- More fashion shows featured models of color this season than in seasons past. Yay dwindling racism! [Styleite]

- i-D‘s “Dreams and Aspirations” issue features a very-Twiggy Abbey Lee Kershaw, Lara Stone, Fei Fei Sun and of course, Carine on its covers. [Models.com]

- Raquel Zimmermann goes through 14 YSL looks in under a minute, as shot by Inez and Vinoodh. [Modelinia]

- Gisele got out of a speeding ticket — with the kids in the back — basically for being Gisele. [Boston Herald]

- West Hollywood is this close to banning fur — a sigh of relief to the city’s massive bear community. [Refinery29]

- Speaking of the gays, queens from coast to coast can now serve openly in the armed forces. Finally! I can find a few good men. [HuffPo]

Karlie joins the ranks of iconic supers Veruschka and Naomi Sims that have graced the legendary pub. Trailed by Revere over the course of four days in July, the 19-year-old’s cover was snapped backstage at Jean Paul Gaultier’s Haute Couture show. Now I’m ready for a Vogue cover, an attempted acting career and general world domination.  [Life]

1. Tom Brady ($31 million) and Gisele Bündchen ($45 million) – $76 million

Gisele continues to wear the pants – and the flats — in this family though Tom would like you to know he does stuff too. What it is, I don’t know nor do I care to, despite it involving a ball and a group of very large men.

- Vogue lopped off a few of Lila Grace Moss (Kate Moss‘ daughter)’s fingers in their September issue in a case of bad and badly observed Photoshop. I guess Anna is human after all. What a day of disappointments. [Styleite]

- In other Brit Kate news, Kate Winslet has joined forces with fellow Oscar winners, Emma Thompson and Rachel Weisz to form the “British Anti-Cosmetic Surgery League,” an informal group of acting superheroines fighting against Hollywood’s pressure to go under the knife. In other news, Demi Moore has formed the “Legion of the Evil and Ageless.”  [Telegraph]

- Take a peek inside the hoe of the world’s gayest and perhaps greatest couple, Simon Doonan and Jonathan Adler. [The Coveteur]

- Lady Gaga has a Tumblr. Little Monsters follow accordingly.  [Amen Fashion]

- Pierre Cardin is surprisingly — and ironically — cognizant of his impending…incognizance: “I am almost 89, you know. I might be alert for another two, three years, but after that, I’ll be a little bit senile.” [WWD]

- Somebody get this kid a copy of Kelly Cutrone‘s If You Have to Cry, Go Outside if he wants to save his budding career. [The Cut]

- The Fashion Spot did some serious research to come up with the top models in the world, based on their print work, runway appearances, social media following and Google search. I hold 5 pictures in my hand, but only one can go on to be…the World’s. Top. Model. Anja Rubik. Eat your billion-dollar heart out, Gisele. [The Fashion Spot]

The seeds of the protest were planted in 2008 when an inquiry by São Paulo’s public prosecutor revealed that out of 1,128 models booked for fashion week, only 28 were black. Oranizers  agreed to a voluntary two-year, 10% black model quota — affirmative fashion action — which many designers have reportedly ignored.

Protestors are now calling for a 20% quota in hopes of more accurately representing the Brazilian population, which is 50.8% black. However, that figure means nothing as consumers “still reject the combination of black [models] and luxury clothing”.

At least they do according to Vivian Whiteman, fashion editor of the Brazilian newspaper Folha de São Paulo. Whitey, as I like to call her, wrote an article on the Brazilian modeling industry’s rampant racism that included an interview with Bruno Soares, a booker of Afro-Brazilian descent.

“For historical reasons,” claims Soares, “Brazil’s black population has been poor and not a consumer of fashion. This is reflected in the casting.”

But for Frei Davi Santos, that bigoted cup just doesn’t hold water:

“Brazil is a country that still insists on emphasising its European side and discriminating against its beautiful indigenous and Afro-Brazilian populations. We do not want catwalks that look like catwalks in Switzerland or England.”

