THE A,B,CC'S OF CHANEL'S INFLUENCE..

Not a season goes by that you don't see derivative handbags, shoes, or ready-to-wear ensembles in the press that originally started out on a CHANEL runway.   Millions of fashion fans around the world worship Karl Lagerfeld and the storied house of Coco Chanel.   As a former Chanel executive I understand the draw - the house and legacy are simply magical.   However, it is pathetic that designers are earning millions, and billions of dollars off sub par accessories that they blatantly copy, originallly created by Karl and team Coco at CHANEL.  Producing these knockoffs in factories with less than first world working conditions doesn't seem to make them blush.  How can they call themselves designers?   Well in fact,  many don't.   Their titles often include every word but designer, because most work for American companies that have the figure head title of the brand who is the "designer".   You know them, in America it is usually a reality show- faux celebrity, who is allegedly in charge of the hot mess coming down the runway.   To be clear, these companies are hugely successful, so if you were raised to think success is only measured in dollar signs - bravo.. but I was not.

While I'm usually offended by the grifting that goes on in fashion, I'm gagging over the latest offensive in the beuty and skincare arena.  To see not one, not two, but several major beauty companies take advantage of one of CHANELS's most obvious logos - is sad to say the least. CC beauty treatments are available now from everyone from Olay, to Cover Girl, to Clinique.  These companies are major beauty conglomerates with thousands of employees, yet they can't create something iconic, or unique?  Instead are happy to bite off the legend Coco created a hundred years ago.   They can call it Color Correction, or  Creative Correction, or whatever they like.   The truth is that when anyone who follows fashion sees the letters CC together - they think of Chanel.   Anyone with more than a passing interest in fashion who said otherwise would be lying.   I don't care what benefit vitamin G can give your skin, if you saw a new GG skin cream what would come to mind?  Gucci of course.   So the thought that Almay, Covergirl, and Clinique launching a CC cream without realising the reference is a joke.   I'm sure the mentality is more along the lines of "if everyone does it, they can't sue us".  Sad.

Chanel has a CC Cream, and it is the only company that should have one.  A double dose of vitamin C or not,  Chanel owns Coco's legacy and the stories that built the empire.   Chanel skincare products are hands down the most amazing formulas on the market.   They are expensive, effective, and totally luxurious.   If you don't want to invest in the line, just try a sample the next time you pass through duty free at the airport - you might change your mind!   Ultra Correction Formula is my favorite.. under eyes, but any of the Ultra Correction products are excellent.   Of course, Sublimage is in a class of its own.  Over a decade in the making, it is the platinum standard in beauty products.

As for the drugstore bunch, I guess you were born to knockoff designer brands - but Clinique - I thought you were better than that.  Although I realize, only your name is French!

Click images and brand names to shop.   Just because I'm brand loyal, doesn't mean you have to be!  Enjoy.