- The feds seized $76.8 million in counterfeit Burberry, Coach, Fendi, Prada, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and other fashionable items as part of a six week sting appropriately titled “Operation Holiday Hoax.” [WWD]

- Oh, Rihanna. Following a legal flip of the weave by David LaChapelle over copying his photographs for her “S&M” video, the pop tart looks to have turned her pilfering eye on the work of Sølve Sundsbø with her latest clip, “You Da One.” [Fashionista]

- Mark Fisher, who produces the controversial shoes Derek Lam has accused Ivanka Trump of “blatantly” copying from him, “strongly denies Lam’s claims.” Fisher argues that Lam’s design “has been used by numerous manufacturers for many decades” and adds for good measure, ”There is nothing iconic about the appearance of the Lam sandal.” Calling a man’s wedge sandal not iconic? Dem’s fightin’ words. [WWD]

- Oooh-la-la…oh, no. No. French health authorities are recommending that 30,000 women who received potentially defective breast implants from a French company have them removed as a preventative measure. [NYT]

- Brittany Murphy‘s mother is claiming her daughter and son-in-law Simon Monjack were killed by toxic mold found in their Hollywood home. The mold apparently caused the pneumonia that killed both Murphy and Monjack and now Momma Murphy is taking legal action against her lawyers for mishandling her case against the construction company back in January. [TMZ]

The Fashion Fund, created by the CFDA and Vogue to aid young and emerging designers, includes a mentorship program and a cash prize. Altuzarra took home $300,000 while runners-up Pamela Love of Pamela Love Jewelry and Shane Gabier and Chris Peters of Creatures of the Wind walked away with $100,000 each.

Those that went home empty-handed were Suno’s Erin Beatty and Max Osterweis; Carlos Campos; Antonio Azzuolo of A.A. Antonio Azzuolo; Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs of Cushnie et Ochs; Ohne Titel’s Alexa Adams and Flora Gill; Fenton/Fallon’s Dana Lorenz, and Soraya Silchenstedt of Finn Jewelry.

This year’s selection committee included Vogue’s editrix-in-chic Anna Wintour, CFDA prez Diane von Furstenberg and CEO Steven Kolb, Theory‘s Andrew Rosen, Coach‘s Reed Krakoff, J. Crew‘s Jenna Lyons, and past Fund winners — Proenza Schouler‘s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. [WWD]

Having mastered the art of social media — they’re #1 on Facebook with nearly 9 million “Likes” and #2 on Twitter — Burberry continues to find innovative ways to engage consumers such as a live-streaming Tweetwalk, where looks from London Fashion Week were Tweeted before they hit the runway. They also scored well in e-commerce and mobile commerce thanks to its global site relaunch, landing the over 150-year-old British label the top spot on the L2 index and the official label of “Genius.”

Kate Spade was a newcomer to the index but their blend of smart e-commerce and a strong mobile and social presence skyrocketed the brand to the #2 spot. Storied houses Chanel and Christian Dior, on the other hand, seem to be resting on their luxury laurels earning only “Average” L2 IQs.

Prada and Hermès started running with the bad girls in school, smoking in the bathroom and dating college boys instead of working on their social media and as a result their IQs plummeted from “Gifted” in 2009 to “Challenged” in 2011. And to make matters worse, Prada was cited as the “biggest digital disappointment in luxury.” Yikes, wait til your father hears about this….

But in their defense, Europe might just have a harder learning curve. Ten of the top fifteen brands in the L2 index were American and on average American brands have a higher digital IQ than their Euro counterparts. Finally, somewhere the U.S. excels in something besides obesity and sluttiness.

The top 10 list is as follows:

1. Burberry: Digital births an icon: Proof that digital investments translate to shareholder value.

2. Kate Spade: Top social media score; Index newcomer did not get memo that heritage is necessary to be iconic digitally.