Seems to me this problem is easily remedied. Gisele in black face. I mean, it worked for Beyoncé. [Guardian]

-Though he will be standing trial as she stands at the altar, Kate Moss reportedly still wants a John Galliano gown. So much so that the designer’s boyfriend Alexis Roche has stepped in to complete the couture while Galliano goes to court. [Daily Mail]

- Kate might not want to do without John, but Christian Dior is somehow managing, staging their first cruise collection without him. [WWD]

- After photos of a nude brick house purported to be Blake Lively leaked online, the actress and Chanel ambassador’s publicist denied her client’s invovlement, claiming, “Blake has never taken nude photos of herself.” Okay, I can believe that that isn’t Blake in those pics, but never took  a nude photo of herself? Bitch, please. [Yahoo! News]

- And what does a Chanel ambassador do, exactly? According to fellow ambassador, Vanessa Traina: “I basically just formulated a relationship with them, and they introduced me to their line of products and they send things to me before the collections come out. It’s up to me whether or not I like them, or whether or not I wear them.” Um, that’s one of the sweetest deals I’ve ever heard. [Into the Gloss]

- Is Gisele the Oprah of the modeling world? Mrs. Brady may be on track to be the world’s first billionaire supermodel and first female self-made Brazilian billionaire. She’ll be hauling around  a wagon of her old fat in no time. [The Cut]

- Money doesn’t mean much to Lady Gaga which explains why she kinda OD’d on the sets and costumes for her Monster’s Ball tour: “I called everybody and said, ‘Why is every­one saying I have no money? This is ridiculous, I have five number one singles’ – and they said, ‘Well, you’re $3m in debt.’” Those McQueen armadillo heels don’t come cheap. [Refinery29]

Lady Gaga earned $90 million over the last year, which is pocket change compared to O’s $290 million, but the deciding factor was the Lady’s social media presence.

With 32 million Facebook friends, 10 million Twitter followers and 1 million digital downloads of “Born This Way” in 5 days, it’s Gaga’s world and we’re all just living in it.

She had better watch out, however, as Justin Bieber is nipping at her tranny heels. The 17-year-old pop punk netted $53 million last year and dances his way to a debut on the list at the #3 position.

Rounding out the Top 10 are Broadway babies U2, Elton John, professional philanderer Tiger Woods, “musician” Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, loveable curmudgeon Simon Cowell and baller/shotcaller LeBron James, thus proving that someone actually still cares about U2, Elton John and Bon Jovi.

Meanwhile, on the fashion front, only 3 models made the list: Gisele (#60), Heidi Klum (#83) and Kate Moss ($94).

Though this list is kind of arbitrary — earnings are based on pre-tax income and don’t include management/agent fees — one cannot deny the global phenomenon that is Lady Gaga. Born This Way drops this Monday and is poised to be the biggest album of the year — so who’s already bootlegged it? [Forbes]

- And not at all coincidentally, Anna Wintour is now a museum board member.

- Gisele is the most super supermodel in the world and future supers can only pale in their already pale comparisons.

- Isabella Blow‘s posthumous wardrobe will live on thanks to Daphne Guinness and a generous, completely justifiable use of the Guinness fortune.

- Hindu’s were up in arms — all 4 of them! — over a swimsuit bearing the goddess Lakshmi.

- The Schwarzenegger-Shrivers are now sans a hyphen (okay, it was never there) and a  marriage (nor was that).

- A fashion mag so rare you might be dead before it comes out again. Particularly since the world is ending any day now.

- Get your library cards out, Gaga wants to talk about…reading.

- This June John Galliano will be spelling couture : C-O-U-R-T…cause that’s where he’s going…court.

- Like that great poet — what was his name, oh yes, Biggie Smalls — once said, “Mo Money, Mo Problems.” Those problems just involve cutting back on the Birkin allowance.

Born November 8,1989 in Marseilles, France, Baptiste was working at a helicopter plant with dreams of starting his own pizza delivery service. Four years later the only helicopter he sees probably took him to the French Riviera where he walked in Chanel Cruise 2012 wearing a turban and his usual Blue Steel-esque stare.

