Posts Tagged ‘Victoria’s Secret’

Interview With Chanel Iman

Sunday, December 26th, 2010

Lately Victoria’s Secret has been blessing Chicagoland with angels. First it was Brazilian bombshell Adriana Lima, and then it was Chanel Iman. The young supermodel made an appearance alongside Bears tight end Greg Olsen to promote the new Victoria’s Secret PINK NFL collection. Chanel, who is only 20 years old, is already an icon in the fashion world: She is the youngest model ever to grace the cover of Vogue (at just 14 years old) and is one of the most coveted runway models on the planet. I joined Chanel in the dressing room and asked her a few questions about fashion, Chicago and getting her wings–all before her in-store appearance at Woodfield Mall.

Here’s what we chatted about:

SA: So, have you been to Chicago before?

CI: Yes, I just came not long ago to shoot the holiday commercial here with Michael Bay and the rest of the girls. It was done in the middle of “Transformers.” It was really cool.

SA: Do u like the city?

CI: I like it; it’s just really cold right now, so it’s hard for me to say. But I was here in the summer, and I really liked it.

SA: How long were you here?

CI: Just a few days. It’s funny because as a child, I used to come to Chicago all the time. I’d never been to the city, but I would fly in and land in the big airport. I’d love to go underneath to the tunnel with all the lights and everything. That’s how I knew I was in Chicago when I was a little girl. I was just like, “Oh my god, I love Chicago!”

SA: You earned your wings this year. Congratulations!

CI: Thank you! I really enjoy what I do. I love getting a phone call from Victoria’s Secret telling me “You’re going to Chicago tomorrow” or “You’re going to Miami for spring break.” I get to go to the Victoria’s Secret stores to launch new things that I enjoy wearing. It’s very easy for me because I wear these beautiful lingerie pieces and everything.

SA: What was your favorite look from the VS Fashion Show this year?

CI: My favorite look would be my wings because it was a moment for me. I had this tight Swarovski crystal corset, and then I had the white wings…the classic white wings. My last outfit was really cool too, which was the pink dress that you can buy at any of the Victoria’s Secret PINK stores, which is really cool for the customer. You know, you see some of these clothes on TV, and then you get to come in and purchase them.

SA: What are your favorite shows other than VS?

CI: Well, I always do shows like Christian Dior and YSL. I mean, I basically do them all. I really love walking with John Galliano and Christian Dior because when you walk a show like that, it’s very different than Victoria’s Secret. It’s more theatrical. Victoria’s Secret is more fun and a full-on show, you know? To go from John Galliano to Victoria’s Secret is so exciting for me as a model because I get to experience both sides.

SA: What are some of your favorite designers?

CI: I really don’t have any honestly. I’m really just comfortable in anything I wear. You have to be. I wear a lot of PINK, obviously, because I’m one of the models. But when I get dressed up, I go all out. You can find me in anything from Versace to Dolce. I’ll wear anything that makes me feel good.

SA: How would you describe your personal style?

CI: I would say I just like anything that makes me feel comfortable. I wear a lot of sweatpants and… (she second guesses her response). Well, sort of. I don’t know, I mean, I usually wear jeans and a hoody…a nice, comfortable, cozy hoody. Like, we have this hoody that I have on today. It’s the hoody from the fashion show. It has fur inside and just makes me feel so warm. People are always like, “Why you always wearing that PINK hoody?” But it makes me feel so cozy!

SA: What are the top 5 items in your closet right now?

CI: I’m a big shoe lover, so I have loads of shoes. Did you ever see those new Louboutins that I bought? (asking her friend, who is in the room with us). I just bought these really cool Louboutins that are pimped-out with Swarovski crystals. They’re sick. They’re just beautiful.

SA: With all your travels, do you notice styles specific to those areas?

CI: A little bit. I mean, all over the world there are different trends and different fashions. That’s what makes the world so beautiful. If we were all the same, it would be boring. So I see a little bit of everything, and I try to make sure that I can make it happen for myself.

SA: What is your favorite place to visit then?

CI: I love Paris, but I really just love going home to LA. I’m very simple. Because I’m traveling all the time, I hardly ever go home, and every time I get a chance to go home, I want to stay. But I know I have work, so I’ll have to leave.

SA: Do you get to go home for the holidays at least?

CI: That’s the only time I get to go home, or if something is going on event-wise. Other than that, I’m on the road.

SA: What is the number one thing on your wish list this year?

CI: (She gasps when a Swarovski crystal falls off the bedazzled football she’s been fidgeting with during the interview). I’m going to get in trouble. I just bursted [sic] the ball! This ball cost so much money!

