.

Burberry is further planning to open its biggest ever store on London’s Regent Street later this year. Although the brand has refused to give an exact date Ahrendts, the store is expected to open in late summer or early autumn to be Burberry's “most digitally advanced store in the world.”

Burberry saw revenue rise nearly 25% to £1.86bn in the year to March 31 while adjusted profit before tax rose 26% during the period to £376m.

Image: Burberry

Source: fashionunited.co.uk