He’s currently the biggest male model on the planet thanks to backing from the Kaiser himself who considers Baptiste “a boy version of Gisele: skinny, skinny but with an athletic body — good for clothes and great with no clothes.”

And if that weren’t enough, according to his Models.com profile (where he’s currently ranked #1, naturally) when she met Baptiste in Moscow in 2009, Naomi Campbell told him, “It’s not right: We all have defects. You have none.”

But more than an obnoxiously pretty face, Baptiste is also an “actor” and burgeoning rock star. For proof of the former there’s Uncle Karl’s films for Magnum Ice Cream as well as The Tale of a Fairy, which debuted at Chanel’s resort show.

And for the latter, look no further than the epic video to his debut single, “Showtime,” literally the best video since…whatever video came directly before it:

Photos: Models.com, Homotography, YVY Mag

Cavalli opens the book by writing:  “I am not a real designer… I am a transformer who takes even poor quality fabrics and uses printing and colors to make them glamorous and desirable.” He also goes into brief detail about how he started printing tee shirts as a child in Italy and his first real success when he was introduced to Grace Mirabella, the former editor of American Vogue.

The book starts out with photos of the designer from back in the day as he rubbed elbows with the chicest and most beautiful women of the time.

Beautiful images via famed photographers Mert & Marcus help put the string the book along. Beauties such as Gisele, Kate Moss, Jennifer Lopez, Lara Stone, Heidi Klum & Cindy Crawford pose in Cavalli’s beautiful creations throughout the book.

The book is also full of commentary and praise on the Cavalli legacy by all stars: Bianca Jagger, Beyonce,  Anna Della Russo, Stefano Tonchi, & Glenda Bailey.

What owning this book says about you: You’re a fashionista who appreciates the work of a fashion trailblazer.

What your dinner guests will say upon seeing this book on your coffee table: “Is that Gisele?!  OMG Cavalli! This book looks fab, may I take a look?”

How this book will make your fashion brain grow:  The books illustrates the evolution of the Cavalli legacy.

If you like this, you’ll love: Balenciaga: Spanish Master by Hamish Bowles

You can purchase this selection at the Rizzoli Bookstore.

According to the mag, the top 10 female models earned a combined $112 million this year, 30% more than they did last year (a measly $86.5 M). Newer girls, however, aren’t seeing the same Super paydays ever since the recession. Which explains why Gisele made nearly half of that $112 M.

1. Gisele $45 mil

2. Heidi Klum $20 mil

3. Kate Moss $13.5 mil

4. Adriana Lima $8 mil

5. Alessandra Ambrosio $5 mil

6. Daria Werbowy $4.5 mil

7. Lara Stone $4.5 mil

8. Carolyn Murphy $4.3 mil

9. Natalia Vodianova $4 mil

10. Candice Swanepoel $3 mil

I guess Forbes doesn’t take into consideration the sizable profits from smuggling blood diamonds, hence Naomi Campbell‘s exclusion from the list. [Forbes]

- After marrying David Lauren, son of iconic American designer Ralph Lauren, Lauren Bush will unfortunately not be known as Lauren Lauren. [Harper's Bazaar]

- A new documentary delves into the 50 year relationship between Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, told through the objects they collected together. Despite not believing in the souls of the objects — let alone of other people — Bergé remains sentimental like any old glorious queen…by selling them off. [NYT]

- 3 months after having a baby, Miranda Kerr is back in a bikini for Have Faith Swimwear. Yeah, I’d put down that pot brownie if I were you….

