by Sarah-Hayley Owen: Coco Chanel

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

the ICON 4 - Chanel's Perfume Bottle Evening Bag

Monday, August 27, 2012

Chanel Haute Couture AW12/13 by Trevor Undi

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Celebrating the life of Coco Chanel 129 years since her birth.

On this day in 1883, the legendary fashion designer, Coco Chanel was born in Saumur, France. Celebrated for her timeless designs, tweed suits, pearls and little black dresses. Gabrielle Chanel's story was littered with heartbreak. Raised in an orphanage and taught to sew, Chanel was named Coco during a brief career as a singer. Chanel opened her shop on Paris’s Rue Cambon in 1910, selling hats. Her success as a designer began when she formed a dress out of jersey fabric, because she was cold. She repeated the design many times over for her clients and followed the success with the now legendary Chanel suit with a collarless jacket and fitted skirt.

Chanel's designs were revolutionary, inspired by elements of menswear and prioritising comfort over the constraints of corsets.

I began my love of all things Chanel when I was in my teens. I was given my Grandmothers Chanel 'Cambon' bag and started a personal investigation into The world of Chanel during my art and textiles lessons at school. I was instantly taken with the simple yet sophisticated outfits. The clothes were uncomplicated and paired with eye catching accessories, for example a multi-stranded pearl necklace, another love of mine.

In the 1920s, she launched her first perfume, simply known as Chanel No 5. It was also the first perfume to feature a designer’s name. Chanel once explained, Perfume “is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion...that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure".

Another revolutionary design of the 1920s was Chanel’s little black dress, for which we will be forever grateful. She took a colour associated with mourning and death and demonstrated how chic and sophisticated it could be.

Coco Chanel died on 10 January, 1971, at her apartment in the Ritz Hotel. Crowds gathered at the Church of the Madeleine in tribute to the fashion icon, many wearing the classic Chanel suits in her honour.

A little more than a decade after her death, designer Karl Lagerfeld took over at the helm of The House of Chanel, continuing the legacy of this celebrated Designer.

Listen to the short film below outlining Justine Picardie's biography on Coco Chanel, with illustrations by Karl Lagerfeld himself.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

(Video) Chanel Cruise 2012-13 Fashion Show, Versailles.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Jewellery Notes - Designer Earrings at ASOS

Friday, February 17, 2012

Sarah-Hayley's London Fashion Week Favourites

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Up Up and Away with Chanel Couture SS12

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Sarah-Hayley's Top Ten Style Moments of 2011 - A year in review.

On the eve of a New Year we reflect on the last, 2011 was full of defining fashion moments and here you will find my top ten.

1 The Duchess of Cambridge marries in McQueen

The wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton was one of my favourite events of 2011 not only because of Kate's stunning McQueen moment, but also because I played a part in dressing a couple of my Personal Styling clients who were in attendance. It was an honour to dress them and the day began effortlessly when Sarah Burton was annouced as the wedding dress designer. My first choice all along, Kate's dress was perfect, it contained everything that I expected and more. Even though we all found out that Pippa Middleton does own a bottom..shocking I know, it was Kate, now The Duchess who shone in the limelight!

2 McQueen Savage Beauty at The Met Museum

In 2011 we saw the late British designer Alexander McQueen remembered and celebrated through an exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, entitled "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty." Including over 100 exhibits from McQueen's archives, the exhibition drew 661,509 visitors making it the eighth biggest show on record at the Met. The exhibition is yet to come home to London.

3 A Chanel world at Harrods, London

The Chanel takeover of Harrods was a unique and fantastical project that ran for three weeks in September. For the first time in the shopping mecca’s history, Harrods permitted Chanel to dress each of their 23 street-facing windows. With a schedule of events taking place in the store. A ‘pop-up’ fashion boutique and beauty boutique were set up on the ground floor, while an installation ‘Une Promendade’, also known as ‘Coco in Wonderland’, unveiled a magical journey on the Fifth Floor. My heaven? Without a doubt, yes!

4 Designer Collaborations: Missoni for Target, Versace for H&M

Missoni's capsule collection for Target caused complete chaos! The 400 piece collection made its debut at the opening of a Missoni for Target pop-up shop in New York, but the store shut down almost immediately because it sold out in entirety.

In a similar instance Versace's collection for high street chain H&M sold out in 30 minutes as eager shoppers gathered 24 hours to queue. Wonder who will be next in 2012..!

