Diane von Furstenberg Fall 2012

As the fashion stakes are at their highest during the Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s annual fundraiser, La Wintour is leaving nothing to chance. Showcasing the kind of iron-fisted will usually reserved for dictators, despots and other divas, Wintour is said to have required the Voguettes to send her pictures of their outfits along with several different accompanying hairstyles for her approval.

Meanwhile, how great would it be if everyone just showed up in this and called it a day?:

Alexander McQueen Fall 2012

Diane von Furstenberg Fall 2012

Alexander McQueen Fall 2012

Lagerfeld, left, and Saint Laurent, center

Way before the advent of the Project Runways (and its alleged All-Stars), the The Fashion Shows and the Fashion Stars, there was one illustrious design competition that actually set out to do what those shows only dream of doing: producing a design superstar. In 1955, the Australian Wool Industry‘s International Wool Secretariat prize produced two, Lagerfed and Saint Laurent. Lagerfeld won in the coats category, Saint Laurent in the dresses category, and the rest is history.

A thousand years later, AWI wants to make wool hip again(?) and in the process give a  few lucky designers a couple thousand bucks. AWI will hold regional design contests in China, Australia, India, Italy, the UK and France, with each finalist receiving cash money towards their next collection and a chance to participate in the international final.

The international finalist will be crowned in March 2013 and will receive $100,000 to underwrite their next fashion show, and their collections will be sold in Harvey Nichols in the UK, Lane Crawford in China, Eickhoff in Germany and Bergdorf Goodman in the US.

The US judging will take place on July 9 in New York with a panel of judges that includes CFDA CEO Steven Kolb, Narciso Rodriguez and T: The New York Times Style Magazine EIC Sally Singer. The international judging will he held in September during London Fashion Week where Diane von Fursteberg and Vogue Italia editrix Franca Sozzani will be among the judges. Designers are required to submit sketches of a six-piece merino wool capsule collection with one outfit fully produced.

Kolb has said that the CFDA has already received some 25 applications, not just from emerging designers but also brands “who could use a boost.” Although we’re not talking about the Calvin Kleins but rather small business owners. So to paraphrase another famous fashion competition,  ”Designers, start your engines…and may the best merino…WIN!” [WWD, sub req'd]

Lagerfeld, left, and Saint Laurent, center

Link Love: Vogue UK

Tom Ford on personally test driving his beauty collection: "I put every single thing on -- I don't wear it down the street, but I want to see how it covers, how it works. When you put your name on something, you want people to know you believe in it." Tom Ford on his incredible shyness: "I'm the face of the brand. With Chanel, you feel that Karl Lagerfeld's personality has really melded with Coco's - but not everyone knows yet who I am, so that's why I'm in the pictures. I don't like having my picture taken but it helps people to respond. My real life's not like the fantasy Tom Ford world - with naked girls pouring perfume everywhere. It's more staying in and watching Friends on television." Tom Ford on why he eschews the runway: "The reason I present in a small controlled way is that so much of what makes my clothes special is the cut, the stitching, the lining -- things that would be lost on the catwalk. On the catwalk you have to exaggerate, almost."

Natalia Vodianova on dieting: "The only diet I have ever done is the blood type diet -- I have done it for five years now. The big contracts go to the girls who are healthy - they need to have a sparkle in their eyes and you can't fake that if you're unhealthy." Natalia Vodianova on negativity: "I think it's really important to say no in this industry actually, it's more important than saying yes. I believe it is very much about saying no, and fighting for what you think you deserve." Eva Herzigova on being a 90s super: "It's a different time now - [the supermodel phenomenon] was a trend," she said. "The woman was much more feminine then, and we took longer to build up our careers. Modelling is very much based on experience."

Jourdan Dunn on healthy body image: "I've learnt to accept my flaws - I hated being skinny and lanky growing up. I think I'm fine so I've decided that no one can tell me otherwise. OK I'm skinny -- what's next, let's move on!"

Diane von Furstenberg on independent women, part 1: "I was on an early flight one morning and I was the only woman on the plane. On the same day, I'd managed to make it onto the cover of the Wall Street Journal -- which I had bought for the journey. There was a man sitting next to me on the plane and he kept staring at my legs and nudging me in the way someone does when they want to talk to you, but don't know what to say. So instead, the first thing he said to me was: 'Why would a girl like you be reading Wall Street Journal?' I looked at him like 'you jerk'. I never said to him, 'look you idiot, I'm on the cover!' Of all the satisfactions I've ever had in my life, that was the biggest." Diane von Furstenberg on independent women, part 2: "I didn't know what I wanted to do, I just knew the sort of woman I wanted to be. I wanted to be independent, I wanted to have my own money and be able to stand on my own - not the type of woman that waits for a man to call."

Stella McCartney and Kate Hudson on Keith Richards: "We met at the VH1 Fashion Awards. I saw her -- she was so cool -- standing in this doorway with Keith Richards." - Kate "I always carry Keith Richards with me in my handbag so I look cool." - Stella Stella McCartney on counterfeiting: "Part of you thinks, 'that's really annoying - we worked really hard on that. But my CEO came in one day so happy and said: 'My mum just saw a fake Falabella Bag in Marbella!' I suppose it does show you've hit kind of a sweet spot if people are copying you. But with the Silhouette Dress and the Polkadot Dress last season, we did have to send a few little letters reminding people that maybe it's not a good idea."

David Bailey on Cecil Beaton: "I mean, I was always a big fan of Cecil - but he was the most terrible middle-class snob." David Bailey on feminism: "I had a terrible time with feminists in the Seventies. They hated me, those women. I think they hated everything."

Stefano Gabbana on Domenico Dolce: "We are in love. It's a different kind of love, but we love each other. It's a difficult word to explain, but there's no real difference in the way we work together. We have a better level of understanding and tolerance maybe since separating romantically. People are jealous of what we have: still being in love and being able to make something interesting - we are strong and that's disturbing to some people. Domenico is like my family - even though we're not a couple any more. I have a brother, a mother, and Domenico... it has been a 20-year love affair." Domenico Dolce on underage models: "People say: 'Models are so young, they're so skinny.' But Mr. Balenciaga used models at 16 and that will never change. People say they are skinny, but there is a difference between skinny and sick. If someone is sick, they're sick. It's not because of fashion. If I have flu, I have flu; it's not because I work in fashion." Stefano Gabbana on shuttering the D&G line: "When we decided to do it, the people [stockholders] called us, going crazy - but we need to do it. Chanel has one label; Gucci; Vuitton - why do we need D&G? The people call Dolce & Gabbana 'D&G' - it is the symbol for Dolce & Gabbana, there's no need for us to have two labels." Stefano Gabbana on Madonna: "We went to see her on the Blond Ambition tour, we were big fans. We were watching the show - she was wearing Jean Paul Gaultier then - and I said to Domenico: 'Imagine if one day she wore Dolce & Gabbana.' Then we picked up the paper and there she was, in one of our dresses...She's beautiful, she's mature, she's a mother - like Isabella Rossellini or Monica Bellucci. She's a real woman."