3. Coach: New York native continues to woo the blogosphere and registers top scores for site experience.

3. Gucci: Gucci Connects dots and delivers with shoppable video and recent Tumblr launch

5. Dolce & Gabbana: Global site relaunch threads needle of edgy and effective.

5. Tory Burch: Facebook store leads fashion F-commerce (r)evolution.

7. Ralph Lauren: New York Times iPad app takeover transforms brand into rich media publisher.

8. Hugo Boss: Top mobile scores and interactive YouTube channel venture differentiate the brand online.

9. Louis Vuitton: Embracing the spirit of travel with Amble app; Leads on Foursquare.

10. Michael Kors: Destination: Kors. Evolving brand into an online lifestyle.

[Luxury Lab, Telegraph]

Amanda‘s Bag, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag

1. Tilly & William Armer

2. House keys/coke spoons

3. Wallet

4. Makeup bag with assorted contents: MAKE UP FOR EVER Duo Mat Powder Foundation, Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer, Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional, Benefit Cosmetics Play Stick, Lancôme Le Crayon Khol Eyeliner, Dolce & Gabbana Lip Gloss, Benefit Cosmetics Big Beautiful Eyes, Smith’s Rosebud Salve, Shiseido Shimmering Rouge

5. Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag

6. Business card for Time Will Tell Watches

7. Other assorted business cards

8. M.Patmos cheat sheet

9. Norma Kamali 3D glasses and lookbook

10. Front row seat card for Anne Bowen

11. Sunglasses

12. KAUFMANFRANCO lookbook

13. Broken POS Apple Earphones

14. Hugo Naturals French Lavender Hand Sanitizer

15. Sephora makeup brushes

16. FashionIndie Mixtape Vol. 4

17. Hand creme from some gift bag

18. FashionIndie stickers

19. iPhone 4

20. Piazza Sempione tote

21. Macbook

22. Go green wireless phone charger

23. Concept Korea lookbook

24. Lemon-Lime Emergen-C

I’m not the only one who would live in this rainbow mountain of Givenchy Pandora bags. Celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, Kate Beckinsale and Hilary Duff are also huge fans.

We love this bag to death, but, unfortunately, won’t be buying one anytime soon. Check out page two for our “look for less” picks.

In a statement on A&F’s website:

“We are deeply concerned that Mr. Sorrentino’s association with our brand could cause significant damage to our image. We understand that the show is for entertainment purposes, but believe this association is contrary to the aspirational nature of our brand, and may be distressing to many of our fans.”

A&F wants The Situation to wear an “alternate brand” and has also “extended this offer to other members of the cast, and are urgently waiting a response.”

A. Since when is Abercrombie & Fitch an aspirational brand? Sure, once upon a time it was actually a respected label but that went flying out the door once those homoerotic soft porn biannuals disguised as catalogs started popping up in-store.

B. Correct me if I’m wrong (don’t you dare), but isn’t The Situation the kind of customer A&F mainly appeals to, i.e. douchebags and juiceheads?

C. This has been happening to Snooki for ages with designers purposely sending her their competitor’s bags in order to avoid being associated with her, so the Jersey Shore kids are basically fist-pumping, cartwheeling and throwing up all the way to the bank. God bless America. [WWD]

Remember that time Gwyn-Gwyn was spotted leaving the Coach HQ with Reed Krakoff about 300 years back? Turns out it was for this ad campaign shot by Peter Lindbergh.

Anna Wintour and her flock of the fabulous have meticulously the selected 10 designers (and design duos) in the running for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award. Last year, Billy Reid took the top prize of $300,000, a year of mentorship and a bronze trophy. The two runners-up Prabal Gurung and Eddie Borgo each took home $100,000 and a year of mentoring. This year, the judges are Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler (who join the committee for the first time this year), Mark Holgate of Vogue, Jeffrey Kalinsky of Jeffrey and Nordstrom, Steven Kolb of the CFDA, Reed Krakoff of Coach, Jenna Lyons of J.Crew, Andrew Rosen of Theory, Diane von Furstenberg of the CFDA, and of course the Queen herself, Anna Wintour of Vogue.

