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CHANEL Cuba Spring/Summer 2017 Cruise Collection

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This week marked a historic moment in fashion history – CHANEL and Karl Lagerfeld presented the Cruise 2017 collection in Cuba, the day after the first U.S. ship docked in Havana in nearly 40 years! The vibrant collection was shown on Paseo del Prado, the street that divides Old Havana from Centro Habana, and which was redesigned in 1928 by a French landscape architect who placed eight bronze statues of lions (Coco Chanel’s favourite animal and her zodiac sign) at every crossroads of the street.

The collection was probably one of the more relaxed ones I’ve seen from CHANEL in years, with graphic tees (I need one so badly!) tucked into pencil skirts and worn with slides, airy dresses paired with Panama hats, and an abundance of chic denim pieces. The accessories played an homage to Cuba, with a cigar box minaudiere, playful tropical brooches, and a Coco Club (Havana Club stand-in) knapsack. Vintage cars made for a fun all-over print that appeared on several runway garments, all flowy and vibrant.

I’ve been to Havana twice in the past, and loved the look and feel of the old town – pastel buildings, classic cars, live music, friendly locals. And while most Cubans won’t be able to afford any of CHANEL’s garments that were presented in Havana this spring, the attention that this show brought to this beautiful Caribbean country can only mean more tourism and more money flowing into the economy. And that’s a great thing.

What did you think of CHANEL Cuba Cruise Collection? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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More after the jump! [Read more…]

Karl Lagerfeld’s “Obra en Proceso / Work in Progress” Exhibit Coming To Havana

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Back in October I wrote about the upcoming CHANEL Cruise 2016/17 show that will be presented on El Paseo del Prado in Havana, Cuba on May 3rd. But if that wasn’t enough reason for you to book a flight to Cuba, now it’s been announced that as part of the month of French culture in Cuba, the House of CHANEL will be presenting the exhibition “Obra en Proceso/Work in Progress” by Karl Lagerfeld at the Factoria Habana in Cuba, running from April 28th to May 12th, 2016.

“This exhibition, divided into three sections representing the designer’s main interests – fashion, architecture and landscapes – brings together more than 200 of Karl Lagerfeld’s photographs. It explores the great diversity of subjects, approaches and techniques that define the very personal and subtle interpretation that makes Karl Lagerfeld’s photography.”

Unlike some of the other exotic destinations for the CHANEL Cruise collections, Cuba is so much more easily-accessible for those of us in North America. Flights are affordable and quick from Toronto…and I really wish I could jump on a plane and check out this exhibit. What about you? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Photo Credits: CHANEL

CHANEL is Coming to Cuba!

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It’s been announced this week that the highly-anticipated CHANEL Cruise 2016/17 collection will be presented in Havana, Cuba on May 3rd. Not to brag, but I called it! Well, technically, I guessed the Latin American part of the equation – seeing how there’s never been a CHANEL resort show inspired by a Latin American country before, my senses were telling me that the next cruise collection was going to be shown in Mexico or perhaps Peru, but Cuba totally makes sense. “The cultural richness and opening up of Cuba is a source of inspiration for Karl Lagerfeld and CHANEL” reads the press release, and while I think Havana is going to serve as a gorgeous backdrop for a fashion show, the poverty that I have encountered on my last two trips is certainly going to provide a bit of a shocking contrast.

Last couple of times in Havana, my travel companions and I were swarmed by children and women, begging for pencils, soap, anything really. Luckily, I was prepared, and had a lot of small things to give away. Once in a while, when I am being particularly ungrateful, thoughts of those people flood my thoughts and remind me to be more appreciative of the things we have. Hopefully, with the US loosening travel restrictions and economic policies, and with notable brands like CHANEL injecting money into the local economy, as well as re-awakening interest in tourism to Cuba, quality of life on that beautiful Caribbean island is going to slowly improve. In the meantime, I can’t wait to see what Karl Lagerfeld will dream up for this collection! I anticipate a lot of vibrant colours, inspired by the colourful architecture of Havana, fun coco taxi purses, ruffles, and headscarves.

What do you think of the upcoming CHANEL show in Cuba? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Photo Credit: coco taxis – Flickr (puffy eyes); CHANEL Logo

What I’m Wearing: Havana

It was a relatively cold day for Cuba. Maybe under 20 degrees Celsius! Plus cloudy, windy, etc. So I really had to hold on to my hat for most of our day in Havana to prevent it from flying away. But my new H&M Men’s tee was perfect for such a day. Long sleeves that roll up, yet with enough volume not to be too hot when it got sunny. Plus it’s…that’s right…it’s striped! I know, I know…I need help.

And the shoes…I really don’t get it. I’ve worn these sandals in Rome, Paris, Sorrento, Mexico, Toronto…everywhere…and they’ve always been nothing but comfortable! Yet this time around, I had to stop a few times, just to let my blisters feet get some rest. What gives? Is it time to throw these babies out? I don’t think I am ready yet.

I am wearing: Shirt, Hat – H&M Men; Shorts – Forever21; Bag – Old Navy; Sandals – Zara; Sunglasses – Ray-Ban; Bracelet – Iberostar Laguna Azul

¡Cuba Sí!

So after much deliberation (and tripadvisor scouring), le boyfriend and I have finally settled on our next vacation place. We’re going to…drumroll…CUBA! And we’re leaving next Monday! Ughh…only one week to get everything ready and in order. I am not even going to start on my flab issues…not enough space on this blog! So yeah, a much-needed vacation away from technology, accounting, and Microsoft Excel! And while I have a plentiful supply of bathing suits to last me for at least the next 10 years, I just couldn’t resist posting about my new favorite swimsuits!

We Are Handsome is an Australian brand, which sells handmade, limited edition swimsuits. I’m not usually a fan of one-piece suits, but We Are Handsome designs are just too awesome to pass up! My favorite of the bunch is Africa. It’s definitely reminiscent of Christopher Kane’s Gorilla and Alligator tees, which just goes to show…who wouldn’t love a roaring beast for a stomach? I know I would! The suits sell for around $180 AUD (~$166 USD) and aren’t the cheapest out there, but hey, it’s unlikely that anyone else at your local pool will have one! And they are guaranteed to turn some heads and maybe even scare away a few creepos too!

Photo Credits: We Are Handsome

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