Just then, she’s whisked off for pictures. She’s definitely a model on the go…

By Maia McGinley

Tags: Chanel Iman, Chicago Fashion Events, Victoria's Secret, Woodfield Mall
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An Exclusive Interview with Supermodel Adriana Lima

Wednesday, December 15th, 2010

Last Wednesday night, I trekked out to Woodfield Mall for a chat with the one and only Adriana Lima. The Brazilian supermodel’s visit outshown even the $2 million fantasy bra she had in tow. The dazzling undergarment, adorned with more than 3,000 precious stones, was created for her comeback performance in the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show last month, a year after giving birth to her baby girl. Upon her arrival in Schaumburg, the massive crowd–which had been gathering for hours–screamed and even shed tears at the mere sight of her. I immediately realized the magnitude of my encounter with the beauty: this model is a freakin’ rock star. Luckily the angel took a break from the runway, photo shoots and motherhood to visit Chicagoland and answer a few questions for us.

Here’s what the angel had to say:

SA: So how does it feel to wear the bra?

AL: It’s amazing. I love diamonds, and I love jewelry. It’s my second year wearing the fantasy bra. It’s designed by Damiani, and so far it’s the most beautiful diamond bra that Victoria’s Secret has done. It’s my favorite. It’s very elegant. It’s very sophisticated, the design, the colors–diamonds, sapphires, and topaz.

SA: Is it heavy?

AL: You know you would think it is; but it is very comfortable. They work so many hours to make sure it’s comfortable. But you know what, even if it was heavy, whatever. Cold, heavy, it feels great!

SA: What is your favorite thing you wore down the VS runway?

AL: This year I liked my first outfit. It was red…you know, like a Spanish, rock and roll feeling. I loved the fantasy bra too.

SA: Are you a rock and roll kind of girl?

AL: You know what…I’m kind of everything. I’m a Gemini, so you know there’s many, many, many people in me. I’d describe me as an angel, rock-and-roll, elegant, sophisticated. I’m everything. I’m a mom, an athlete you name it.

SA: What would you say has been the best experience VS has given you after all these years?

AL: The year that I did the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Cannes. It was amazing. Also, when they did the fashion show with Justin Timberlake (gasps)…it was my favorite. It was ahhh-mazing. And what else? There’s so many… When they started doing the Victoria’s Secret commercials with Michael Bay. I mean, to work with somebody like that, at that level… It’s a pleasure. You know, all the books and some of the pictures you see (pointing to the black and white photographs in the store). Sometimes we do limited edition books and some are photographed by Russell James. I think it’s such beautiful work, and something that even later in life I’m going to have, for me, forever.

SA: And for your daughter.

AL: Uh yea, (laughing). I don’t know how Valentina is going to react, but we’ll see, we’ll see. I’m happy.

By Maia McGinley

Tags: Adriana Lima, Chicago Fashion Events, Victoria's Secret, Woodfield Mall
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The Swimsuit Pursuit

Friday, July 16th, 2010

With temperatures hovering in the 90s, we might just have a steady stream of summer weather hanging around Chicago. That said, swimsuit season is officially in full swing. For hot days appropriately spent at the pool, beach, or on a boat, a fabulous suit is the key component to lounging lazily by the water. When considering a new one- or two-piece, the right fit, proportion, cut and pattern always come into play. However, also think about how to incorporate some of the season’s biggest trends into your swimwear. The season’s extensive variety of suits makes experimenting with new styles and patterns an exciting part of the swimsuit pursuit. Take a fashion-forward approach to that itsy bitsy teeny weeny and confront the summer sun in style. H20 optional.

All images from left to right:

1. Floral bow bandeau bikini ($140; emobi)
2. “Lorena” bikini in “Vintage Red Spat” ($114; Diane von Furstenburg)
3. Asymmetrical one-piece ($78; Calvin Klein)
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs one-shoulder, fish belt one-piece ($95; Neiman Marcus)

5. “Cha Cha” ruffle top bikini ($162; Letarte)
6. Indah ruffle bikini ($55; Nika Butik; 143 N Northwest Highway, Park Ridge)
7. Missoni “Amalfi” cut-out woven one-piece ($580; net-a-porter.com)
8. Cynthia Rowley for Roxy “Tanlines Monokini” ($48; Roxy)
9. Neon yellow twist bandeau top with double string bottom ($37; Victoria’s Secret)
10. Mara Hoffman  ruched bottom bikini in “Kaleidoscope Pink” ($168; shopsheboutique.com)
11. Loeffler Randall zipper one-piece ($158; Fix Boutique; 1101 W Fulton Market)
12. Undrest strapless zigzag knitted one-piece ($210; net-a-porter.com)

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of emobi, Diane von Furstenberg, Calvin Klein, Neiman Marcus, Letarte, Nika Butik, net-a-porter.com, Roxy, Victoria’s Secret, She Boutique, and Loeffler Randall

Tags: Calvin Klein, Chicago Shopping, Cynthia Rowley, Diane Von Furstenberg, emobi, Fix Boutique, Indah, Letarte, Loeffler Randall, Mara Hoffman, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Missoni, Neiman Marcus, net-a-porter.com, Nika Butik, Roxy, She Boutique, swimwear, Trends, Undrest, Victoria's Secret
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Shearling Boots

Friday, December 11th, 2009

As with any winter, my footwear dilemma is finding a weekend boot that’s comfy, on-trend and fall-proof. This season, it’s the heeled shearling boots that fit my requirements. Their woodsy appearance is a refreshing footwear option—different from the omnipresent Ugg and riding boot. Add to the mix a chunky rubber heel or wedge that can hold up to a Saturday of shopping, and I’m sold.

