Arnault, who in the past has gobbled up luxury fashion houses Pac-Man-style, has eased his megalomaniacal machinations as of late since the multi-billion dollar takeover of Bulgari last year. Europe’s richest man, however, hasn’t invested in a small fashion brand since LVMH bought a 40% stake in Edun, the eco-conscious label founded by Bono and wife Ali Hewson, in 2009.

So why Simoens? Why now?

“They [LVMH] do believe in him, and want to finance him,” a source told WWD. It seems Bernard Arnault wants to keep the fresh-faced fashion foal within claw’s reach should another head designer fall ever so publicly from grace. Arnault is famous for plucking young talent to revitalize staid, old houses, and with a stable of brands that includes Givenchy, Céline, Fendi and Vuitton, for Simoens, a deal with Bernard and co. makes dollars and sense. [WWD, sub req'd]

When Angela set sail for the great wide world with her surfer husband Jim, she reached an epiphany upon meeting a group of artisans of Bali. Her pen hit the sketchbook, and she soon began working with local craftspeople and their traditional techniques to make bags and accessories. Named after her grandmother, Cleobella, the company still works with those artisans in Bali. And she gives back to CARE that fights global poverty through employment.

Ali Hewson and her hubby Bono founded Edun in 2005, committed to developing trade with Africa that would fuel a global fashion brand. By working with the Wildlife Conservation Society and Invisible Children, Edun set up the Conservaton Cotton Initiative Uganda, which allows Edun to affect change at the start of the supply chain. This means fair jobs throughout. With LVMH now behind the brand, it’s full scale luxury with a socially responsible core.

Sustainable since 2002, life and business partners Karen Stewart and Howard Brown make lusciously wearable good-for-the-earth goods. Their practices “promote a symbiotic and harmonious relationship between business, community and nature,” such as sourcing and producing Mongolian Cashmere from tribes in the steppe of Outer Mongolia.

While garment Carrie Parry produces is sewn locally in NYC, much of her fabric comes with care from much further away. Always sourcing fabrics with the environment and humankind in mind, Carrie Parry buys her silks from the Panchachuli Women Weavers in the Indian Himalayas. Over 800 women 32 villages run this hand-weaving facility, all of whom are shareholders. The cooperative is changing the socio-economic dynamics of the local community, giving women opportunities based on a traditional skill.

the Phillipines. Roberta Chiarella buys the beads and handcrafts the earrings here in NYC. Local artisans win all around.

Joe Komodo (self-named after the dragon that attacked him on his travels) dragged some friends to Bali and started a fashion business, you know, “rather than getting a proper job.“ He, too, discovered the artisans of Bali and set up sustainable shop there in 1988.

The event is presented by Moët Hennessey USA. Here are some of the major highlights:

• Theory: Debut of Theory Fashion Insider:  The Remix, featuring a live DJ set by Andrew Wyatt, a founding member and the lead vocalist of Swedish/American trio Miike Snow, and a video “mash up” by artist Philip Ashley.  Theory Fashion Insider stylists will also be on hand to remix shoppers’ fall looks.
• Stella McCartney: Selma Blair hosts the evening’s festivities that features an exhibition of Helena Christensen’s work to benefit the Chernobyl Children’s Project International.
• Hugo Boss: Grammy award winning artist, Robin Thicke will perform an acoustic set.
• Moschino: Singer, Kelly Rowland hosts Moschino’s fantasy world of surrealism where guests will be photographed in a giant handbag.
• Tory Burch: DJ Cassidy to spin and Shake Shack on the BBQ.
• Diane von Furstenberg:  Hosted by Refinery29, the DvF and HP Experience Lounge features cutting-edge fashion installations and a photo booth.
• Helmut Lang: Explore the world of Helmut Lang with Creative Directors Nicole & Michael Colovos, along with DJ Harley Viera Newton, a photolab presented by Cobrasnake, spirits provided by East Village’s Death & Company and bites catered via Rickshaw’s Dumpling Truck.
• Jeffrey New York:  Personal appearances by designers L’Wren Scott, Jason Wu, Nicholas Kirkwood, Monique Pean, Christina Ricci, and Current/Elliott.
• Maybelline New York makeovers for the mini-catwalk and a chance to win a year’s supply of makeup.  DJ Charlotte Kemp Muhl and Sean Lennon to spin.
• Scoop NYC:  EDUN Pop-Up shop with Ali Hewson and a DJ set from Jaleel Bunton of TV on the Radio.
• American Express ZYNC ZONE with Style Pack partner Gilt Groupe: Providing makeovers, a photo-booth and lounge.
• Tracy Reese:  Hosting a dance-a-thon featuring DJ Rajni Jacques of Nylon. Wallflowers can receive complimentary manicures from Sally Hansen.
• Vince:  Performances by DJ Mia Moretti and pop-rock violinist Caitlin Moe.
• Click here for a link to the entire list.

A couple weeks ago we told you all that Ali Hewson of Nude Cosmetics was suing Stella McCartney for use of the word nude in her latest fragrance. But today we hear that despite Hewson’s attempts to ban the sale of the perfume, the fragrance will still be released on time in the UK this Saturday. Good decision, I found the whole thing a bit ridiculous.

LINKAGE: The Independent

Stella McCartney seems to be at the center of her very own lawsuit! The designer’s fragrance has caused quite the stir among beauty folks as a result of the “StellaNude” name. Ali Hewson and Bryan Meehan of Nude Skincare are allegedly suing McCartney for using the word “nude” in her product name. I see what Hewson and Meehan are thinking, but at the same time, it’s the word nude! Such a widely used term, so let’s not get crazy here people, I’d let it slide.

LIINKAGE: Style