See all the of nominees here:

A. A., Antonio Azzuolo

1. Perfect for a Hamptons getaway; Coach $88

2. Treat your toiletries like royalty; Bottega Veneta $520

3. Match your tote to your dopp; Jack Spade $155

4. K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Stupid) Barneys New York $475

5. Go wild and break the mold; Paul Smith $180

6. Designer label for basement prices; Dolce & Gabbana $48

7. Monograms can go everywhere; Gucci $375

8. Great for every style; Calvin Klein $30

9.  Mix up your textures; Lacoste $80

- Elle‘s creative director, Joe Zee, needed some extra security after one of the dismissed contestants from his new Sundance Channel reality show, All on the Line, sent him and show producers hundreds of “troubling” emails threatening to kill himself. The drama queen, one Ms. David Victor Rose, admits to “completely freaking out” (you think?) but claims that Zee dismissed him based on false assumptions and limited information….yeah, in hindsight, maybe Zee was on to something. [Page Six]

- Unlikable multi-hyphenate Gwyneth Paltrow was seen walking out of Coach HQ with creative director Reed Krakoff, sparking rumors that she may be the new face of either Coach or Krakoff’s eponymous label.  [Refinery29]

- First Lady of America, and my heart, Michelle Obama may have a new stylist after parting seams with Meredith Koop. One of Mo’s favorite go-to designers, Peter Soronen, told a panel at the New York Public Library‘s “Why Style Matters” discussion: ”We heard that she [Koop]‘s gone already. So I’m not even sure who it is right now.” But Soronen’s colleague, Ellen Carey, doesn’t rule out the return of Mrs. Obama’s original stylist, Ikram Goldman. However, if she doesn’t mind catsuits, sequins and being draped in a wild assortment of dead animals, I’m more than willing to take over as Michelle Obama’s stylist. [The Cut]

- The people of Japan finally have something to celebrate! After being barraged by the elements, they’re about to be besieged by couture. Givenchy and Converse have shacked up and the result are these totally bad-ass Chuck Taylors, available exclusively in Japan, where they will go on sale at Converse and Givenchy stores April 27th. [Style.com]

Who is the R&Em girl?
R&Em stands for Remy and Emmy who are two personalities representing two different sides of the everyday girl. Remy is a world traveler – she is chic with an uptown vibe. Emmy is the all-American girl next door who is laid-back and just loves to have a good time. The line is budget-friendly, so it resonates with people like me who live in the city and have very tight budgets but still like to be chic and keep up with the trends.

How does it feel to be the face of this great new accessories line?
It’s crazy! It is so flattering to be the face of R&Em, but there is a part of me that says ‘It’s weird – I’m not a model, I’m not a celebrity.’ But that’s what this line is about, regular girls who love great style. So that’s what I am, the girl next door from Brooklyn.

I love your outfit, what are you wearing today?
I am wearing a vintage skirt, Jessica Simpson platforms, Hue tights, Postlapsaria lace jacket (Keiko’s own label), Coach leather jacket and an R&Em Woodstock bag, my favorite of the collection.

What makes the Woodstock bag your favorite of the collection?
All of the bags are named after musical influences. This is a classic satchel but with the updated zipper and studs. The colorway is really unexpected, a blush tone with chocolate edges. I love that you can sling it across you body or use the little handles and throw it on your arm. It’s very versatile and definitely my favorite.

Mac and I got our photo taken with the tall and graceful Keiko. Wish we would have worn our big girl shoes!

You can snag one of these fabulous bags at Macy’s ASAP. Also, check out Keiko’s blog if you haven’t already.

Photo Credit: Guest of a Guest

Oprah‘s audience literally shat itself during the very very last of her “Favorite Things” episodes. Out of pure excitement and fantasy-fulfillment euphoria, several members of the audience simply lost control of their bowels. Especially this lady. Find out why after the jump.