1. Diane Von Furstenberg’s “Java” boot in “Grape” ($239; zappos.com) adds a splash of color to your winter wardrobe, and the gold zipper is a glamorous touch to this otherwise terrain-treading style.

2. For a playful look, Dollhouse’s “Zest High Heel Work Boot” ($60; dollhouse.com) has green stitching and laces that give it a personality all its own.

3. If your style is more classic chic with an edge, this Colin Stuart lace-up bootie ($79; Victoria’s Secret) has a timeless shape with a touch of attitude.

4. In my opinion, Michael Michael Kors shoes are a reasonably priced, fashion-forward go-to season after season. The “Berkshire Wedge” ($169; shoes.com) is no exception, with its chic take on a worker boot.

5. If one of your weekend boot criteria is holding up to snowy slush, these faux patent boots ($210; City Soles) will stand up to puddles and make a statement.

6. Looking at Rocket Dog’s “Bonfire” boot ($90; piperline.com), you know you’ve found a shoe that’s as comfortable as it is stylish.

Comfy? Check. On-trend? Check. Fall-proof? With my clumsiness, I sure hope so…

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Zappos, Dollhouse, Victoria’s Secret, Shoes.com, City Soles, and Piperline

Tags: Boot, Bootie, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Shopping, City Soles, Colin Stuart, Diane Von Furstenberg, Dollhouse, Michael Michael Kors, Piperline, Rocket Dog, Shearling, Shoes.com, Trends, Victoria's Secret, Zappos
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Modern Marble

Friday, October 16th, 2009

For many women, spotting a pair of tie-dyed jeans sparks thoughts of “What would I ever wear with those?” or “I can’t pull those off.” These two style restraints motivated us to create several looks that prove marble jeans are way easier to wear than you think. And when both pairs are priced under $25, why not experiment a little?

The first outfit is designed around what’s already in your closet. A long, black cardigan ($98; J.Crew) and basic white tee ($18; American Apparel) break up the drama of the tie-dye print ($23; Forever 21). A flat bootie, especially one with hardware ($68; Urban Outfitters), gives this outfit a little more edge. Grab your favorite black tote and you’re ready to go!

Second is the party outfit. Perfect for the holidays or Saturday night, the sparkle on this gold tank ($250; Calypso St. Barth, 50 E Oak Street) glows against the jean’s deep wash, and its loose fit and delicate detail soften the pant’s hard edge. Metallic accessories are a must-have for fall, and this bag ($38; Francesca’s Collections) will pick up the undertones in the sequined top and glamorize any other outfit. Finally, let your wild side show with Graffiti 4725’s sexy leopard booties ($348; Lori’s Shoes; 824 W Armitage Avenue).

For the third ensemble, we went tie-dye crazy. This look creates a daring yet girly outfit for running around the city or a casual night out. The multi-color tee ($88; Three Dots) grabs attention while contrasting and complementing the white marble jean ($20; Forever 21). So much print requires solid accessories, so we added a pink cable beret ($5; Kmart) and purple suede boots ($345; City Soles; 3432 N Southport Avenue).

Last but not least, the third outfit combines a wispy, floral blouse ($49; Victoria’s Secret) with the jean’s rock ‘n roll vibe. An unexpected pairing, the voluminous top balances the pant’s tight fit, and the soft pink and white wash are a surprisingly harmonious fusion. To keep with this look’s ethereal feel, we added Monserat De Lucca’s brown tote with a subtle graphic print ($276; Tula; 3738 N Southport Avenue) and Faryl Robin’s brown suede booties with ladylike laces ($285; City Soles; 3432 N Southport Avenue).

Now there’s no reason to fear the tie-dye jean.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Forever 21, J.Crew, American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, Calypso St. Barth, Francesca’s Collections, Lori’s Shoes, Three Dots, City Soles, Kmart, Victoria’s Secret and Tula.

Tags: American Apparel, Calypso St. Barts, Chicagao Boutiques, Chicago Shopping, City Soles, Forever 21, Francesca's Collections, J.Crew, KMart, Lori's Shoes, Three Dots, Trends, Tula, Urban Outfitters, Victoria's Secret
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