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The Chanel perfume history tells us the importance of a perfume can leave a charismatic effect on people around us. Perfumes are used mainly to enhance the overall personality of the wearer. A fragrance adds a touch of glamour and attraction to the person using it. It is a well known fact that perfume has been used world over since ancient ages. The only difference is that in the olden days the perfumes were natural and these days we get them treated. However the effect and purpose of perfumes has remained common over time. A lot of companies produce perfume brands world over, one such brand is Chanel.

Chanel is a Paris based brand that specializes in perfumes and has been into the perfume business since 1909. The Chanel perfume history states that the brand was established by Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel. She was the chief designer of the company until 1971, which is when she passed away. Chanel started with a small shop where Chanel dealt in apparel and accessories. Chanel perfumes were launched much later in 1924. The perfumes produced by Chanel became such a roaring success that the profits earned from perfumes alone were more than the other products combined together.

The first perfumer to be employed in the Chanel perfume history was Ernest Beaux from 1920 to 1961. The first perfume to be launched by the Chanel brand was Chanel No. 5. This brand has proved to be a success even today. The first perfume that the Chanel brand launched was inspired by the childhood memories and the background of Gabrielle Chanel. All the smells that she had experienced and loved while growing up were imbibed in her first perfume. The popularity of the Chanel perfumes grew mainly because they were loved and recommended by everyone. Photos courtesy of www.acecoco.com and hewomanlife.info

2011 handbags trends

2011 handbags trends are bags for all seasons. People who follow trends always know that trends do not last. They keep changing and newer trends keep appearing. The same goes for trends in bags. For women, bags are an important part of routine life. They like to carry almost everything with them, where ever they go. This is one of the main deciding factors in the trends that handbags generate. Whatever the trend maybe, the most important point is that the handbag is able to carry everything that the user needs and whether the handbag complements the look and appearance of the user. If these to criteria are sufficed, then the trend is here to stay.

2011 handbags trends

In order to complement the look of the user, the handbags could belong to one of the many 2011 handbags trends. The trends of the year include bags that are voluminous. These are bags big enough to carry the necessities of women and still have space to add more. These big bags not only look trendy but are also functionally convenient. The other trend signal is the pattern of the bag. These days, bags with patterns or animal prints are in great demand. A lot of these bags can be easily matched with any sort of an outfit; this is the biggest unique selling point of these kinds of bags. 2011 handbags trends also list bags with loud colors, summer colors are a hot favorite among bag lovers this year.

A lot of brands and big names are producing bag designs that define these trends this year. The functionality and personality of the bag finally determines what the final choice of the user is going to be. Trends keep changing but the use and need for bags of a woman will always remain the same.  Photos courtesy of www.amazonfoots.com

Synthetic cubic zirconia is used to create imitation diamonds. CZ as it is popularly referred is an artificial material, a chemical compound called Zirconium Oxide. These imitation diamonds vary from transparent to opaque and are synthesised by carefully controlling the individual composition along with the addition of certain other materials. Genuine diamond like appearance can be achieved through addition of other compounds like Strontium Nitrate. The end result is satisfactory and these stones can be used in modern jewellery that is classy and yet inexpensive.

One can find the use of synthetic cubic zirconia in almost all the places where you would expect to see diamonds. In other words, synthetic cubic zirconia stones that look like diamonds are used in bracelets, earrings and necklaces. It is the ideal pick for anyone who is looking for some glitz without having to shell out a lot of money.

The best part about this compound is that it can be produced in a whole array of colours which adds to its attractiveness. Resembling diamond, cubic zirconia is quite hard too. In fact, only experts can distinguish between a cubic zirconia crystal and an authentic diamond. In fact, with better techniques absolutely flawless cubic zirconia diamonds are being produced to replicate the beauty of actual precious stones. However, original diamonds are about 75% lighter than the cubic zirconia stones. Only a professional appraisal is helpful when it comes to telling the difference between a precious diamond and a cubic zirconia crystal. The latter has been in production for over 3 decades now and got a special boost when they were produced even by Swarovski crystal makers. A lot of people use cubic zirconia to get replicas of their engagement rings made, so that they can use the replica instead of subjecting the original to everyday wear and tear. Photos courtesy of   www.burnsjewellersgroup.com and images-en.busytrade.com

As the fashion week begins in New York the 2011 Fashion Designers will showcase the current trends and fashions.  The fashion and color trends of the 70’s is probably going to be seen this season as buyers expect to see the 70’s influence in the styles this season.

The styles by the 2011 fashion designers would include full-leg trousers, pleated skirts, knee-to-calf length skirts and fabrics such as silk satin for day wear and velvet for evening wear.  The trend would be wider pants and fluid blouses this year.  The color shades for fall and winter 2011 would be deeper and would include all shades of red, plum, and cranberry.  There are also predictions that various shades of green would be seen along with winter white that would replace camel as the neutral shade.

Some of the 2011 fashion designers are more into the prep aesthetic looks for men, while maintaining some hints of Heritage and Americana trends.  So the looks would be complete with boots, woolen socks, trench coats, and some wool/tweed blazers as well.