This is what the studio audience received in the first part of O’s Faves:

Philip Stein limited edition Oprah 25th anniversary watch with 58 handset diamonds ($2,475)
Flannel Tory Tote ($250) and Reva Ballerina Flat ($195) by Tory Burch
Nikon D3100 Digital SLR camera ($700)
Cashmere sweater by Ralph Lauren and throw ($498)
Judith Ripka eclipse earrings ($525)
Oprah hair stylist Andre Walker’s shampoo and hair kit ($65)
Lafco House candle set ($55 each)
Breville panini press from Williams-Sonoma ($100)
Kyocera ceramic knife ($75)
Beecher’s handmade mac and cheese
Baker’s Edge brownie and lasangne pans/Ghiradelli brownie mix
A Course in Weight Loss
Decoded by Jay-Z
5-year Netflix membership
52-inch 3D Bravia Sony television ($3,600)
Sony Blue-Ray player and movie collection
Kiva gift card courtesy Groupon
elfa custom-built Container Store closet ($1000)
“O” Store long-sleeve v-neck T-shirt ($38)
Lululemon drawstring pant ($98)
Four pairs of Nike “Free run +” shoes ($85)
7-day United/Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas cruise

And just when they thought it was over…Oprah’s Favorite Things, Part 2: Gayle’s Revenge:

iPad, with Scrabble app
Ugg sparkle boots
A Coach satchel
Magaschoni tunic and leggings
Hope in a Jar moisturizer by Philosophy
Nordstrom lingerie
Prepara Herb Saver
Chicken pot pie from Centerville Pie Company
Garrett Popcorn Shops “Oprah’s Favorite Things” tin
Le Creuset cookware
Miraclesuit blue jeans
A jewelry box from Pottery Barn
Diamond earrings from Dana Rebecca Designs
A gift card for DonorsChoose.org
Mini croissants from Williams-Sonoma
Talbott Teas holiday assortment
The Book of Awakening, a book by Mark Nepo
Illuminations, an album from Josh Groban
Let It Be Me, an album from Johnny Mathis
A 2012 Volkswagen Beetle  (available for delivery May 2011)

And if that wasn’t enough, everyone also went home with the realization that they’re lives have officially peaked and it’s all downhill from here. Oprah, too, was saddened, but luckily she had an uncirculated $1500 bill (Obama on the front, the HARPO building on the back) on hand to wipe away her diamond-encrusted tears.

LINK LOVE: Fashion Foie Gras

In an example that falls nicely in line with our thoughts on Coach, Snooki longtime brand association was with the interlocking Cs of the ever-ubiquitous Coach bag — until recently. As Doonan notes in this week’s Observer column:

The winds of change started blowing on Jersey Shore. Every photograph of Guido-huntin’ Snooki showed her toting a new designer purse. Why the sudden disloyalty? Was she trading up? Was she vomiting into her purses and then randomly replacing them? The answer is much more intriguing.

And indeed it is. It turns out that Snooki hasn’t forsaken Coach of her own accord — that would be giving her far too much credit — but is instead the victim of an anti-branding campaign in which luxury houses are gifting her their competitors’ bags. Doonan alleges, according to his sources, that Coach began by sending her a Gucci bag, but where will things go from here?

Will Gucci send her a truckload of Goyard? Will Goyard then deluge her with Valextra? (If Snookie starts carrying a Valextra bag, it is inevitable that she will malaprop the name into “Valtrex,” the herpes medication. This will doubtless accelerate the inevitable preemptive strike by Casa Valextra.)

Snooki’s meteoric and lucrative ascent means that she will soon be able to sidestep the whole issue and buy her own Birkin, thereby precipitating a mass Jonestown suicide over at Maison Hermes. (Warning! “Hermes” can easily be Snooki-spoke into “Herpes.) Or will they just go to the next level and send her a super-exclusive Belgian Delvaux bag? (Launching in the U.S. at Barneys this fall, Delvaux Since 1829 is arguably the most elitist brand in the world.)

