Now wait for it, it looks like Karl Largerfeld will be going head to head with another industry power house Anna Wintour (Editor and Chief of American Vogue).

It has been announced that forthcoming  “Chanel Cruise show” is to be held on May 4th of this year, which just happens to be the confirmed date of one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year; “The Met Ball” (Costume Institute Gala New York) – a celebration of fashion fantasy and flamboyance. The gala has been organised by Wintour since 1995.

Considering the fact that Karl Largerfeld  is no stranger to controversy, two examples of his of his most recent mettlesome moves being Chanel A/W 2014 collection; Largerfeld designed his Runway as a mega store “the Chanel supermarket”. He advertised an increase of between  20-50%  on all produce and displayed his models wearing film wrapped and basket styled accessories. Largerfelds brazen message being that in a time of global recession, there were no discounts in his aisles.

Chanel S/S 2015 collection, Largerfeld staged a faux feminist protest; set on a Parisian styled street lined with guard rails, a female mob marched displaying placards reading statements such as “boys should have baby’s too” and a megaphone wielding Cara Delevingne as figurehead.

Unarguably, Largarfeld since appointed as chief designer in 1983, has beautifully married his unique and dynamic taste with the traditional elegance of the Chanel brand. He has undoubtedly immortalised his own name and ensured that the legacy of Gabriel “Coco” Chanel will continue to echo through the generations. We only have to look at the iconic quilted Chanel bag which makes a rejuvenated appearance season through season, and possession of which is considered an achievement to every fashion conscious female.

It seems Largerfelds latest mission is to assert Chanel’s  superiority and although it remains a conspiracy theory, the dilemma will force the industries elites (models, editors, A-listers etc…) to choose between red carpets.

Which one will it be? I expect a fashion frenzy.

Nadine

Nadine is our resident Fashion & Beauty contributor on MintMag.ie. Currently Senior educator at the Peter Mark hair group, she was recruited by the company in December 2012 due to a reputation of excellence and has an abundance of awards under her belt. She also has her finger firmly on the pulse of all thing fashion – her creative nature and eye for quality and detail has ensured her an impenetrable reputation amongst the cream of Irish beauty, photography, fashion and media experts. If you would like to contribute to MintMag.ie just email louise@mintmag.ie!

How inconceivable to think that luxury fashion label Burberry could reinstate itself at the very top of the UK’s most elite fashion brand list – for so long, Burberry was known to the masses as the cheapest form of disposable rip off fashion. The iconic plaid base ball cap being the must have accessory in the circles of chavs and football hooligans only! However, Burberry is unquestionably one of the most trending labels right now, and here is why.

In 2006 it was announced the much sought after marketing guru Angela Ahrendts would be the new CEO of Burberry. Angela waisted no time in turning the brand on its head and gave complete creative control to then young designer “brand star” Christopher Bailey

“Everything that the consumer sees anywhere in the world will go through his office. ”

The dynamic duo rapidly changed the face of the Burberry label with Bailey’s consistent, clever reinventions of the heritage trench.

Ahrendts pioneered a tactical approach in digital marketing, encouraging the current faces of Burberry to tweet themselves right before appearing in advertisements or hitting  the runways. Since then, the list of top fashion models and A-list celebs to endorse the Burberry label is staggering; Emma Watson, Rosie Hunting Whitley, Kate Moss, and Cara Delivinge to name but a few. My most recent celeb sighting was on January 20th, this Burberry heritage trench dawned on the ever trendy Caroline flack as she entered the East Midlands Strictly tour rehearsals.

With so many cool kids flaunting the trench, its safe to say this iconic Burberry staple has officially become an absolute must have item for the ‘it’ crowd!

If all of the above however was not enough to make you want to jump on the Burberry band wagon then I think this will. Ireland’s very own fashion model Li-Ann Smal of Distinct Model Management, was recently announced as the face of Burberry appearing in advert campaigns, gracing the elite runways of international fashion weeks and being flown to Shanghai to open there latest flagship store! This has given kudos in abundance to the Irish fashion modelling industry.

With  Christopher Bailey having now been appointed joint CEO  and Creative  Director (on Ahrendts leave), I predict no end to the Burberry enticements for 2015.

So I’ll leave you with this,  my heart is yearning for a peacock green trench coat from Burberry’s S/S 2015 collection. I urge you all to check it out!

Nadine