Chanel

>> Blake Lively had the train torn off of her gown a couple of nights ago at the Time 100 Gala (which she safety pinned back on) — but hopefully she'll have better luck at Monday's Costume Institute Gala. Lively, who just debuted a head of red hair, will be dressed by Chanel for the occasion — not a huge surprise given that she's a current face of the brand. As for her date? “Karl Lagerfeld, of course!” she said. [WWD]

>> Karl Lagerfeld has never been one to hold verbal punches, and his recent conversation with W — in which he tells us how he really feels about Christophe Decarnin, explains why he doesn't use computers, and vouches for which designers he would like to see at Dior — is no exception.

A few highlights, below.

On whether he'll ever cut his hair: "No, because I’m afraid it won’t grow again. And I’m not very gifted for hairdos. This is the quickest thing in the world. It takes less than five seconds. I have someone who comes to the house and washes it, puts in the dry shampoo, and takes care of it because I have no time. I don’t even have time to go to the dentist. I’m busy but in a pleasant way. I’m the one who wanted to do all of it, so I can’t complain."

On who he wants to see take over at Givenchy: "Well I’m not a consultant there, but I think Riccardo Tisci would be good, and then Haider Ackermann at Givenchy — not because they are friends of mine, but because they are good."

And if he still wants Haider Ackermann to take over at Chanel: "Not especially. It’s not his world I don’t think."

His thoughts on Christophe Decarnin leaving Balmain: "Forget about it! This was a job done by a fashion editor. I don’t even know the name of the man who did it, so don’t ask me about that."

On why he doesn't use a computer and instead communicates by fax: "It’s very easy to explain: For me, sketching and writing are the same thing. I like to write. It’s a physical thing — I hate to be without paper and pencil in hand. And I write like a talk. I can put my way of talking on the paper exactly the same way. The machines they tried to make where you write directly on computers are not perfect. The minute they’re perfect, I will use them."

The one thing he doesn't like women to wear: "I’m not mad for thongs."

The Piece: Chanel Vintage Cell Phone Purse

The Investment: $1,000

Why We Covet: OK, it's a little insane. A vintage Chanel cell phone purse? The thing is it was made for an older phone, which means it's a bit bigger than necessary to hold a modern phone. This means there's room to hold your house key and credit cards, and in the back there's a slit for love letters. It's quirky and unique. We love the rectangular shape, and the long chain makes it a mini crossbody bag. Have you ever known anyone with a Chanel cell phone purse? And really, if you have a Chanel cell phone purse, what more do you need? You're the coolest person in the world.

Check out other items from our Covet List!

Alexa Chung mixed textures like a pro at a preview party for Sony Ericsson's Xperia PLAY at the Mondrian Soho in NYC. She wore a bevy of black — velvet Lover dress, opaque tights, patent leather booties, and a ladybird Chanel bag — that was anything but boring. Alexa added a Pamela Love pendant and bubble-gum pink nail polish for a pop of color. Shop now to re-create Ms. Chung's party style.

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