We don’t know — but if you’ve ever wondered what lengths luxury houses will go to to protect their brands, well, now you know: all the way down to the Jersey Shore.

Related:

How Snooki Got Her Gucci: The Dirt on Purses The Observer

LINK LOVE:Snooki And Her Bags: A Lesson In Luxury Branding

I’ve noticed the underlying argument in many of my “Hot Or Not”s is on how feminine a man can be without looking ridiculous. This time it pertains to man clutches.

Growing up in suburban New Jersey meant that the only acceptable bags men can  carry are backpacks, gym bags, and duffel bags. None of these are really fashionable which became extremely obvious to me after I moved to NYC.  When I walk down the street I am no longer surprised to see men carrying shoulder bags without any worry. Most days I can been seen walking the streets in my Pendelton inspired FEED tote bag.

I was recently gifted a basic black man clutch from Coach and wondered whether it was cool for not to wear in public. Now, I would never wear a clutch on a daily basis. It would only be worn on a night out where my pocket space is limited and I can’t lug around my brightly colored tote.

Is it OK to wear it at such an occasion? Is it even acceptable to  wear during the daytime?

Here are some pictures of guys and their clutches:

So what do you think? Hot or Not?

For Dad’s Best Friend: John Bartlett Tiny Tim Tee – www.johnbartlett.com

Perfect for the dad with dog, this tee features John Bartlett’s rescue pup Tiny Tim. Proceeds of each shirt benefit the ASPCA.

For The Home Decor Obsessed Dad: Jonathan Adler Scented Candles – www.jonathanadler.com

In unusual scents like Tomato and Grapefruit, these are the perfect gift for the daddy obsessed with keeping his castle smelling great. Adler suggests that each home should have a signature scent, I suggest each room…

For The Dad Who’s Into Smelling Good: Kenneth Cole Vintage Black – www.kennethcole.com

A deeper, sharper scent with top notes of fresh green lime with a dry oakwood to create an icy tequila shot of appealing odor.

For The Dad Into Grooming: John Allans Grooming Services – www.johnallans.com

Kind of like the beauty salon for men, operated by a born and true Jersey boy, it’s the type of place you imagine Frank Sinatra would frequent, when he wasn’t busy attending orgies with President Kennedy…

For The Dad Who Wants to Feel Soft to Touch: Vaseline Men Care System – www.vaseline.com

I actually bought a kit for my dad a few weeks ago cause of his diabetes. It’s no frills, doesn’t smell floral and it cools his skin on application. Definitely a great buy if you want something for a papa who forgets to take care of himself.

For The Dad On The Go: Coach Dop Kit – www.coach.com

A black sleek dop kit is ideal for a dad that travels often. Fill it with airport security approved shave gels and cleansers (John Allan’s Salon actually carries a kit) and you’ve got a thoughtful gift and a dad who will think of you when he’s away.

For The Dad Who Needs Get Polished: Rowenta Travel Iron – www.rowenta.com

I already steamed all my clothes with this thing. It’s addicting, so make sure you don’t use it before it goes to daddy…

For The Dad Who Worships The Sun: Hugo Boss Aviator Sunglasses – www.hugoboss.com

Same as above, too stylish to give away.

For The Suave Dad on A Budget: JCPenney Joseph Abboud Suit – www.jcpenney.com

Becks and I just took a trip to JCPenney and fell in love with the crazy amount of perfectly priced items for women. I fell in love with the Joe by Joseph Abboud collection, which reminded me of my years working at the Woodbury Commons at the brands outlet. Still have suits from them and I can tell you, they are perfectly fitting for the American sized dad.