Rachel Zoe on one of her fave jobs-well-done: "Anne Hathaway at the Venice Film Festival 2008 was a really good one. She wore an Atelier Versace celadon green gown and she looked just like the quintessential movie star. Literally - I gasped for air." Rachel Zoe on avoiding wardrobe malfunctions: "One of the things I'm most militant about is proper undergarments. Dress transparency can be a real issue! I photograph my clients in their dresses from the front, from the back, from the side, inside, outside, under hot lights... it needs to be an outfit that looks good from all angles and where potential disasters are kept to a minimum."

CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg, Vogue‘s Anna Wintour, Vanity Fair‘s Graydon Carter and a host of industry professionals including Calvin Klein‘s Francisco Costa, Tory Burch, Zac Posen, Theory’s Andrew Rosen, Nanette Lepore, Derek Lam and Joseph Altuzarra joined Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) at a breakfast yesterday to outline the initiative.

“This is such an opportunity for all of us — as an industry, as New Yorkers, as people who do an extraordinary job in creating economic growth — to join with the NRDC to take on this mission, which I think is unprecedented, and really herald a new era of what social change can be done by industry,” Gillibrand said.

One of Clean by Design’s goals is to get designers, retailers and brands to better understand their chain of supply and promote factory improvements. Those in attendance were shown a video depicting a Chinese river polluted by dyes with the statement that next season’s colors will be dictated by the colors of China’s rivers.

“We have found opportunities to reduce impact, using means that actually save the factories money, with process efficiency improvements that win-win, so to speak,” said Linda Greer, director of NRDC’s health and environment program. “The era of operating without knowledge of your factories abroad is ending, and the curtain is rising above the sorts of problems and aspirations that we have abroad.”

Anna Carter, a trustee of the NRDC, added, “It takes as much as 200 tons of water to produce 1 ton of fabric. Since less than 1 percent of the world’s water is drinkable, and our demand for it is on track to double over the next 40 years, this is an issue we need to address. We would be much more effective if we address it together.”

To that end, the NRDC developed its 10 Best Practices, low-cost solutions to reduce water, electricity and energy usage; from leak detection and maintenance in factories to recovering heat from smoke stacks. For every ton of fabric produced, these 10 practices can cut water usage by up to 23% and fuel usage by up to 32%.

PPR and one of its holdings Stella McCartney have already signed on to Clean by Design, though McCartney totally phoned it in; literally.  While she couldn’t make the breakfast, she sent along a video acknowledging her support. [WWD, sub req'd]

Knightley discusses her two new films with David Cronenberg, who recently directed the 27-year-old in last year’s A Dangerous Method. First there’s June’s Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, co-starring fellow fashion plate Steve Carell, and an adaptation of Anna Karenina, in which she plays Tolstoy’s legendary literary heroine — out just in time for awards season in December.

Seriously, just throw that girl in a period piece and watch the Oscars fly.

Photos: Interview

Over 75 designers including CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren, Robert Geller, Betsey Johnson, Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch and recent CFDA womenswear designer of the year nominee The Row have contributed customized totes, retailing for $200 on eBay.

If that’s a little out of your price range, basic limited edition totes in four styles are also available for $45.

According to eBay’s senior vice president of global communications, Alan Marks, the demand was so great for the fashion forward totes they “doubled the size of the collection in addition to offering more styles.”

The collection goes on sale today with sales benefiting the CFDA Foundation. Check out some of the bags up for grabs in the gallery below. [WWD]

The collection goes live online and in-store in the US on March 15 and the rest of the world on March 28 with items ranging from $20 to $120.

Photos: Vogue UK

“Just remember, she’s very shy.”

That was Diane von Furstenberg‘s warning to Kolb before meeting Anna Wintour. By the time he met Vogue‘s diva doyenne, Kolb had already gotten the job as Executive Director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America – a title that would eventually morph into his current as Chief Executive Officer —  and even though Wintour was not a member of the CFDA, meeting her was still obligatory. But they got along swimmingly.

And why wouldn’t they? This from the man who, after his initial interview with von Furstenberg and the CFDA board,  received an email from DVF herself saying simply, “I love you — Diane.”

Hailing from a non-profit background, Kolb has often claimed he’s an “accidental fashion drone” and despite his standing as the head of an organization that counts among its members the biggest and greatest designers in American fashion, he still gets excited by fashion shows. Though becoming a member of that prestigious organization, as one would expect, is no easy feat.

To be considered for CFDA membership, a designer has to have been in business for at least three years, have two letters of recommendation from CFDA members, retail presence and positive editorial coverage. Kolb stressed, however, that the most important thing for a designer to possess is a personal and unique point of view. It is also important for designers to do their homework.

Literally.

Applying to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, for example, requires a lengthy personal essay outlining why you love fashion, how you got started, the ins and outs of your business, as well as a five and ten year business plan. “Clarity on what you want your brand to be,” he said, “along with real talent is an ideal candidate.”

Since announcing their move from the Garment District, the CFDA has come under fire for seemingly abandoning the made in America, or at least Midtown, mantra. To wit, a member of the audience asked why the CFDA didn’t consider Harlem, with its surplus of abandoned buildings and cheap rent, for the future of manufacturing.

“The industry is stuck on Midtown as where fashion needs to be,” Kolb responded but he also insisted that with rising costs abroad — particularly in China —  ”You’re going to see a return to manufacturing in Manhattan in a big way.”

But the night wasn’t all about business. Henderson wrapped up her conversation with Kolb by asking him what was something that no one would know about him. Turns out Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA, was a football jock.

“I was the setter.” He was quick to clarify. “The guy who gives the ball to the guy who throws the ball.” Though he spent most of his time on the bench, Kolb proved popular with the cheerleaders who had a cheer especially for him: “Put Steven in! Put Steven in!”

Nevertheless, Kolb quit midway through the football season and joined the drama club. And I guess the rest is more or less history.

Photo: Style.com

Wu was responsible for 16% of interactions, thanks in part to his pairing with Nordstrom to live-stream his runway show and host a “live” trunk show where customers could pre-order from his fall collection.

Marc Jacobs comes in at a respectable second place with 14% of interactions, followed by Diane von Furstenberg and Michael Kors, both at 12%.

Fashion magazines had the biggest influence in driving the social media conversation, with a 27% stake, followed by bloggers at 25%, “fashion influencers” — whatever the hell that means — at 19%, online publications at 18% and the lowly editor at 11%. [WWD]

Click on each individual style below for more information and additional photos.

