FASHION BY THE RULES – Mother’s Day 2011

It comes but once a year but unlike Christmas, this is a very special holiday that focuses on one very important person and we all have/had one and like it or not we only get one in a lifetime. So today is devoted to moms and my suggestions for gifts to commemorate the day. Keep in mind that I tend to go over the edge when it comes to these occasions but it really is the thought that counts and not the gift or its cost.

I am a creature of quality and grand gestures so the possibilities I offer are to be taken with a huge grain of salt unless of course you actually can afford to give gifts such as these, which I am sure would be greatly appreciated.

Mother’s day should be kept personal which means that you need to give it some thought that is unless you are the flower giving type and save your grand gestures for her birthday or Christmas. The key is to remember what her personal favorite flower is and not give just a bouquet and to please write a sweet loving note which goes a long way. As I said before and it applies to all maternal gift giving, try to remember what she loves, what she wouldn’t buy for herself and what would make her happiest on her day because once this is accomplished, your gift only gets even better in the sentimentality department.

While it may seem that I only offer the materialistic approach to gift giving, please be aware that there are some gifts that money can’t buy like cooking dinner for her, doing some of her chores for her or even just taking her out to Starbucks where you can have some one on one time since life has a way of slipping by all too quickly.

Here’s hoping that those of us who can celebrate the day will do so in the most loving manner possible. In the words of The Intruders, you only get one!
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FASHION BY THE RULES : McQUEEN, HERMES, CHANEL…Le Fin

There can be nothing worse than knowing that what you put forth will be the moment that everyone judges your work. Sarah Burton, who stood next to her mentor and best friend for 15 years, has shown the world that she is fluent in the vocabulary that was ALEXANDER McQUEEN! This was a tour de force of talent, which very few can ever achieve when having to fill the shoes of a genius. There is no coincidence that within this oeuvre there were symbols of transformation, the butterfly which is said to be a human soul in search of reincarnation and the sheaf of wheat and wheat itself which is said to be a symbol of fertility, prosperity and strength. It is all true as Ms. Burton has forever endeared herself to retailers, editors and most of all the bigwigs at PPR who will no doubt, anoint her as the “second coming.”

She chose her silhouettes carefully, eased them up ever so slightly and in some cases pushed them to the next level. The fantasy which Mr. McQueen invoked in his shows was not lost on Sarah Burton. There is no doubt that the darkness which pervaded so many of his shows in the past was banished to white, pure and virginal. It is almost an unfathomable task to have bequeathed the legacy which Mr. McQueen left and yet it is no less remarkable for Sarah Burton to have continued his DNA with such unimaginable abilities and loyalty.

Her love and respect for ALEXANDER McQUEEN is reflected in these clothes for only with those qualities has it been possible to create and prolong the brand and the man.

Hermes, Jean Paul Gaultier, was a fitting end to what seemed like weeks of shows in Paris. This is, after all, the last show that Mr. Gaultier will resend for the famed brand. Nevertheless, to say he went out with a bang is an understatement. While the clothes remain utterly urbane, utterly low key and wildly expensive, the collection demonstrates how to take a trend/ theme and own it in every way. Each outfit bore the Hermes stamp, each had its own interpretation of the theme or inspiration and all of it was pure and true to the house. It is a rarity, in the world of fashion, to reinvigorate an established brand and breathe new life into it and retain the original DNA and integrity from which the house was built, but Mr. Gaultier, much to his credit, took the brand and his own particular skill set and created a fashion powerhouse for the brand which was primarily known for its accessories.

There are few words that can express the overwhelming talent of Karl Lagerfeld. This season for Chanel, he has delivered another blockbuster collection that will send the Chanel ladies into a dead faint. The palette is limited and yet there is no boredom, not a second wasted in delivering the latest message from the master. From tweeds to torn denim to plumage, the message is clearly modern and always retaining the language of Chanel. Everything is tweaked to perfection for any age, it is all there, provided of course that you can afford the luxury of such beauty. Fashion can be a cruel friend but obviously Mr. Lagerfeld has never made an enemy here at the house of Chanel.

Visit www.style.com for a more complete view of these unforgettable collections and don’t forget to look for me on Facebook or at the examiner. http://www.examiner.com/aging-style-in-new-york/jeffrey-felner and feel free to subscribe, it’s free.

FASHION BY THE RULES: FANTASYLAND

Welcome to the world of Paris Haute Couture, where rules and regulations do not apply, where price is not even considered and where the high priests of fashion reside with their followers.

As is the usual custom of the week, John Galliano for Dior starts the week with what can only be described as unbelievable in terms of design, artistry and cost. Given the inspirations of Charles James, Monsieur DIOR, and the equestrian, this collection, can only be deemed masterful, genius and breathtaking in every way possible.

Proceeding Dior is another master, Armani Prive who offers up the crescent and curvilinear arc as its theme. Once again Mr. Armani shows us that he is a master of his construction as well as a master of jaw dropping beauty, no expense spared!!!!

Next up would be one of the greatest and most prolific of designers, Karl Lagerfeld for CHANEL and there is nothing finer. He takes his inspiration from Comtesse de Castiglione or Lady Gaga but has banished his traditional black and navy blue and opted for barely there shades and the most exquisite of embellishments, only in silver.

Lastly there is a new crop of “couturiers” that cater to a decidedly younger client. The labels are not new but the image of the house has changed. Take for example, Valentino, Givenchy, Gaultier and Elie Saab. They are forging new paths to attract the next generation of couture customers. While I am not sure I can understand the product, I can, however, appreciate the artistry it entails to deliver the product.

Mainly, it must be considered that this ritual of Haute Couture is only for the very rich but should be seen by anyone who truly appreciates fashion as an art form. This is where it all began and why we have businesses based on all types of fashion.

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