Seattle gets big-name fashion collections from Karl Lagerfeld and Rachel Zoe

Source From: http://www.nwsource.com/shopping/fashion/seattle-gets-big-name-fashion-collections-karl-lagerfeld-and-rachel-zoe?prmid=4932

It’s serendipitous that Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld and celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe both have clothing collections hitting the racks of major department stores starting late August.

Fans of Zoe’s Bravo show, "The Rachel Zoe Project," know that Lagerfeld is one of Zoe’s fashion idols -- she even gets to air-kiss him backstage at his runway shows. But really, what stylist or fashion-obsessed person doesn’t count Chanel and Lagerfeld among their idols?

If you’re a fan of Lagerfeld, but can’t afford couture prices, you’re in luck: his affordable capsule collection for Macy’s “Impulse” department arrives on Aug. 31.

“Impulse” is Macy’s youthful and contemporary department, where Lagerfeld’s limited-edition collaboration will join brands like Betsey Johnson and Free People. The collection is heavy on graphic black and white, tweed and leather, but has hits of pink and “is a blend of refined dresses, airy tops, modern tweeds and [Lagerfeld’s] signature high-collared neck, priced on average from $50 to $170,” explains the press release.

I’m especially taken with the most Chanel-like pieces, including a great black baby doll dress with a white pointy collar ($109), a sheer lavender/gray blouse, also with a pointy collar ($89), and a versatile tweed jacket ($169) that may very well be your best wardrobe staple for years to come.

Over at Nordstrom, Rachel Zoe’s collection veers towards a higher price point, starting at $275 for pleated wool pants and stretch jersey leggings, and topping out at $575 for a (gorgeous) leopard-print halter gown.

Of course, Zoe’s collection also looks very rich and luxurious -- her statement says it was inspired by “her love of all things glamorous.”

With a nod towards her fellow fashion icons Brigitte Bardot, Edie Sedgwick, Bianca Jagger and Faye Dunaway, this debut collection (not counting the one she did for QVC) is “glamorous, vintage-inspired and effortless,” influenced by “'60s mod” and bohemian “'70s glamour queen.”

Our favorites are a to-die-for faux-fur trim wool coat ($550), a black-and-white sequin shift dress ($495) and a very Chanel-inspired bead and sequin cardigan ($375).

Most of the Rachel Zoe collection is available at Nordstrom.com for pre-order (shipping mid-September), but her faux fur jacket ($450) and a few other pieces are available for purchase now at the downtown Seattle store's Via C.

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