Cocktail Dresses by Mark & James by Badgley Mischka
Platforms by Brian Atwood

Clockwise from middle:

Metallic minty gold leopard print drapes the body as ethereally it would a Grecian goddess. Mark + James by Badgley Mischka One-Shoulder Brocade Caftan Dress, $395

Keep your shoulders toasty warm in dark grey faux fur for a chic look that’s also eco-friendly. Michael Kors Faux Fur Jacket, $184

This pyrite ring ain’t made for a fool, displayed in an antiqued, gold-plated claw setting. Citrine by the Stones Pyrite Ring, $290

Sky-high purple suede peep-toe pumps are pretty perfect for the occasion, no? B Brian Atwood Suede Peep-Toe Platform Pump, $300

Glisten while captivating every soul in the room with this sparkling, luminous eye color. Laura Mercier Sequin Eye Color, $22

What could be more fun than bubble gum pink polish sprinkled with hexagon-shaped rainbow glitter? Deborah Lippmann Candy Shop Nail Lacquer, $18

A splash of orange snakeskin with gold and silver hardware will be the standout in a room of green and purple. Diane von Furstenberg Tonda Snake Clutch, $365

No one knows party jewelry quite like KJL, and we’re crushing hard on these vintage-inspired earrings. Kenneth Jay Lane Tear Drop Earrings, $132

(In order of succession to the President)

President Anna Wintour

Vice President André Leon Talley

Secretary of State: Diane von Furstenberg

Secretary of the Treasury: Bernard Arnault

Secretary of Defense: Karl Lagerfeld

Attorney General Steven Kolb

Secretary of the Interior: Ralph Lauren

Secretary of Agriculture: Marc Jacobs

Secretary of Commerce: Valentino

Secretary of Labor: Nanette Lepore

Secretary of Health and Human Services: Glenda Bailey

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: Mickey Boardman

Secretary of Education: Michael Kors

Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Carine Roitfeld

Secretary of Homeland Security: Calvin Klein

Chief of Staff: Simon Doonan

Environmental Protection Agency: Emmanuelle Alt

Office of Management & Budget: Donna Karan

United States Trade Representative Ambassador: Daphne Guinness

United States Ambassador: Grace Coddington

Secretary of Small Business Administration: Fern Mallis

And there, indies, is your political lesson of the day.

Now the question is, would you vote Anna Wintour for president?

The other question is, can you find our h McQueen? Happy Presidents Day off!

Following in Stella McCartney‘s child-friendly steps, von Furstenberg is the latest designer to be tapped by Gap. Her diffusion line launches on March 15 and will be aimed mostly towards girls — with a few unisex items —  from infancy to age 14. Meaning, a few lucky pocket gays and gals will be very happy come the ides of March; and I’m not talking that George Clooney movie no one saw.

Take a look at DVF giving back to the kids in this sneak peek video:

Click through the gallery for some boots from New York Fashion Week that are made for walking.

Photos: Style.com

A thigh-high boot at Joseph Altuzarra

Chunky heels at Marc Jacobs

Burgundy and a thick heel at 3.1 Phillip Lim

Bootie-licious at Derek Lam

A burgundy thigh-high at Alexander Wang

Donna Karan giving bootie

Congrats on the move! Any news on the progress?

Architects are measuring the space, and we’ll be seeing the first round of designs next week. We’ll decide on the final design by end of the month. It will be built by Spring.

How do you plan on continuing to promote the Garment Center even though you’ve moving away from it?

We have the CFDA Incubator program there in the Garment Center. We have 6 designers graduating this spring, and we’re helping them all to find studio space there. We’re seeding the neighborhood. We’ve got 10 more designers we’re helping find space there. We are also conducting a study with the Made in Midtown Design Trust for Public Space to see how we can use the Garment Center better.

And CFDA prospectives on your horizon? What new designers have you excited this season?

I can’t name any. I like every show, I just like going to the shows. I love the collective energy of talented designers and creative people. Fashion Week is one big giant long runway!

What’s the first thing you’re going to do once the giant runway of Fashion Week has come to a close?

I’m going to my house in Pennsylvania to relax.

And relax you should. You deserve it. Enjoy!

Though only a relative handful of designs were chosen for the exhibit, Impact represents nearly every major American designer of the past 50 years — from Pauline Trigère to Diane von Furstenberg, Halston to Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren to Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta to Thom Browne and Donna Karan to Rodarte.

“For someone like me who wasn’t born in America, Impact almost sounds like a 1950s American car,” explained CFDA pres DVF on a walkthrough of the exhibit yesterday. “That’s what America is about. It’s about precise fashion, and not fashion for the sake of fashion. It combines fashion and street, and fashion and life.”

400 active members of the CFDA were asked to choose one look that best represented them or made the most impact on their careers, while museum curators Patricia Mears and Fred Dennis chose for the dearly departed. Work of members whose pieces were not chosen for the installation are displayed in evening vignettes and video projections.

“Not all the CFDA members could be included on the gallery floor,” CFDA CEO Steven Kolb told WWD, “so we created an interactive directory of all members presented on 10 iPad stations throughout the exhibit.”

There’s also a media room where visitors can use iPads to scroll through a timeline of CFDA history and key moments in American fashion. And not ones to be left behind on the social media front, there’s even a hashtag for the Twitter-inclined — #impactcfda.

“We didn’t know what designers would send, so every day felt like birthday with a surprise,” Mears said. “In some cases, we got things that were very clear. When you see the Diane von Furstenberg [wrap] dress, you know it’s hers. When you see the Ralph Lauren [Americana] ensemble, you know it’s Ralph.”

And sometimes, things weren’t so clear. For instance, Marc Jacobs initially wanted a look from his then-controversial but now-iconic 1993 gunge collection for Perry Ellis, but since he didn’t own any of it Anna Sui donated a dress from her private collection.

“For me, the great difficulty with American fashion is that we are so diverse,” Mears continued. “You have the most flamboyant ballgowns and the most wearable and accessible garments. Everything speaks to the product coming out of what I call the American machine — the design machine, the manufacturing machine, the retailing machine, the marketing machine. All of it is part of American fashion over the last 50 years, and I hope that diversity is reflected here.”

Impact: 50 Years of the CFDA will run from February 10 through April 17 and will definitely be a must-see during Fashion Week. [WWD, sub req'd]

- Perhaps anticipating a forthcoming lull in her career, Rihanna has signed on to host and produce her first reality show. [Huff Po]

- Diane von Furstenberg still does not care for any jailbait on her goddamn runway, thanks. [The Cut]

- IMG threw it way back to the Renaissance for its show package, featuring star models Joan Smalls, Candice Swanepoel, Jessica Stam, Karolina Kurkova, Lily Donaldson et al photoshopped into classic works of art. [Modelinia]

- Noted wheeler and occasional dealer Pat Sajak claims he’s hosted Wheel of Fortune drunk on many an occasion. In fact, he and Vanna White used to knock back “two or three or six” maggy ritas during lunch. Or what I like to call a Wednesday. [The Hollywood Reporter]

-Here’s a preview of Adriana Lima‘s Super Bowl commercial for Kia. Mid-sized economy cars just got a whole lotta sexy:

When and how did your line begin?

I launched my accessories line in the Fall of 2010 with a concept design of epaulets.  I created a small collection in different styles and they ended up in the hands of some fashion influentials. I’ve since introduced earrings, bangles and eyewear.

What inspires your work?

I watch a lot of nature documentaries. I’m in love with the beluga whale. I watch the same documentaries over and over.. I’ve seen the Blue Planet series over a hundred times and I now watch Microcosmos fanatically. Have you ever seen ladybugs make love? It’s a fascinating and a gentle experience.

Where do you finding the amazing leathers and animal skins that you use on your accessories?

I buy my leather at the same place that Helmut Lang, Diane Von Furstenberg and Oscar De La Renta buy from. Its expensive and the best in the city. Libra Leather. I work with Sam Jones, The Leather Queen. She has great taste and instincts when it comes to leather. Libra Leather has been pioneering leather trends in New York for decades. They provide the selection designers conceptualize their entire leather collection from. They are best in the biz.

The Feather Spray Earrings seem like a big deviation from some of your previous designs. What was the inspiration behind those?