- Libelula, Sophie Cranston‘s label that allegedly designed Kate Middleton‘s wedding dress, has released an official denial, thus perpetuating the greatest mystery of our times. [WWD]

- Thierry Mugler, the man behind the Mugler magic, is now going by the name of Manfred these days and is serving as the artistic director for drag queen, Joey Arias. Meanwhile, his eponymous label is working with another famed drag queen, Lady Gaga. [Style.com]

- The VERY 90s black sports bra and white sweatpant Britney Spears wore for a Japanese commercial years ago when she still had her soul are being auctioned off to benefit Japan. [The Cut]

- I guess the Choo is on the other foot…. TowerBrook Capital, the company that owns Jimmy Choo – the shoe not the man — invited a shortlist of three investors and Jimmy Choo — the man not the shoe — was not among them. LVMH is a potential buyer for the brand which TowerBrook is expected to sell for about $653 to $817 million, more than twice what it paid for. I guess there won’t be an old Jimmy who lived in his Choo. Too much? [Elle UK]

- The first round of the CFDA’s Fashion & Friends for Japan auction has raised over $180,000 for relief efforts and now round two is up and running. Through charitybuzz.com, you can bid on, among other things: meeting Anna Wintour and attending a Vogue photoshoot, designing a custom PS1 bag with Jack and Lazaro and  a week-long stay at Diane Von Furstenberg‘s summer house. I love when Fashion opens up her big, glittery Chanel purse and dumps out goodwill into the world. [Fashionista]

- The sight of Anna Wintour in Easy Breezy Tennis Casual was at first jarring. Then my mind was officially blown when I learned that she was in $158 J. Brand boot-cut jeans. Not because they were $158 J. Brand jeans, but a boot cut! I recently dug up a pair of flairs that I may or may not have stolen from a fifteen-year-old girl and of course proclaimed that the boot-cut was back. Anna Wintour is totes copying me, you guys. [The Cut]

- Bikini Man-Waxing is becoming a trend among — I’m guessing since it’s now becoming a trend — among straight men since the gays have been hairless since the early 90s. Boy Brazilians for everyone! [Refinery29]

- Three paparazzi photographers are taking Gisele‘s bodyguards to court after they allegedly fired shots at them two years ago during the super’s wedding to football-playing-guy Tom Brady. Sounds like Gisele needs to hire bodyguards with better aim. [Huff Po]

- Condé Nast got swindled into paying $8 million to someone who was apparently in Deliverance. [Styleite]

- James Franco has retired from Twitter, leaving a noticeable dearth of kitten pictures and tirades against Bruce Villanch. I’d be happy to take up the latter cause. [EW]

- According to American Apparel‘s Chairman Dov Charney, the company is doing just fiiiiiine, thank you: “We have a variety of options. We could do a private placement of stock. Or we could use the resources we have. We do $10 million a week in sales.” However, $10 mil a week in sales didn’t keep the company from an $86.3 million net loss in 2010. I guess sheer bodystockings aren’t as popular as they used to be. [WWD]

Mrs. Brady goes from sophisticated blonde to sultry brunette to zany redhead without missing an absurdly-heeled step, proving yet again that they just don’t make supers like this anymore.

Even in that hideous red wig Gisele manages to sell the look and I have no problem buying it. And though she’s coolly seductive as a blonde, she really comes alive in the curly brunette wig à la 80s Cher meets Chita Rivera.

Which is your fave Gisele?

Photos: Image Amplified

6. The Broken-Down Doll

What you’re thinking: I haven’t eaten in 4 weeks, my coke dealer isn’t picking up his phone and if someone doesn’t pour something alcoholic in, on or near me, I’m literally going to die. But I look great, right?

What you’re doing: Weird angles, lots of slouching, while still showing the garment.

Models Zuza and Jacqueline give a dead-on Roitfeld impression for Mateusz Stankiewicz‘s lens while stylist Pola Madej-Lubera positively nails Carine’s signature style.

What better way to pay tribute to an editor than a spread honoring and maybe even lampooning (just a little) her? Too bad Carine’s former mag didn’t think of this first.

Imagine, Gisele posed in raccoon eye make-up and pin-straight blonde hair with appropriately black roots and Daria Werbowy as Emmanuelle Alt. C’est la vie. But at least someone’s got a sense of humor: note the picture of Alt in the background and the cardboard cut-out of Tom Ford.

GENIUS!