5 British Fashion Awards 2011

The best of British Fashion flocked to the Savoy in honour of the British Fashion Awards 2011, all the right people won and another McQueen moment occurred when Sarah Burton was rightly crowned Designer of the Year. My personal favourite was The Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Curator, awarded to the impressive Sam Gainsbury who curated Savage Beauty at the Met and produces some of the most renowned Fashion Shows and events around the world under her shared company Gainsbury and Whiting. When I was a teenager, I had the pleasure of working for this company at London Fashion Week.

6 Burberry stream AW11 show in Piccadilly Circus

London Fashion Week action was brought to the attention of shoppers, tourists and fashion lovers when Burberry streamed its AW11 show in Piccadilly Circus across one of the iconic 32 metre-long screens.

One of the most sought after shows on the schedule, Burberry continue to impress with their technological advances and ideas.

7 The world remembers Dame Elizabeth Taylor

One of the last screen legends Elizabeth Taylor, passed away on March 23, at the age of 79. Known for her AIDS campaigns and her glittering collection of jewellery and a number of husbands, her collection of jewels and fashion pieces went up for auction, in November, at Christies.

8 Fashion Rumour Mill

2011 was the year for Fashion Musical Chairs and Rumour Mill Overdrive! Here are a few of my favourites!

Apart from many suspicions over The Duchess of Cambridge's Wedding dress, rumours were swirling whether the new Duchess is now carrying a future King/Queen. The saga continues..!

Galliano exited stage left and the drama over who would replace him at the helm of Dior entered centre stage.

First it was Marc Jacobs then Stefano Pilati, then a dozen other names were thrown into the ring, with the latest being Raf Simons.

Beyonce is pregnant, questions arrise on twitter after suspicious TV footage, Celebrity friends confirm Beyonce is Pregnant and now questions arrise once more, as reports suggest she is has given birth earlier than her due date!

Everyone was wondering what Carine Roitfeld would do post French Vogue, edit another magazine, write a book, become a stylist, design a collection...well she wrote a book, entitled Irreverent and became a guest editor/stylist for Barneys.

The last two rumours centre around H&M, firsly Tom Ford for H&M, secondly Galliano for H&M...really?? I lean towards the No for these two!

9 Designers have babies and then brands make children's collections.

Rachel Zoe and her husband Roger Berman announce the birth of their son Skyler. Victoria Beckham becomes pregnant, at last with a girl, the doting parents name her Harper Seven. Designer Rebecca Minkoff and her husband Gavin Belfour welcomed son Luca Shai and Lily Cooper and her husband Sam announced the birth of their first baby girl.

News then reached that designer brands have a penchant for creating collections for children. Stella McCartney paved the way for Alber Elbaz' Petite Lanvin and even Roger Vivier is getting involved in the action.

10 Lady Gaga and her Egg

Talk about making an entrance, Lady Gaga arrives at the Grammys encased in a giant egg, carried by people dressed in gold. Not so much Fashion statement but a statement none the less!

11 From Sarah-Hayley with love was born

My first year of this site began in November, we have come along way from where we first started, but watch out for more exciting changes in 2012!!

Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Shop the Sale - Florence Welch opens the one and only Harrods Sale in Chanel.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Handbag Crush: Alice Dellal is announced as the face of the Boy Chanel Handbag line

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Chanel Spring-Summer 2012 Ready-to-wear Preview

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Discover The World of Chanel at Harrods

As a die-hard Chanel devotee the unveiling of a Chanel wonderland at Harrods, one of my favourite department stores, is a dream come true.

The Chanel takeover of Harrods is a unique and fantastical project that will run for three weeks from September 5th.

Located on the ground floor and accessible from Brompton Road and Hans Road, Karl Lagerfeld’s AW11 RTW collection has transformed not only the Brompton Road façade by redesigning the shop windows, but in addition created transient boutiques for both fashion and beauty, including an installation of iconic Chanel codes.

For the first time in the shopping mecca’s history, Harrods have permitted a single brand to dress each of their 23 street-facing windows. Featuring an enchanted forest with wolves dressed in Chanel outfits, unicorns, deer and owls; the windows are devoted to Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld’s vision for his latest ready to wear collection.

