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CHANEL Cuba Spring/Summer 2017 Cruise Collection

4 May, 2016 Nelia 5 Comments

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.

More after the jump! [Read more…]

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

25 April, 2016 Nelia 1 Comment

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

What I’m Wearing: Havana

24 February, 2010 Nelia Leave a Comment

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.