When I launched my line in October 2009 I used feathers in the fabrication of many of those epaulet designs. The feather was lying on my desk at a certain angle and it came to me.. that should be attached to an ear. I guess it’s all the nature videos I watch.

What celebrities have you worked with?

I grew up in NYC so Mary J Blige, Lauryn Hill and Beyonce were the soundtrack of my life. I attended borderline ruff schools and their music was uplifting and their voices strong, I adored them. Now as an adult, this entire experience as a designer has been transcendental for me. I often can’t believe who I’ve turned out to be. Just three years ago I was the most unhappiest girl in the world. I’ve designed for all them. I’ve also created custom accessories for Lil Wayne’s and Prince’s musical tours.. I used to make out with posters of Prince. I’ve designed for Alicia Keys’ Freedom tour.  Lauryn Hill just bought my entire collection for her European tour.

What’s your favorite part about being a designer?

The actual design process is probably my favorite part of being a designer. I often struggle between concept and application.. I’ll think about a construction for months before I even attempt to piece it together.. My own thoughts intimidate me. There is an element of anxiety I experience and I know that I’ll figure it out eventually. There are some designs I’ve constructed, not many, that I will never share with the world. I hoard special pieces.

What are the biggest challenges as a designer?

Figuring out which tradeshows to do make me pretty dizzy.

Three must haves to have in your wardrobe?

Combat boots, a black fur and a balaclava.

What is your best moment that you’ve experienced in your career?

All of them have been extraordinary. Getting picked up by Nordstrom, a tour order from Alicia Keys, selling at Patricia Field and having my mom and dad say that they’re proud of me.

What advice do you have for aspiring designers?

Organize yourself. Have a decent website, take good pictures, get a press list, don’t get tired, get motivated.  Surround yourself with good people that want good for you.  Love yourself and visualize yourself in the place you want to be.

How would you describe your personal style?

My look changes drastically, often. Recently my style is Le Femme Nikita.. assassin chic.

What is the inspiration behind “in love and good fashion” and “good taste must be shared”?

I tend to curate everything. My friends, my wardrobe and words.. I love language and assembling words together.. In Love and Good Fashion fell into place in the first weeks of creating my first collection.. it represents the head set I was in at the time..

Good Taste Must Be Shared is a personal philosophy.. Good taste crosses over into all aspects of living.. food, clothing, jewelry, travel and all of earths spoils.. Everything that is good about anything should be shared and enjoyed.

What’s currently on your iPod?

I don’t have an Ipod but I have been listening to Amy Winehouse, Wu Tang Clan, Florence and The Machine and Lauryn Hill recently.

Describe Mary Had A little Scam and the other short films you are working on based on your line?

I decided to make a short film when the concepts in my head began to move and could only be expressed through video. I’ve watched enough documentaries and films to understand the shooting style I like.  I titled the film Mary Had  A Little Scam to represent the duality between innocence and  a calculated menace. I wanted to create a sexy film that captures the private moments strong women experience when alone.. the awkwardness, paranoia, struggle, uncertainty and ultimate perseverance.  The character Mary in the short film Mary Had A Little Scam has a public persona of  a fierce rebel leader with the American Accessories Coalition for Good Taste (AACGT). Her mission is to collect rare jewelry from around the world, sharing good taste with the masses.

What are you currently working on for your line right now?

I’m preparing a trip to Paris, meetings, meetings, meetings!

Where do you see Seville Michelle Anastos 5 years from now?

I’m excited for the future.  Nothing I’ve done has been planned, my line has swept me off my feet!

You can follow Seville Michelle’s line and updates on twitter too @SevilleMAnastos

First things first, let’s talk about what DVF was wearing. According to WWD, von Furstenberg “swooped into the courtroom wearing gold-rimmed aviators and a long black sparkly knit sweater over an off-white turtleneck and black skirt.” Legal. Ease.

Anyhoo, back in August, Judge Victor Marrero, a Manhattan Southern District judge, denied Louboutin a preliminary injunction that would have stopped YSL from selling its monochromatic red pump from its 2011 resort collection, and further questioned the validity of Louboutin’s trademarked red sole. Marrero ruled that no designer could have a monopoly on any one color.

Louboutin’s lawyer — who also happens to be DVF’s lawyer — Harley Lewin claimed that Marrero misjudged the case by assuming Louboutin meant every shade of red and not the Chinese red he had trademarked in 2008. YSL’s lawyer, a David Bernstein, argued that YSL’s monochromatic pumps are integral to the brand’s DNA, adding, “We don’t want to find out we can’t make red shoes.”

While the judges openly criticized Marrero’s opinion and the findings on which it was based, there’s no guarantee they’ll overturn his verdict. If they do, however, it’s back to court for both parties. I’m hoping for another trial if only for another DVF cameo. What will she wear?! Perhaps a YSL le smoking and a Louboutin strapless…you know, for kicks. [WWD]

- Speaking of the Obamas, the campaign’s Runway to Win e-commerce site went live today, featuring designs by Proenza Schouler, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Alexander Wang and —  for kicks — the House of Dereon. [Runway to Win]

- Will wonders never cease? A Top Model contestant actually becomes a top model. ANTM‘s Cycle 10 reject Fatima Siad — the second coming of Iman — landed Hervé Léger‘s spring 2012 campaign. [The Cut]

- Blue Ivy Carter is officially a hitmaker. The less than a week old diva-in-training is the youngest person to enter the Billboard charts, riding on the coattails of daddy Hov’s “Glory.”  No one’s ready for this baby’s jelly. [People]

- Calvin Klein and his jailbait lothario Nick Gruber are apparently “on a break.” Guess Calvin finally put Nick down for his nap. [NYDN]

- Indie Music Style Star Azealia Banks is going Gaga, working with the Lady’s right-hand queen Nicola Formichetti on her latest video. [Fashionista]

- Nike‘s agreed to pay a group of nearly 4,500 Indonesian factory workers $1 million in overtime, which roughly comes out to the price of a pair of Air Jordans per worker. Congrats. [The Cut]

- Lingerie models stripped down to their skivvies in Paris’ Musee d’Orsay as part of a publicity stunt for panty purveyor Etam. Museum officials, however, were not amused. Mostly because they did it without getting permission to film in the museum first. [Huff Po]

Photo: Vogue.com

Wintour and Vogue have reportedly been “instrumental” in coercing assembling the 22 designers, including Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, Alexander Wang, Tracy Reese, Joseph Altuzarra, Rachel Roy, Narciso Rodriguez, Rag & Bone and Jason Wu. Wary of alienating Republican voters from their brands, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton initially nixed their labels from participating in Runway to Win, but Marc Jacobs — of which LVMH owns a majority stake — designed his T-shirt anyway, “following pressure from the magazine,” according to WWD.

On the other hand, Donna Karan, also owned by LVMH, did not bow to Wintour and is therefore not participating in the fundraising effort. And therefore won’t be seen in Vogue anytime soon…Kidding!…Not really.

Runway to Win’s e-commerce site, runwaytowin.com, officially launches on Thursday, but Wintour’s re-election campaign is not stopping there. She will also co-host an Obama fundraiser with actress Scarlett Johansson in February — which I’m taking as a sign that ScarJo will be on the cover around that time. See, kids, and you thought fashion and politics had nothing in common. They both require a steely nerve, a willingness to compromise and the ability to turn a blind eye to corruption. The blatant abuse of power doesn’t hurt either. [WWD]

Photo: Vogue.com

These earphones are ever so feminine and sounds as extraordinary as they look.