The ‘pop-up’ fashion boutique, on the ground floor, is encased in a white and black exterior with walls embossed with lion’s heads. The interior, divided into three coloured rooms; red, green and blue, is the opulent setting for accessories, creating a magical paradise. Mannequins dressed in the autumn/winter 11 collection form the final stroke of genius by Karl Lagerfeld, adding a colourful parade in his “misty garden”.

The ‘pop-up’ beauty boutique, also on the ground floor, showcases the limited edition ‘Knightsbridge Collection’ exclusive to Harrods.

Lastly the installation ‘Une Promendade’, also known as ‘Coco in Wonderland’, unveils a magical journey which takes place behind a curtain of pearl beads. Once inside the miniature version of the Versailles garden set from the S/S11show there is a 2.55 exhibition presenting the work that goes into making the legendary quilted handbags, including a walk-in Chanel 2.55 handbag. As if this wasn’t enough, the haute couture room is a replica of Coco’s apartment, complete with the renowned mirrored walls.

The Chanel World at Harrods needs to be seen to be believed, do not miss your date with my ultimate dreamland!

Monday, September 05, 2011

Chanel Beauty AW11 - Illusion d'Ombres de Chanel

One of my favourite aw11 collections, The Illusions d’Ombres de Chanel present the enchanted world of precious materials brought to life at your finger tips.

Inspired by the sparkling facets of cut stones and vintage make-up, Illusion d’Ombres de Chanel is a beautiful and exceptional collection, with iridescence, intensity of colour and reflections.

The collection encompasses glimmers of gold, bronze and platinum, glowing in a palette of enigmatic luminous colours with a vintage luster. The more delicate shades of pink, coral and white recall the freshness of flowing tulle.

The Illusion d’Ombre eyeshadow interprets the richness of the precious metals and delivers a sensory experience from first contact. The long-lasting silky cream texture has a powdery appearance, thanks to the translucent silicone-based formula, which accentuates the pure pigments and pearly particles, pearls always inseparable from Mademoiselle Chanel’s story.

The eyeshadow is available in a series of stunning colours, custom applied to create not only the desired intensity but also an adjustable makeup result. Fantasme is an iridescent white, Mirifique every nuance of black, Émerveillé, a tender peach, Ébloui a brown smouldering with red, Illusoire: a grey-tinged taupe and Épatanta a grey-shadowed khaki. The applicator brush included has tapered bristles to allow for precise make up at the corner of the eye and can be used for eyeliner with the darker shades.

Further eyeshadows can be found in Les 4 Ombres. Prélude offers a base of essential, chic and classic tones. The four understated shadows in timeless colours – grey brown, grey beige, luminous beige and deep taupe brown, provide a matte or satiny makeup result.

The impulsive lipstick, Rouge Coco, by Chanel provides a rich femininity to the smile with two beautiful shades. Plumetis, an innocent peach tone and the luminous Etole, a coppery rosewood that matches the lip pencil.

One of my favourite items is the Joues Contraste, feminine and fresh blush. Against a pure, translucent complexion, Rose Écrin spruces up cheekbones with a tender healthy glowing effect.

Last but by no means least are the incredible Le Vernis nail polishes. Similar to the eyeshadows, Le Vernis is inspired by the effects of materials and adorn nails in the most fabulous of metallic and shimmering reflections. Péridot is a gold and green which intertwine and immerse themselves in the glow of a moiré effect. Graphite is the fusing of a silver, gold and platinum while Quartz is a bronze which becomes smitten with pink for a sophisticated result.

Illusion d’Ombres de Chanel is available at Chanel counters nationwide and Selfridges online.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Sarah-Hayley's Royal Wedding Wardrobe

I have been checking the post for weeks and I am feeling quite let down by The Royal Mail having misplaced my invitation to the (second) Wedding of the year! (The first I am reminded is my childhood friend Rebecca's coming up in September!)

However, the lack of invite hasn't stopped me dreaming about my ideal Royal Wedding wardrobe, especially since a couple of my personal styling clients are in attendance at the Abbey. I have therefore searched high and low to find an outfit that will impress!

This stunning Valentino cocktail dress, is an elegant day dress with a straight line cut, boat neckline with pin tucks and features the perfect length skirt with subtle volume created by eight pleat tucks sewn into the waist. For the service I would team with this with Phillip Lim's black, single-breasted tie-front blazer, from Browns Fashion, for a touch of structure to the outfit and tailoring with a modern twist.