For The Rock n Roll Dad: Jan Leslie Cufflinks – www.janleslie.com

If you’ve got a bit of a Rock N Roll dad, then you need to get him these cufflinks. They are just way too bad ass to pass up.

For The Dad Who Needs to Be On A Schedule: Skagen Watch – www.skagen.com

Wearing this right now, I just don’t think I can part with it. DAMN YOU VERDI!!! You’re just too good at selecting gifts that I want, my dad’s totally getting a pair of tube socks for Daddy’s day.

For The Dad Who Keeps His Money Close: Cole Haan Seton Tuxedo Wallet – www.colehaan.com

Might need to have a dad who wears tuxedo’s to make this work, but still a great looking, very stylish looking wallet.

For The Clean Freak Dad: Stoner Solutions Invisible Glass – www.StonerSolutions.com

If you’re dad is an auto hound, Stoner Solutions offers the most advanced windshield cleaning solution on the market. My dad already uses this stuff, but considering the amount of sut New York apartment windows collect, it’s really necessary for this urban life of ours.

For The Dad Who Likes A Bloody Good Cocktail: McClure’s Pickles Bloody Mary Mix – www.mcclurespickles.com

I discovered this at Whole Foods a few weeks ago, since I’ve gone through six bottles. Got to give it to Verdi for giving me the tools to support my destructive habits. It’s happy hour somewhere, drink up!!!

For The Dad Who Likes A Good Chick: Kluckr Chicken Wing Finding iPhone Application – www.kluckr.com

Looking for Chicken Wings? There’s an app for that…

For The Dad Who’s a Total Tool: Leatherman Skeletool – www.leatherman.com

Every dad needs one of these. It’s like a necessity. Like football sunday, or classic car shows, LeatherMan = Dad.

For the Clear Headed Dad - Headblade Shaving Kit – www.headblade.com

If you’re daddy’s got a Homer Simpson dome, it’s a good time to get him some protective gear. A shaving kit and shaver made specifically for baldies. Daddy will be proud, and hopefully, it’s not hereditary…

LINK LOVE:New York Streets

The fragrance will be available in July and will retail for $60 for a 1.7 oz bottle.

Coach commissioned a few fashion bloggers to design a collection of limited edition bags, Coach Collectibles, available exclusively online for pre-order on May 19. Karla Deras of Karla’s Closet, Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere, Krystal Simpson of What Is Reality Anyway and Kelly Framel of The Glamourai were selected to design bags, all of which retail between $398 to $498.LINK LOVE: WWD

Find more photos like this on ENVY. THE FASHION NETWORK

LINK LOVE: Style

1. Stretch twill coat, DKNY, $545, at select DKNY stores nationwide. Tulle blouse, $2,910, cotton tweed pants, $3,535, both, Chanel

LINK LOVE:Military Inspired" "The Softer Side"

CONTRIBUTE YOUR OWN STORY: JOIN ENVY

I mean not that I really care, but I’m really confused/shocked by this one. I wasn’t in the least bit aware that Michelle Trachtenberg even had an interest in the fashion, but apparently she does as she’ll be designing jewelry for Coach’s “Poppy” line. I guess that’s a solid start for her, you can’t really make Coach any uglier. Keep your eyes peeled, as I’m sure this shit will be hitting vending machines on the the Jersey Shore in no time!

LINK LOVE: Just Jared

With tons of companies down in sales, it was only time before Coach had to give into the trend. Reports estimate the company’s profits have dropped 32 percent!

LINKAGE: WWD

Karen Robinovitz and Drew Linehan

Most fashion events leave you with a handful of new acquaintances, a stack of useless business cards and a seemingly incurable hangover. Leave it up to the ladies at Purple Lab to turn the tables and supply me with a newfound obsession in Purple Lab beauty products, the grace needed to light up a room, the ability to walk like a supermodel and some great new friends! Yesterday evening, I got in touch with my feminine side by trading in my harem pants and boyfriend blazer for some Coach stilettos and a slinky Mint dress and joining in on all the beauty talk. 