Sometimes the designers churn out collections that leave you feeling exasperated but with these design that have the classic styles of the prep aesthetic looks there is room for plenty of normal looking clothing.
The trim fit is going to be the flavor of the season.  Pants are not likely to be skin tight but rather a trim fit that is well proportioned.  Trench coats are a must-have for every wardrobe and they are a great addition for outerwear.  Layering sweaters, blazers is the key to mastering fashion during fall when the temperatures could vary a great deal throughout the day.  One has to be able to remove and put on different types of clothing throughout the day.

Photo By www.refinery29.com

Fendi, the Italian high fashion house best known for its ‘baguette’ handbags, was launched in 1925 as a fur and leather shop in Rome.  It is a multinational luxury goods brand directed by Karl Lagerfeld. This is just one of the many companies owned by LVMH. LVMH is held by Christian Dior.

LVMH stands for ‘LVMH Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton S.A. (Euronext: MC)’.  It is a French holding company and one of the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerates. It is the parent of around 60 sub-companies that each manage a small number of prestigious brands. These daughter companies are, to a large extent, run autonomously. The group was formed after mergers brought together champagne producer Moët et Chandon and Hennessy, a leading manufacturer of cognac. In 1987, they merged with fashion house Louis Vuitton to form the current group.

Christian Dior, the luxury goods group, is the main holding company of LVMH, owning 42.38% of its shares, and 59.3% of its voting rights. Bernard Arnault as the majority shareholder of Dior, is Chairman of both companies and CEO of LVMH. His successful integration of various famous aspirational brands into the group has inspired other luxury companies into doing the same. Thus Gucci and Richemont have also created extended portfolios of luxury brands. The oldest of the LVMH brands is wine producer Château d’Yquem, which dates its origins back to 1593.

Here are a few summary facts about LVMH. Their industry focuses on Luxury goods. They were founded in 1987. In 2009, they made 17.05 billion Euros with a profit of 1.755 billion Euros. They have 77,300 employees around the world, and their home office is in Paris, France. 30% of LVMH’s staff work in France. LVMH operates over 2,400 stores worldwide. Its current business plan aims to tightly control the brands it manages in order to maintain and heighten the perception of luxury relating to their products. For example, Louis Vuitton products are sold only through Louis Vuitton boutiques found in upmarket locations in wealthy cities or in concessions in other luxury goods shops.

Here’s a  partial list of LVMH’s brands and subsidiaries. How many do you know? In the Wines and Spirits Category there are: Moët et Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Krug, Veuve Clicquot, Mercier, Château d’Yquem, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Belvedere Vodka and Domaine Chandon California. In the Fashion and Leather Goods category, they own Fendi, Donna Karan, Givenchy, Kenzo, Berluti, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Loewe, Celine and Thomas Pink. In Perfumes and Cosmetics, they own: Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain.  In Watches and Jewelry, they own: TAG Heuer, Zenith, Hublot and Chaumet.

The largest stakeholder in LVMH is Bernard Arnault. He was born on March 5th, 1949. He  is a French businessman and the founder, chairman, and CEO of LVMH. According to Forbes Magazine, Arnault is the world’s 7th richest person, with a 2010 net worth of $US27.5 billion. There is certainly a profit to be made in luxury goods. If you see Mr. Arnault, you may want to ask about the future of the luxury goods market. He may be one of the top deciders.

A poetically nocturnal palettes with deep black, slate gray, inky blue and deep purple completed by flaming garnet, blushing pink and hallucinogenic green.
Flashes of copper and gold.

Sumptuous materials are deteriorated to evoke the wear of time. Accent on natural mixing “patched” effect. Some ultra feminine materials: dobby silks, quivering acetate etc.

New parade jackets, Rock spirit, Patchwork grunge.

Nocturnal, muffled colors from night blue, cold brown and Cyprus green all
the way to grayed parma and intenser touch of oxblood. Base color remain in the somber register of deep blue, almost black.

Emphasis on sophisticated, warm, light, soft-touch fabris like wool and cashmere blends or brushed and sanded suitings.
Mat or slightly shiny looks for synthetics. Knits are thin and generous.

Wool shawl-collared, dark and strange prints, product focus on bloomer and punk style jacket.

Valerio Mezzanotti for The New York Times  

Have many peples loved this explosion of Afros, captured during the finale at Louis Vuitton. On the runway have super models walk fashion shows, Designer want models enter affos hair for look like difference and for call attention from visitors.

Madonna for Louis Vuitton A/W 2009, courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Madonna in New Vuitton Ads (WWD)
“Marc Jacobs was so pleased with this spring’s Louis Vuitton campaign featuring Madonna and he was eager to do an encore.  But he want very quickly and want something  different,’ related Antoine Arnault, Vuitton’s communication director.”

Plus-size fashion: style for the fuller figure (Telegraph)
“On Sunday night, as the British soul singer Adele commanded the stage at the Hollywood Bowl, her faultless appearance in a form-fitting, black, silk taffeta, box- pleated cocktail gown was yet another style triumph for fashion’s new generation of plus-size heroines.”

New Bangladesh textile protests (BBC)
“Thousands of textile laborer in Bangladesh have clashed with police for a third consecutive day in a protest over pay and conditions.”

West End to capitalise on London Fashion Week fever (Drapers)
“For Fashion retailers at London’s West End will host a High Street Fashion Week in early September to promote shopping in the capital  to London Fashion Week.”