I always like to keep jewellery minimal and exceptionally edited. These fabulous Chanel gold earclips from 1997 at my vintage heaven, Atelier Mayer, are engraved with the signature Chanel quilting and embossed with the double C logo. To complete detail towards the bottom, I include a Jessica de Lotz bangle, especially designed as a commemorative piece. (Click here to read more about Jessica's commemorative collection)

Referencing the black detail in the jacket I have added this asymmetric pleated front, black satin clutch by Christian Louboutin's at Net-a-Porter.

Next up is this beautiful straw cocktail hat with a swirl of feathers by Jane Taylor Millinery. It isn't always necessary to wear a hat to a wedding, although I feel an outfit is finished with the addition of a fascinator or head-piece.

Finally the shoes, are by a favourite designer of mine, Giuseppe Zanotti, the big soft bow at the side gives a romantic touch to these ultra-feminine sandals, perfect when paired with the Valentino dress.

All these pieces combined will make for a beautiful Wedding outfit.

I shall be crossing my Peche Nacree manicured hands, that the delightful English weather will be on our side!

Monday, April 11, 2011

My Latest Handbag Love Affair - The Chloe Aurore Leather Tote

Thursday, April 07, 2011

Fashion News Flash: Style Icon Jackie Kennedy Onassis Portrayed By Katie Holmes In Mini-Series, The Kennedys.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Beauty News Flash - Sarah-Hayley's Five Favourite Foundations

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Inside my London Fashion Week Handbag

I sometimes wish I could use a clutch bag more often, unfortunately this has, and I presume, will never be the case! Like many women, my handbag contains lots of important possessions which cannot be apart from me, hence my passion for spacious beautiful bags.

My handbag collection, which I have built up over the years, boasts designers such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Coach, to Chloe, Prada, Mulberry and Smythson. Each bag possesses their own charm and suit a whole range of looks.

For AW11 London Fashion Week (LFW), I opted for one of my favourite bags in my collection, The Smythson ‘Agatha’, a classic graceful bag, in a stunning hibiscus shade with a contrast shagreen slide closure.

It is wonderfully generous in size, featuring two side pockets and a further second layer because of the frame. The balance of the bright coral against the turquoise works wonderfully and creates a real focus point.

For LFW my bag actually accumulated more, here I will reveal my favourite products on the move and items I carry everywhere.

Handbag must-haves..

iPod - I think I wouldn't survive a day without listening to Cee Lo Green or Rumer! I bought mine from John Lewis in Watford.

Notable Notes & Address Book - As you may tell Smythson is also one of my favourite luxury stationers. My Panama Notebook in red grained lambskin leather is one of the most used items in my bag. It is the perfect size for writing my inspiration and very handy at press appointments. The address book also from Smythson is again the perfect portable size.

Water - One of my New Year's resolutions is to keep myself hydrated and at Fashion Weeks I completely neglect it. Therefore this season I was determined to carry a bottle around, luckily the show space at Somerset House offers the necessary vitamin water. Although my water of choice is Fiji water which I buy from Partridge's in Sloane Square.

Umbrella - With the weather changing from minute to minute a small and practical umbrella is a must. This Umbrella was a gift and by Lisbeth Dahl, she designs pretty lifestyle accessories. More can be found at beautiful girly paradise Law and Co, in Stow on the Wold.

Purse - This beautiful purse was a gift for Christmas, however it was bought from a shop housing a selection of vintage and sparkly heaven. As long as it Sparkles, in Stow on the Wold, contains authentic period beaded bags in exquisite condition.

Handbag make-up...

Benefit Stay don’t Stray - I officially cannot live without this brilliant product. A power primer that works 360 degrees around the eyes allowing eye shadows to stay just where you want them without dulling and creasing!

MAC Lipstick - I always carry two shades, Lady Danger in the lipstick collection, a vibrant red and Clingpeach, a shimmering, long wear peach.

Compact and Perfume - One word...Chanel! My current perfume of choice is Coco Mademoiselle, a light floral fragrance. This practical travel set makes it so easy to be fresh and fragrant all through the day. I bought mine from Boots and it is ultimately one of the best items I have bought. The double perfection compact features a great large mirror and a flawless matte finish that is everlasting - great for last minute touch-ups!

Nail Varnish - Porchester Square is the most covetable varnish I possess. This limited edition darling from Nails Inc is the perfect neutral shade and the handy bottle size means it can fit inside my bag wonderfully. (Look out for my top SS11 varnish shades feature coming soon)

Friday, January 21, 2011