No one loves the look of his name on products more than MJ. Bring back the 90's with these retro styled headphones.

Miuccia keeps these headphones plush, old school, and most importantly luxurious. These don't have crazy embellishments just the Prada stamp of approval on the sides.

This is Gaga's second collab for Beats by Dre. These aren't are design centric as her first but she still reminds you that these bad boys have a little Gaga edge.

Just like most of DVF's designs these are understated yet elegant with a pop of print.

These don't come under a luxury label but you have to admit that these are super cute. Definitely not for the shy.

Heidi Klum will be portrayed by Angela Lindvall. The role of Nina Garcia will be played by Marchesa‘s Georgina Chapman. Joanna Coles, editor-in-chief of Marie Claire will star as mentor-in residence Tim Gunn. And returning to the fashion reality competition show stage is Isaac Mizrahi as Michael Kors. Guest judges will include Diane von Furstenberg, Miranda Kerr, Miss Piggy, Pharrell Williams, Nanette Lepore, Rachel Roy, Catherine Malandrino, and Mark Badgley and James Mischka.

The All-Stars in question are past Runway contestants who weren’t quite up to snuff, such as Austin Scarlett, Sweet P, Kara Janx and that much-reviled whiny copycat, Kenley Collins. Personally, I stopped watching Project Runway as soon as it hopped from Bravo to Lifetime,  deciding along the way that a season in L.A. was a good idea, but this new spin-off series could bring some much-needed fresh air into the franchise.

The All-Stars will compete for a handsome set of prizes, the most lucrative in Runway history: “an exclusive designer boutique in select Neiman Marcus stores and on neimanmarcus.com; $100,000 in technology and office space to help expand their business from HP and Intel; $100,000 cash from L’Oréal Paris; a feature spread in Marie Claire, for which he or she will serve as a guest editor for one year, and a sewing and embroidery studio provided by Brother International.” Well, at least they made returning to the scene of one’s former and very public embarrassment suitably enticing.

Will you watch Project Runway All-Stars when it premieres January 5 on Lifetime, television for women unemployed gay men? [WWD]

Photo: Adam Marelli Photo

Honoring Cunningham’s nearly 50 years of chronicling fashion, the award also recognizes his role in inspiring philanthropy. Gala chairs include Sarah Jessica Parker, Annette and Oscar de la Renta, and Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller.

Photo: Adam Marelli Photo

- Diane von Furstenberg thinks Bernard Arnault should throw his $41-billion weight around and step in to solve the ongoing skirmish over the fashion week calendar. [WSJ]

Photo: People

- Britney Spears‘ fiance, Justin Trawick apparently told jeweler Neil Lane he “didn’t want an over-the-top ring with a giant stone.” So Lane instead opted for subtlety and nothing says subtlety like 90 small diamonds around a big — but not giant — diamond. [People]

- Between Lanvin Petite‘s $1570 trenches and Young Versace‘s new boutique featuring a merry-go-round, kids are hitting the runway before hitting the playground. [WWD, WWD]

- Someone clearly lost a finger over this appearance on Anderson Cooper‘s talk show. No one makes Madonna sound like two obese gimps going at it in a pool of hot wax and gets away with it. [Styleite]

- Some people are real assholes during the holidays. [Racked]

- And some people are surprisingly amazing. [Jezebel]

- Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is getting the Juicy Couture sweatpants sued right off of her. The pocket-guidette filed suit to end her contract with licensing company, SRG Ventures in October. SRG has now countered with their own suit to the tune of $7 million, but jokes on them: all of Snooki’s assets are tied up in Valtrex stock and deep-fried pickle bonds. [NY Post]

Photo: People

Didier Grumbach / Photo: The Crowd Blog

“I don’t understand why Paris completely and totally just ignored what all of us have worked so hard on,” DVF said. “I am speechless. I just e-mailed [Chambre Syndicale president Didier Grumbach] and said that I was completely in shock.”

Grumbach, for his part, plans on sending a letter explaining his position to von Furstenberg, but for the Chambre, the decision came down to a matter of deadlines. “It was perfectly open and clear and very obvious that our members could not accept this…” Grumbach explained, referring to the previous back and forth between everyone.

“We fall at the end of the calendar, ” he continued. “All of the member houses agreed that this would make them very late in taking orders, which in turn would be penalizing for deliveries. It’s an industrial reason: you are a manufacturer, you need your orders early…Who wants to be penalized? It doesn’t make sense. We have had lots of meetings about pushing Paris show dates earlier as many brands really want that.”

In a board meeting presided over by Hermès deputy managing director Guillaume de Seynes, members voted unanimously to keep  their show dates, thus flying in the face of the proposed second Thursday rule.  For 2013, Paris will show from February 26 (a Tuesday) to March 6 and then from September 24 (also a Tuesday) to October 2; the dates for 2014 are (Tuesday) February 25  to March 5 and (Tuesday) September 23 to October 1.

And in a case of that playground staple monkey see-monkey do, Milan’s Camera Nazionale della Moda president Mario Boselli proclaimed: “We were going to move if Paris was also moving. As Paris is not moving, we won’t either.” He then stuck out his tongue, stole the CFDA’s lunch money and pushed London’s British Fashion Council off the swings.

So what does this all mean? Well, according to Boselli, in order to avoid any show schedule overlap New York and the CFDA are going to have to swallow their pride: “Perhaps the only way out would be for the Americans to reduce their fashion week to seven days, as nine days is too long, and start a couple of days after Labor Day.”

Now that Paris won’t change its schedule, neither will Milan, leaving London and New York on the other side of the aisle — and I wouldn’t be surprised if one side casually slipped out a stilettoed heel to “accidentally” trip the other on the march towards compromise. [WWD]

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So this whole shebang is getting all kinds of complicated so here’s a quick run-down:

New York, London, Milan and Paris had agreed — at least in the minds of New York and London — to always and forever start the fashion show calendar on the second Thursday of February and September way back in 2008. Milan and Paris claimed they had agreed to no such thing.

In accordance with this — the “second Thursday rule” — NYFW would start on September 13, thus moving everyone else back one week. Milan said, “Not cool, bro” and threatened to decide its own dates and Condé Nast threatened a boycott by all Vogue editors.

Milan said “Screw you guys, bring it on,” by deciding to keep their original dates, September 19-25, thus conflicting with both New York and London, prompting DVF to ask, “Can’t we all just get along?”

Then New York said, “Fine, you win” and offered to move the dates of the September 2012 shows, to Septembr 6 (the first Thursday) through September 13.

Milan said, “Damn right we win,” then decided to throw its weight around by stipulating that New York had to cut out the September 13 date to accommodate London’s men’s collections. And New York said, “Fuggedaboutit.”

Which more or less brings us up to speed. So the CFDA is waiting to hear if the Camera Nazionale accepts this latest development. As for the second Thursday rule, the CFDA proposed revisiting it after three years and meeting with the Camera in 2013 to discuss the 2014 show dates.

