Has Tom Ford Lost His Fashion Crown?

According to Colin McDowell in a recent talk head at my university, Tom Ford is no longer relevant in the fashion world. However since then, he's opened up a store on Sloane St - of course an expensive retail space so does this beg to differ? I think so. Along with the store launch came an exclusive new fragrance, Private Blend London which is described as being 'rich' and 'spiced.'

It seems to me that if he is was dying out to the fashion world, he's trying to claw his way back with this store and a perfume named after the location it's being set up in. We're all a sucker for a gimmick so I think it will do well.

In the new store is also a unique section allocated for make up and fragrances, but not just fr women but for men also! Is she taking it too far by having make up for men? The amount of products on the market these days for men would probably beg to differ but the average man I believe would have to draw a line at make up. It's right for a certain market, maybe one that can afford Tom Ford, but the majority in this economic climate cannot so I don't think it will be a smash hit. Nice try though eh Tom.

Tom has admitted in an interview that he gets countless compliments on his skin and puts it all down to his shameless bronzer wearing. He's also said he knows countless men who steal their partners concealer to hide the odd blemish here and there which is understandable but I think when it comes down to actually going into a shop and buying it themselves, men have too much pride to do it. Definitely a no no in my eyes but I will watch and see if the sales are proficient.

100 Years of Chanel

Chanel celebrated it's 100th birthday back in March at Paris Fashion Week, can you believe it!? For a brand to be around as long as this one has and still be so relevant in the market is huge. It's definitely one of the most popular and anticipated shows at PFW. The celebration has meant the opening of two new Chanel stores in London. One pop up shop in Convent Garden and a new flagship on Bond Street. The opening of the Covent Garden pop up featured Londons cabs Chanel style - they have given them the Chanel treated and painted them all different shades and branded them with the iconic cross over C's and the address of the new store - good advertising eh? 

Along with the new store openings, Karl Lagerfeld created a short film called 'Once Upon a Time' which dictates the early life of Gabrielle Chanel and her first ever store. The film features Keira Knightly who of course fronts the Chanel Mademoiselle campaigns and some of Lagerfelds favourite models; Lindsey Wixon, Saskia de Brauw and Stella Tennent. Everything from the set design to costume down to the fact it's in black and white just oozes what the brand is about and, I think, was a perfect way to represent the 100 years. The brand I feel will forever represent some of the highest of luxury and what every girl wants to aspire to own something from. Speaking from the youth of today, I think they will feel the same, however may not be aware of the brands heritage. This film is a cool and currant way of portraying that heritage as a way of not necessarily appealing to a younger market, but still making sure they'd see it. In terms of elegance and modernity, I feel Lagerfeld has kept this reputation going and will until he last days at Chanel. Anyone after him will have incredible big boots to fill.

Chanel Covent Garden (LOVE the pink london cabs!)

You can watch the video here