Karl Lagerfeld...Optic designer-eyewear big bucks deal!

Flamboyant Lagerfeld style trends

Not content to flop back and count the cash flowing in the till from lucrative licensing agreements with the Tommy Hilfiger Corporation (which currently spins out high-end product for eight brands which include bridal and denim lines, pricey fragrances, and luxurious furs) top-dog designer Karl Lagerfeld recently pacted an exclusive distribution partnership deal with Optic 2000.

Smart move, Karl!

Optic is France's largest optician chain flourishing on his home turf.

Just recently the stylish designer specs were shipped out to 1150 of Optic's prime upscale retail outlets.

The eye-catching line boasts twenty-three pairs of sunglasses, in addition to twenty-five optical frames, which were crafted in close collaboration with Christian Roth and Eric Domege.

Metallic ring features were inspired by Mr. Lagerfeld's finger-jewellery obsession.

Film border motifs also echo the celebrated designer's passion for photography.

For the style conscious a must-have!

Moi?

Because of my scatter-brained tendency to lose chic expensive shades at the drop of a hat, I tend to snap up an expendable pair or two at the 99 cent store during the lazy days of summer.

After all, I'm fashion-conscious enough to dread the thought of being spied among my adoring fans with any pair - stylish or not - affixed to a tawdry string around my neck!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Karl Lagerfeld...fashion excess, Fall '07

A bellwether trend for fall puts the big focus on trench coats - in the menswear arena, at least.

Now that there is a nip in the air and storm clouds beckon from the north, outerwear function makes a lot of fashion sense.

The one in camel hair, pictured above, is an elegant addition to any man's wardrobe, and is easily mixed-and-matched.

But, according to Menswear Designer, John Bartlett, every guy needs a classic black coat in their wardrobe (2nd publicity still) with simple details which can be worn on a variety of occasions.

Throw it over a classic suit or team it with casual attire underneath without much angst over clashing patterns or styles.

The trend for eye-catching topcoats is splashing big this fall!

From simple, classic silhouettes, woven in traditional fabrics, to the very extravagant one by Karl Lagerfeld (Photo 3) above trimmed with animal skins.

If you want to avoid the ire of animal rights advocates, though, it may be wise to go with faux fur.

Some argue that if an animal has been bred for its pelt, that there is no cause for alarm; but the jury is still out, in my estimation.

Any wild animal on an endangered species list is a definite no-no.

In most menswear collections this fall, significant outerwear was featured prominently on the runways - full length, mid-length - you name it.

After hours, the ubiquitous attention-getter, was teamed with well-styled straight-leg dress slacks, topped with pristine dress shirts, or a myriad of jazzy, patterned sweaters to add a zap of color - some with viking motifs stitched in for an individualized look.

A couple of designers toyed with the idea of long over shirts, which floated out from underneath shorter jackets and waistcoats, to create an illusion of tails.

The daring may go one step farther and don the provocative offerings John Galliano unveiled in recent days. (Photo 4)

I'm betting only a handful of macho men will have the ***** to try to pull the look off.