Still confused? Don’t blame you. Which is why they should just settle this with a good old-fashioned walk-off like civilized people. [WWD]

is lending a shoe to Girls (inc.) across North America to gain the self esteem to make something amazing of themselves. We know every girl has a wrap dress inside of them.

wants to help poor children get plastic surgery. Cleft lips affect thousands of children worldwide, leaving a gap in the mouth up to the nose and even back on the palate. It's kind of dangerous as babies can't eat as well, but mostly it's a social issue. We don't want kids growing up with deformed faces. You can help Yigal's diffusion line

are helping Heal The Bay clean the polluted waters of SoCal, so that hot surfers can surf clean.

both chose Flying Kites as a charity worth supporting. Their goal is to help orphaned, poverty stricken kids in Africa get a full and educated childhood, so they can help break the impoverished cycle.

The troops storm the runway

The Camera will agree to start the fashion week calendar on the second Thursday of September, beginning in 2013, but only if: a.) New York cuts the last day of its fashion week so as to give London an extra day for their men’s wear collections, and b.) Paris agrees to the schedule.

Paris Fashion Week, in a prime example of saving the best for last, always follows Milan Fashion Week – but by adhering to the second Thursday rule the dates of the former will be pushed even later, to the beginning of October. Meanwhile, Didier Grumbach, the president of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, said on Wednesday that “nothing has changed for 2012″ for Paris and that the Chambre will meet in December to discuss PFW’s 2013 and 2014 show dates.

So it seems the final decision lays with Paris as Milan is ready to walk away from the table if their conditions aren’t met. Diane von Furstenberg, Steven Kolb and the rest of the CFDA are currently considering Milan’s plan, giving hope that maybe everyone can get this whole shebang sorted out before New Year’s.

And if that fails, DVF is not above boarding a tank and blowing the heel right off that boot-shaped country. [WWD]

The troops storm the runway

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]

Photos via Fashion Gone Rogue

Hard, bronzed, smooth moves in all directions. This T-bar suitcase is kind of sexy.

Blocked bright with DVF approved colors, this bag will catch the glimmer in your eye from way across the baggage carousel. And it's on sale right now!!

Perfect for your next cruise. I expect swashbuckling and booty aplenty.

Baby you can drive my car to the airport, and carry my luggage to the porter. Thanks.

Give me some croc imprinted leather and a leopard lining, and I've got a suitcase to take on my next foreign affair with that shipping heir...

Painterly floraled luggage will take your suitcase to a fantastic wonderland, which is marvelous, so long as it arrives at the right airport.

For the light traveler, take a spacious, luscious carry-on. Soft leather lets it fit tight in the overhead when it gets crowded. Chances are though, if you have this bag, you're flying first class, or a private jet, and don't need to worry about a crowded anything.

Blaring bright and hard-cased, this playful suitcase will be hard to lose.

Modernized batik cases the structured suitcase, and gives four wheels to turn on.

Cover girl Lucas plays the fair-haired, fair-skinned outsider, finding sophistication in the wilderness with looks from Bottega Veneta, Marni, Tommy Hilfiger, Miu Miu, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Meanwhile Fogarty is immersed in tribal prints and the occasional headwrap from the runways of Burberry, Balenciaga, Pucci, Diane von Furstenberg, Giorgio Armani and Maison Martin Margiela.

Photos: Image Amplified and Fashion Gone Rogue

Loulou de la Falaiase was born in 1948 and rose to prominence as an editor of London’s Queen magazine in the Sixties. Her signature style got her noticed by Saint Laurent who hired her in 1972 in a rather vague capacity. de la Falaise ended up designing jewelry for the YSL house, and also had her hand in the brand’s ready-to-wear and couture lines.

“I have known Loulou since we were 20.” Diane von Furstenberg told WWD. “We had a lot of laughs together. She had a powerful spirit, an amazing chic and style. She could turn anything into something. I recall that she was staying in our house in Sardinia with Egon and I the summer Yves offered her to come and work for him. I remember that all she had with her was a tiny cardboard suitcase with a few scarves…but she would transform these scarves into beach covers, dramatic evening outfits and glorious turbans. Loulou really had the touch.”

“Loulou was poetry,” said Betty Catroux, another of Saint Laurnet’s iconic ladies. “We were the opposite. She saw everything in pink and I saw everything in black. We shared a life together with such complicity. If I could choose a dream sister, it would be Loulou.”

“She was just so unbelievably stylish. She had a way of putting together things — no matter which designer made them — that made them her own,” said Oscar de la Renta, who praised de la Falaise’s “refined eye” and always felt reassured if the late designer said “I love that.”

de la Falaise is to be buried this Thursday November 10th at Eglise Saint-Roch, 296 Rue Saint Honoré in Paris, the same place Yves Saint Laurent’s funeral was held in 2008. [WWD]

Loulou, Saint Laurent and Betty Catroux

Betty Catroux, YSL and Loulou de la Falaise

For the girly girl with a happy-go-lucky personality, Especially Escada will allow your charming self to sparkle. Notes of Pear, Rose and Ylang Ylang are feminine and breezily modern.

Glamorous, sensual, provocative - three words to describe the woman wearing Dolce & Gabbana The One Lace Edition. Available for a limited time, get the seductive combination of Jasmine, Peach, Plum and Amber notes before it's gone.

Go on a power trip with Gucci Guilty, a fragrance for the bold, independent woman with a sexy edge. Rich notes of Mandarin, Pink Pepper, Amber and Patchouli create a young and stylish scent, just like its Italian namesake.

Glamorous, sophisticated and elegant is the woman who wears Tom Ford. The same must be said for Violet Blonde, a worldly fragrance with notes of Violet Leaf, Italian Mandarin, Baie Rose and Cedarwood Orpur.

For the classically feminine woman with a free spirit, DIANE will envelope the body and stay with you all the day through. Notes of Frangipani, Violet and Myrrh are powerfully seductive.

Tapping his considerable resources, ALT has secured a gown worn by Oscar-winner Penélope Cruz to a Met Costume Institute Gala from Oscar de la Renta; a black  sequined wrap dress from Diane von Furstenberg; a coat trimmed with feathers and plastic fringe from Prada‘s fall 2007 collection; an evening column — what other kind of column is there? — from Tom Ford‘s first eponymous women’s collection; and a pair of blue satin Manolo Blahnik shoes from Sex and the City: The Movie.

In addition, the exhibit will include a video display showing Blahnik making milkshakes on The Martha Stewart Show, music from 2001: A Space Odyssey in the background and either Oscar de la Renta’s Live in Love or DVF’s Diane “wafting through the ventilation system.” But if you can’t make it down to Georgia for this multi-sensory experience, fret not. In December, Talley’s and de la Renta’s Joaquín Sorolla and the Glory of Spanish Dress will open at Manhattan’s Queen Sofia Spanish Institute.

