Lifestyle

Thursday June 2, 2005

Stylishly practical

By THAM AI MEI

If you're a fashionista who happens to love surfing, wont mind braving sweltering heat for a good round of teeing off or says aye to fishing instead of squirming, youre probably the perfect candidate for Chanels latest sportswear collection.

The new range of red and grey clothing and accessories has something for every sportswoman.

Khaki multi-pocket bag for the busy mother, leisurely tai tai or regular working girl.
In what is the perfect mix of fashion and practicality, Chanels sportswear collection is definitely for the uninhibited adventurer who understands the exhilaration that comes with physical activity.

Madame Coco Chanel herself was once known for her passion for aristocratic sports such as horseback riding, yachting and golfing.

The gifted fashion visionary was fascinated with active women and thus focused very much on freedom and ease of movement in her sports collections.

Skirts were shortened, purses came attached with a strap and real, functional pockets came into being. Sleeves were also made roomier as Chanel wanted women to be able to lean over to play golf and put on their shoes.

For in-line skating, slip into a streamlined stretchable outfit with matching skates, or try on a nifty sports jacket to keep you warm when the cool pool breeze blows. There are even some great-looking miniskirts that are so versatile you can wear them during a weekend shopping spree. Cotton vests and adorable little shorts are absolute must-haves for lithe nymphs to show off that tan and toned limbs.

With groovy sportswear come equally mobile accessories. Chuck your sunnies, suntan lotion and tennis racquets into a roomy tote or slip into a pair of comfy sneakers that would win nods of approval from any snooty golf club proprietor.

Bling blings to spice up your zip-up gym jacket.
Quilted luxury

Take a cue from the likes of Madonna and Vanessa Paradis and tote an instantly recognisable Ligne Cambon bag with classic double-C logos. With the new designs that are bound to get any well-heeled fashion fiend fishing out their plastic, the Ligne Cambon goodies feature classic quilting details and some very palatable hues.

In true Chanel tradition, practicality is merged with style. The soft lozenge-quilted leather is signed with oversized double Cs, paying homage to the emblematic 2.55 bag, which celebrates its 50th birthday this year.

The new range includes a soft 48-hour suitcase, a handy passport and currency pouch for the jet-setting mademoiselle, a roomy document holder that will earn you some attention in the boardroom as well as a hip-hugging combat-style belt bag for women on the go.

Ladies of leisure will love the extra-large shopping bag that can hold everything you would ever need for a good day of shopping.

The new range of Ligne Cambon items are priced from RM1,650 to RM17,869.

The Chanel boutique is on the ground floor of Suria KLCC (03-2382 0693).

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