Purple Lab is one of the newest and most innovative beauty lines on the market, staying on top of trends while providing women with dual-action products and a message of female empowerment. As the brainchild of  fashion and beauty Renaissance woman, Karen Robinovitz, who knows the industry, inside and out, Purple Lab hit shelves in May 2009 with six of the best lip-glosses I’ve had the pleasure of trying. With adorable names like “Red Sole,” inspired by the soles of Christian Louboutin heels, and “Worship Kate,” Kate Moss that is, the Purple Lab glosses are equipped with stunning color, lip plumper and an array of bonuses like soothing lemon peel or Hoodia, the appetite suppressant. Purple Lab is projected to launch a line of skin-care products as well as other types of makeup in the near future. 

Following their motto of female confidence and pride, the ladies at Purple Lab brought in supermodel runway coach, Drew Linehan, to teach us how to be the envy of all the social gatherings and walk like a supermodel. After throwing my shoulders back, sticking my chest out and owning my personality, Drew flattered me and complimented me on my Erin Wasson-esque, quirky walk! While all the ladies looked fierce stomping down our makeshift runway at The Gates, I must say, Karen, at a mere 5’2″, had the presence of Gisele! 

Sound fun? Well you don’t have to be name in the fashion/beauty scene to join in on it! Purple Lab is all about their customers, so if you show an interest in the company, you can expect an invite to Purple Lab’s next event, or better, a Tweet-Up session at Karen’s apartment! I might not be the biggest makeup/ beauty guru out there, but Purple Lab is one brand you need in your purse at all times!

Stay tuned for videos from the event as well as Purple Lab giveaways! 

Purple Lab products can be found at a variety of stores like Scoop, Fred Segal, Bliss, C.O. Bigelow and online at bglowing.com. 

Check out Purple Lab here! 

Just like Marc Jacobs’ infatuation with Jessica Stam and Louis Vuitton’s love for Eva Herzigova, Coach has fallen in love with model muse, Ali Micheal, enough to name a bag after her. The Ali bag, which is now available on Coach.com, is a hobo-style purse that ranges from a $150 signature pouch to a $650 large metallic hobo. The bags might not be anything terribly special (maybe this is saying something about Micheal’s personality), but at the end of the day, I’d love to have a purse inspired by me!

Thanks Modelinia Blog!

Coach has once again decided to use model Ali Michael for their ad campaign. The S/S 09 photos look great with her in them. Michael gives Coach a younger, fresher image that makes me want to check out some of the new bags. This yellow piece is super cute; much better than those disgusting patchwork logo purses that make me want to vomit.

Thanks to Fashion Copious for the photos.

18-year-old Ali Michael is the new face of Coach, she shot their Fall ‘09 campaign last week, with a salary reported at around $50,000. Ali follows Lisa Cant, Caroline Winberg, and Mandy Moore as previous faces of Coach.

LINKAGE: Fashionista

Funny article in NY Mag; this machine was spotted in the vicinity of the Jersey Shore. Can’t vouch for the authenticity of the bags, but for 2 bucks they have to be from somewhere in China Town.

The two met through the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. In 2007 Lim won the CFDA Swarovski women’s wear award for his two-year-old contemporary label, 3.1 Phillip Lim. Krakoff is vice president of the CFDA.

“He’s not only amazingly talented, but has a great personality,” said Krakoff. “He really understands great American design and the trench is an iconic piece of American outerwear.” The two concocted a long belted suede trench that will retail for $1,798 and a short leather one that will sell for $1,298. Outerwear is a growing category for Coach, which has also partnered with designers such as Lutz & Patmos for knits and Eugenia Kim for hats.

“It’s part of our moving forward and staying fresh,” added Krakoff of the burgeoning categories. “We’re starting to add more clothing.” The coats will be available in Coach stores starting in August.

Courtesy WWD