And of course there’s always next year when you can apply for admission to ALTCADOYPF. [NYT]

Photo: Terry Richardson...duh

I would’ve thought that Marc was already on the board, if not president Diane von Furstenbrerg‘s girl Friday, but mazel to the kids, who were nominated by the board of directors way back in July. They’ll be joining the ranks of 26 designers, including Oscar de la Renta, Narciso Rodriguez, Tory Burch, Calvin Klein’s Francisco Costa and Norma Kamali. Meanwhile, Nicole Miller, John Bartlett and Richard Lambertson are leaving the board of directors to join the Emeritus board. [WWD]

The stars from all walks of fame turned out for the iconic chat, including Diane von Furstenberg, Uma Thurman, Naomi Watts, Sean Avery, Chanel Iman, Prabal Gurung, Tory Burch, Jessica Alba, Jerry Seinfeld, Tom Brokaw, Babs Walters, Martha Stewart and of course, Gayle King.  All in all the event raised over $7 million proving once again that everything Oprah touches turns to gold. Or at least turns to wads and wads of cash. [WWD]

Ralph and O

Babs Walters

Gayle

DVF

Naomi Watts

Uma

Chanel Iman

The Seinfelds

Prabal Gurung

Everyone's favorite hockey player turned fashionisto, Sean Avery

Martha Stewart

Kerry Washington

Tory Burch

Camilla Belle, Dylan Lauren, Jessica Alba and Lauren Bush Lauren

Sometime actress Camilla Belle

The Family Lauren

For our Uptown Chic/Downtown Sleek look today we are obsessing over these Reiss sequin trousers.  The perfect complement to both buttery smooth silks as well as rough & textured fabrics, their slim line and subtle sparkle make them a wardrobe essential.

Multicolor patchwork in shades of toned down primary hues will wrap bright and warm.

Wool that ombres into leather makes this multi texture poncho snug the shoulders tight.

Don't be fooled, this is not a coat. Those armlets are actually a second layer of broçade that goes all the way around back. 'Tis primarily for fall.

Let the 20s fringe hang down, and the blue piping catch an eye.

Replace the raincoat with something sheerly phenomenal. Made of patent leather, it's totally posh.

Keeping the cape simple, this warmer weather mini cape will shield you from elements through November.

Block it out and frame the cape. Keep this one boxy.

This plush faux fur capelet will make you your own teddy bear, in caramel stripes.

This double sided cashmere throw will keep you cuddly inside and out.

Thin faux fur cascades to a point.

The trench got some werq done. Sleeves begone, behold a cape.

Through the fall it'll suffice as a full on jacket, but layer it over your coat come the deep cold.

A chic, asymmetrical camel coat gets even better with a beautiful oversized collar.

Give your best blue steel in this steel blue, double-breasted beauty.

A statement for sure, this coat will brighten even the dreariest fall day.

As classic as the trench can get, sit down to high tea in this belted version.

One of the handsomest we've seen, this military-style wool coat boasts swanky gold buttons.

Navy and black have never looked this good together, and the shawl collar is sure to keep the fall chill at bay.

Plaid at its finest, we like it in graduated blue and trimmed in leather.

This navy wool coat has a removable black collar for maximum versatility.

Channeling pre-Raphaelite romanticism, this draped wrap coat is reminiscent of the lust and drama of a Bronte novel.

In the warmest paprika hue, this contemporary coat has just enough adorable retro details.

Like a chic, oversized boyfriend blazer but tailored for you young lady.

Three-quarter sleeves and a waist-dusting length make this the perfect fall faux fur.

Orange may seem too trendy, but this burnt, retro shade will keep you warm for years.

Tobacco brown leather cinched at the waist is oh so sophisticated.

This bright red statement coat will perfectly complement your fiery, attention-grabbing personality.

Become a vision in voluminous draping with this lightweight, wool tweed swing coat.

Gaga wore it and you can too - luxe green leather is a contemporary fall statement.

Wrap yourself in a cocoon of blue and see the future of spacey prints.

Satin and cashmere turn up the volume on this classic, military-inspired pea coat.

Utilitarian pockets, short sleeves and a drawstring hood make this the perfect lightweight coat for a fall shower.

An investment you surely won't regret, it doesn't get more classic than this belted black trench.

Not quite a coat, but a stately fall cape like this belongs in every lady's closet.

Neck frills give this cotton number an innocent edge.

Get the luxe English look for less from our favorite Japanese retailer.

Double-breasted with hand-warming flap pockets, this coat comes in seven different colors and patterns.

Photo: Richard Guaty

“We proved that there was no agreement with the Council of Fashion Designers of America and the British Fashion Council regarding the three years 2012-2013-2014, and that, in any case, the postponement of a week for the dates of September 2012 was not on the table,” said Boselli.

Fashion week in Milan next year, Sept. 19th-25th, will directly conflict with New York and London —  Sept. 13th-20th and Sept. 21st-25th, respectively. With more than a bit of spite, Milan blames the CFDA for moving NYFW a week later than in previous years and if they were to follow suit, Italian designers wouldn’t be able to satisfy production needs.

Boselli also finds accusations that the Italians are not honoring its commitments as “an aggressive and arrogant stance towards the CNMI” since they had set their 2012 dates in March of last year.

DVF, in an open letter to the fashion community, reasserts the CFDA’s stance on the “Second Thursday” rule:

Editors, retailers and designers  like the consistency of every designer always showing on the same day of the week season after season. It makes it so much easier for everyone to plan and attend shows…We did not change from the agreement we reached of starting Fashion Season in New York on the same day every year…I also believe this conflict is a misunderstanding. I am convinced it will be resolved and that the agreement that was made 3 years ago at great cost and effort is valid and will be kept.

President of France’s Chambre Syndicale, Didier Grumbach, also thinks that this is all just one big misunderstanding, though he agrees with Boselli that the rule was only temporary: “We always said that it is impossible to plan anything beyond three years as you never know what kind of events might come up…The idea was always that we would meet up again once the three-year time period was up.”

If all this back and forth between everyone is confusing, matters got a whole lot messier when the CFDA and the BFC sent letters to Italian designers asking to help Boselli and Grumbach “stick to this agreement and maintain the current flow of dates.” Those designers, for their part, wholeheartedly support the CNMI.

For now, it looks like no one is backing down though von Furstenberg is still holding out hope for a compromise. [WWD, WWD -- sub req'd]

Photo: Richard Guaty

Diane joined 100 wrap-dress-adorned women to turn it out to Chaka Khan‘s “I’m Every Woman” before signing autographs at the Sephora flagship store on the Champs-Elysées. This is but one of many public appearance von Furstenberg is making throughout Europe to promote Diane: “Tomorrow I’ll be in Madrid, Monday in Lisbon, Tuesday in Warsaw and Thursday in Milan.” A lady’s work is never done, is it, DVF?[WWD]

The granddaughter of one of the pillars of Italian couture, Elsa Schiaparelli, Marisa was “invented” by legendary Vogue editor Diana Vreeland at the age of sixteen, and became one of the most prolific models of the 60s and 70s. She graced every cover from Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar to Newsweek and Time and worked with the greatest photographers of the 20th century including Irving Penn, Richard Avedon and Helmut Newton. Then in the 70s, she embarked on a successful film career, along the way becoming, as Yves Saint Laurent dubbed her, “the girl of the seventies.” Featuring an introduction by aspiring popstar Hamish Bowles and a conversation with BFF for the last four decades or so, Diane von Furstenberg, Marisa Berenson: A Life in Pictures, gives insight into one of the most fabulous women to step in front of a camera lens.

