CITYist

Sultry models walked in and out of squares of bright lights as they graced the runway in pieces from the Fall 2011 Chanel collection today in Paris. Karl Lagerfeld’s dramatic designs were accentuated by the dark setting and Michael Gaubert’s thundering orchestral revision of the Cure’s “A Forest”.

With the frost of December and January slowly approaching, it’s about that time to start daydreaming about a winter wonderland getaway. And if you’re going to hit the slopes in style, best to do it in Chanel’s skis. Retailing at a splurge of $4,055, these skis (and grab the goggles, too) are all you’ll need to make everyone else in the cabins envious. View the ski and snowboard options on Chanel’s website to start your holiday dreams of sugarplums and Chanel sport.

One good reason to avoid the temptation of winter hibernation is this year’s holiday makeup collection from Chanel. With warm blends of chocolates and pops of vivacious fuchsias, they’re anything but December drab—in fact, with a name like Les Tentations de Chanel, they’re downright decadent. The Les Tissages de Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect is just as classic as a Chanel tweed suit (even looks like one), and the special edition Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow in Tentation Cuivré is the ideal mix of dramatic browns and subtle pinks. Take a look after the jump for a few more reasons as to why we’re already counting down the days until Christmas—or at least until we make it to Chanel boutiques and department stores when the collection hits the stands this month.

If you’re at all familiar with Chanel nail polish, then you’re familiar with the near-rabid reactions that accompany the release of its latest must-have colors. And if bright and bold isn’t your thing (see: MAC’s vibrant fall collection), then Chanel’s khaki hues will do just the trick. Somehow, we have the feeling that the autumn military trend is going to be accompanied by many an army-green nail. The line also includes khaki brun and khaki rose, one a neutral brown and the other a dusty pink-taupe. Pick up the shades ($25) starting September 10th at Chanel makeup counters and boutiques, but be prepared for them to sell out early.

Paying homage to Coco Chanel’s mixture of black and white hues and masculine and feminine undertones, Chanel’s Fall 2010 makeup collection makes skin and lips a soft, neutral palette for bold, dramatically dark eyes. Light pinks and corals on lips play background to a quartet of shadows in peach, deep eggplant and smokey greys. The Ombre Essentielle shadow sets the Autumn feel with a chocolate grey and khaki green, while Chanel’s pick for the ultimate Fall nail color is Paradoxal, a deep grey lavender. Top off the look with smokey eyeliner in Cassis, a dark plum, and you’ve got an Autumn look dramatic enough for the theater.

Even though it isn’t even officially summer yet, (though we are very grateful for the recent shorts weather we’ve had in New York) we can’t help but get a bit excited for December and January—for the 2010-2011 Chanel Resort Collection, that is. And though we obviously can’t wait for those free-flowing florals and bright blues, pinks and greens to hit stores come winter, we’re equally anticipating the makeup used at the show in Saint-Tropez. After all, they looked pretty good on our girls Heidi, Natasha, Jacquelyn and Karolina.

Formerly restricted to milkmaids, the Dutch and the annals of the 90s, clogs have suddenly reappeared on the spring runways. And when the Olsens start wearing something, you know it’s about to go mainstream. Take a peek at our clog selections—Chanel, Stuart Weitzman and Miu Miu, to name a few—after the jump.

Perhaps bolstered by Audrey Tautou’s recent portrayal of the iconic designer in Coco Before Chanel, the legendary fashion house has chosen to go back to its roots with a new line of lipsticks, of all things. The grand dame of fashion considered lipstick so essential that she created a secret compartment within her “2.55” handbag specifically for its concealment. Now, “Rouge Coco,” a collection of 30 creamy shades in matte, pearl and shimmery finishes, seeks a spot in the handbags of Chanel collectors everywhere.

Chanel recently released Les Trompe L’Oeil de Chanel Temporary Skin Art, inspired by the Spring/Summer 2010 runway show. Peter Philips, the Creative Director of Chanel makeup, designed the tattoos. The tattoos will be priced at $75.00 for 55 individual transfer tattoos (a pack of five sheets). Designs include the original Chanel logo, chains, pearls, beads, birds and flowers–perfect for springtime.