Photos: Design Scene

- Gisele‘s ads for H&M have been slightly altered for the Dubai marketplace. The supers luscious limbs and daring decolletage are covered up by some sort of digital spanx. Dubai has been so conservative ever since those Sex and the City (2) gals rode in on their humps…and camels. [Fashionista]

Photo: Fashionista

- When she was just an 18 year old up and coming skank, rather than the seasoned vet she is now, Paris Hilton apparently couldn’t “stand black guys.” Which would explain why she forced Nicole Richie to have that sexual reassignment surgery before The Simple Life 2. [Gawker]

- There are few words in the English language that inspire confidence as much as “Lifetime Original Movie.” Inspired by true events (i.e. based on what some intern read in OK! Magazine), William & Kate chronicles the legendary romance between Prince William and his lady Kate Middleton. The movie premieres April 18, 11 days before the royal wedding, meaning they basically threw this movie together during a 5-day coke binge. [YouTube]

- Androgynous ladyman, Andrej Pejic sees why many would compare him to transexual supermodel Lea T., but he thinks he’s more versatile. “When it comes to our professional lives, well she only does women’s wear and I think I cover more fields.” The only thing I have to say to that, missy, is never underestimate a tranny. They’ll soon cut you as look at you. [Fashionologie]

- William Shatner is 80 years old today. Capt. Kirk is still working, still schticking and still getting us the best price on hotels, air travel and car rentals, proving once again that the pre-baby-boomers come from a much heartier stock than the rest of us. Shatner, Betty White and Cloris Leachman could probably carry the entire NY Giants football team on their arthritic backs without nary a complaint. [Daily Beast]

The main difference between the spreads is the presence of Amber’s son, Auden, thus confirming the American belief that children ruin your life and leave you a husk of a human being. The Italians, the story tells me, romp around their empty home with bigger hair and more dramatic eye make-up, struggling with their addiction to wine and moody cinema.

Steven Klein brings Amber’s desperation to light for U.S. Vogue with the help of stylist Camilla Nickerson, while her ten-year-old son proves the fierce fruit does not fall far from the supermodel tree. Across the pond, Craig McDean lenses Amber solo, benefiting from Edward Enninful‘s routinely amazing styling.

The two spreads are different and strong enough to stand on their own, but with Gisele and Britt Maren appearing in the same dress on the covers of Vogue Paris and Germany, respectively, I can’t help but wonder…

Are there too many Vogues?

I mean, in honesty, I can do with only the following five: Vogue Italia (the best), Vogue Paris (giving Alt a chance), Vogue Nippon (amazing editorials), U.S. Vogue (the glue that holds the family together) and Vogue Russia (because of this).

The others can shutter for all I care. And yes, I am referring to British Vogue — I don’t really care for it, despite Kate Winslet‘s recent stunner of a cover.

Anyway, check out the editorials below, try to see any comparisons and catch the rest of the photos on Lookbooks!

Photos: Fashiontography

- Well this makes for an awkward way to come out of the gate; Emmanuelle Alt’s first cover uses the same Dolce & Gabbana dress as a February Vogue España cover featuring Constance Jablonski and an April Vogue Germany cover with Britt Maren. Do you hear that? That’s the sound of Carine Roitfeld cackling over a 25-year old bottle of Chardonnay from her chateau in the French countryside.[Fashionista]

- Las Vegas is placing all of its bets on quirky Canadian songbird, Celine Dion, amidst massive debt, abandoned casino projects and 13% unemployment. Finally, other people are starting to see Celine as I’ve seen her for a decade of song: a savior. [Associated Press]

- Rick Genest, aka Zombie Boy aka Rico stars in Mugler Mens Fall 2011 campaign shot by Mariano Vivanco. And like Genest himself, the ads strike the right balance between creepy hot and just plain old creepy. [Nicola Formichetti's Blog!!]