What owning this book says about you: “I like my ‘It’ girls the way I like my drugs: pure, uncut and from the 70s.” Marisa Berenson’s rise to “It” status was pre-destined — glamour is literally in her blood — and she did it so effortlessly and so well that any girls aspiring to “It” today are but pale imitations. I’m looking at you, every socialite/DJ with a fashion fixation.

What will people say?!: “Someone loves them some artistic nudes and/or just loves a good boob shot.” True, Marisa Berenson had no problem flaunting what her mother, The Countess Maria Luisa Yvonne Radha de Wendt de Kerlor — a.k.a. Gogo — gave her, though her grandmother certainly did. After seeing a nipple-bearing photo by Arnaud de Rosnay, Schiap, according to Berenson, “was so furious that she practically threw me out of the house and disowned me.” But as DVF so astutely pointed out, “to show your tits was not a big deal at the time. To be young in the seventies was quite different.” Different i.e. awesome.

How this book will make your fashion brain grow: Berenson’s dynamic and daring photos offer a master class in brilliant fashion photography and moreover, in brilliant fashion photographers.

If you like this, you’ll love: Death in Venice (1971), Cabaret (1972), Barry Lyndon (1975) and I Am Love (2009) – Marisa’s work as an actress is almost as impressive as her modeling, particularly her first few films from the 70s. And 2009′s I Am Love proved that, even well into her 60s, she’s still an electrifying and stunning presence.

Marisa Berenson wearing copper-colored sequin dress by Gayle Kirkpatrick for Atelier.

Marisa Berenson with many shell headdress is worn to complement the warm Mediterranean make-up up colors, like the different shades of blue circling the eyes. She is also wearing a light blue sheer dress

Model Marisa Berenson wearing strapless green and red chiffon dress from Bill Blass. Circa January 1966.

Sherry Lehmann Wine.  Arizona Iced Tea. Fiber One. No, these aren’t the contents of your grandmother’s kitchen cabinet. These are three of the big-name sponsors for New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the biggest and least important of the four major Fashion Weeks. But is New York’s continued dwindling in importance a direct result of the less than fabulous coterie of sponsors, or is it the other way around? And who’s to blame?

The Hardy Gays are on the case!

The main culprit is Milk Studios, whose latest incarnation as MilkMade has stolen much of the luster from Lincoln Center. But whereas they compete for sponsors, MilkMade usually draws smaller shows…however, the Marc Jacobses and the Ralph Laurens don’t show at the Tents either. Rather, they show offsite, effectively spitting in the faces of IMG Models and CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg, who dutifully shows at Lincoln Center each season.

Why not show a concerted effort to make NYFW a juggernaut of influence and taste rather than a discombobulated hydra sprawling all over Manhattan with each head unaware of what the other is doing?

The Tents at Bryant Park were home to New York Fashion Week for seventeen years and the move to Lincoln Center was a controversial one that left many fashion followers scratching their thinning scalps. Aside from being convenient, Bryant Park’s proximity to the Garment District earned it the distinction as the fashion industry’s backyard. But as Fashion Week grew bigger and more and more sponsors came on board — from Dunkin Donuts to McDonald’s — designers became more and more disenfranchised. And Bryant Park became more and more annoyed. Now, the Tents at Lincoln Center resemble a circus rather than a legitimate gathering of professionals and creatives.

Which brings us to Fern Mallis, the lady behind those seventeen halcyon years. She helped organize the move of NYFW from warehouses and studios all over the city to one central location, but with the Tents’ dissolution everything is scattered once again. Just last year Mallis evacuated her role as Senior Vice President of IMG to reportedly start her own consulting business. Interesting timing…

Perhaps she felt disillusioned over what she hath wrought. Perhaps she struck a deal with Bryant Park to kick fashion week out of its lush lawn. Perhaps she poisoned  major designers against her former lover, one Diane von Furstenberg to gain revenge for breaking her heart when she married Barry Diller, effectively ruining Fashion Week and leaving Fiber One as one of the few legitimate sponsors who would touch MBFW with a ten-foot pole!

Cue lightning flash and dramatic music.

Perhaps this is just speculation and hearsay. Perhaps we don’t really care because as far as Mac and I — and the bottle of vodka we’ve already opened to celebrate — Absence of Mallis: The Case of the Lackluster Tents is closed.

Call me square come a couple of years, but fringe never goes out of style in my mind. Big on the spring runways, this trend can easily be worn in the form of fall jackets and ponchos. DvF knows how to do bohemian chic right.

Don't wait until Spring to channel your inner Roaring Twenties babe. You can work the drop waist right now with your favorite flapper dress. Keep this embellished beauty in mind for a holiday party - throw on a fur shrug and you're ready to go.

And speaking of holiday parties, what dress is more perfect than this? Mesh has been on the scene for a few seasons now, and we can't get enough. Thigh-highs will keep your legs warm with no waistband show-through at the lower back.

Walking around with one bare shoulder doesn't mean a chill is inevitable. This skin-baring trend isn't seasonal when worn the correct way. Throw in cashmere and a scarf and you'll be in business for the colder months.

The blooming shape of a peplum doesn't only come alive in spring; you can wear this ultra-feminine shape year round. Pair a long sleeve blouse and boots with this skirt in the fall for a chic downtown look.

Just because you're cold and miserable doesn't mean you have to look it. Sorbet may be the hot color palette for Spring 2012, but a nice pair of silk trousers in October never hurt anyone. Pair with a blazer and razor sharp pointed-toe boots for a smart daytime look.

Photos from Style.com

The sweetest color story to ice the runway is sherbet's pastel palette. Light and fruity, it harkens back to childhood only with a twist of business silhouette.

Sportswear is actively working its way into the daily regalia. It'll leave you prepared to break a sweat without a change.

This overskirt piece has been adding volume since the 19th century. Now done in our favorite muted brights, they kick a pencil skirt up.

Leave a sleeve off for the asymmetry of it. The cut is feels right in sheer and bouncy textiles.

Fringe is falling on spring, shagging shirts and leaving them stringy. Shimmy and shake in this new take on the 20's trim.

We already sniffed out the painted floral trend on the third day of NYFW, but the powerful flower prints just keep on sprouting. Whether digitized in a McQueenian manner or illustrated á la art deco, the prints we've been going gaga over have the same common blooming thread.

Sam‘s Faves

Prabal/Style.com

- Ralph Lauren: “For the ostrich feather boas.”

- Diane von Furstenberg: For handing out little American flags in honor of 9/11 and for making an outfit that anyone could wear.

- Prabal Gurung: “For using one print 100 ways, and also for clever cutouts.”

- 3.1 Phillip Lim: ”For his tasty sherbert color palette.”

- The Row: “For dressing the old ladies that the Olsen twins were born to be.”

For more great NYFW pics hop on over to Guaty Galleries on Lookbooks! And we recently convinced Richard to whore himself out via  Twitter and Tumblr, so make sure to follow him @RichardGuaty and guatygalleries.tumblr.com, respectively.

Sebastian Sauve strikes a pose

Models in silhouette

Pedicab from hell

Me yelling in Chanel Iman's face

Anna and Nicki

Models boogying down backstage

Tobias Sorensen, be still my heart

Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller

Karlie Kloss

Anna Wintour and Patrick Demarchelier

Rachel Zoe

Karolina Kurkova

Gilles Mendel