- The continued downfall of American civilization as manifested in a human being, Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi, took it to the square circle to introduce to some unlucky female…(?) wrestlers her own patented brand of smackdown. Admittedly, it was thrilling seeing the 36-inch guidette go to town in a leopard-print jacket and wedged boot and hopefully her wardrobe at Wrestlemania XXVII will be as inappropriate/awesome. [Refinery29]

- Well, I think we can all agree that despite the thousands of dead, missing and misplaced people, the threat of nuclear Armageddon and the collapse of Japan’s economy, the biggest tragedy to come out of the Land of the Rising Sun is the cancellation of Japan Fashion Week. Crises like this really put things into perspective. [The Cut]

- ESPN Magazine is stepping up its style game with the hire of their first fashion editor, Samantha Rubin. The reason behind the move: apparently readers want to know what their favorite athletes are wearing and how to wear it. Now we can all learn where to get and how to wear size 15 Air Jordans and XXXXL pinstripe suits. [WWD]

- Lady Gaga has not only raised the bar for shutting shit down, she’s also raised a ton of money for Japan…to the tune of $250 K through sales of her “We Pray for Japan” wristband. Put your paws up…now wrap them in this wristband. [Oh No They Didn't!]

Cool As Ice [1991] Starring Naomi Campbell as “Singer at First Club

Tagline: “When a girl has a heart of stone, there’s only one way to melt it. Just add Ice.” [Seriously.]

Before 8 Mile, there was another biopic about a white rapper trying to make his way out of…the ghetto (?). And lucky us, not only were we treated to Naomi’s acting, but her vocal chops as well on the film’s classic composition…wait for it…“Cool as Ice”. Robert Van Winkle’s music and film career fizzled shortly after this cinematic exercise in ego-stroking though Naomi has continued to make the occasional cameo when not dodging a subpoena.

Fair Game [1995] Starring Cindy Crawford as Kate McQuean

Tagline: “He’s a cop on the edge. She’s a woman with a dangerous secret. And now they’re both…

Cindy stars as a civil law attorney who seeks the aid of the forgotten Baldwin — poor  Billy – a cop who vows to protect her from some renegade KGB team out to exterminate her. The film proved a huge hit…at the 1996 Razzie Awards where it was nominated for Worst Actress, Worst New Star (both honors for Cindy) and Worst Screen Couple. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) that year Showgirls swept nearly every category. Liz Berkley has never been the same.

Conan the Destroyer [1984] Starring Grace Jones as Zula

Tagline: “The most powerful legend of all is back in a new adventure.”

A childhood favorite of  mine…before I knew that my fondness for Arnold Schwarzenegger in a fur loincloth was anything out of the ordinary, the sequel to Conan the Barbarian features the always terrifying Grace Jones as a scantily clad warrior princess. Apparently Grace’s enthusiasm was a little too much for poor ole muscle-bound Arnold, who complained Jones was “too tough” during filming. Grow a pair, Schwarzenegger…or just borrow Grace’s.

The Fifth Element [1997] Starring Milla Jovovich as Leeloo

Tagline: “There is no future without it.”

Jovovich has starred in over 30 films — half of them from the Resident Evil franchise — but her best role to date is still in Luc Besson‘s modern sci-fi classic. As the titular element, Milla yells and grunts and generally kicks ass throughout the entire film and she hasn’t laid down her action hero mantle since. Although the most acting she’s done since then has taken place in L’Oreal commercials.

Taxi [2004] Starring Gisele as Vanessa

Tagline: “Take a Ride on the Wild Side.”

Hmm, when your script requires a quartet of sexy Brazilian bank robbers, why not enlist the world’s foremost sexy Brazilian? Gisele tackled the challenging role of the gang’s “cold” and “calculating” leader in her film debut, but with only one other film under her tiny, couture belt (she has a cameo in Devil Wears Prada), it doesn’t look like she’ll be rendered in celluloid any time soon.

Stephanie Seymour (July 23, 1968) As a muse for the late Richard Avedon, Stephanie Seymour created some of the best fashion photographs of the 90s, then upped the iconic ante when she strolled down the aisle as Axl Rose‘s bride (the two were dating at the time) in Guns and Roses‘ classic “November Rain” video. Though supermodels appearing in music videos was nothing new in 1992, very few looked as perfect as Seymour in that epic wedding dress. Perhaps a little too rock & roll for a royal wedding, but I would at least consider it, Kate Middleton.

Claudia Schiffer (Aug. 25, 1970) Reminiscent of a young Bridget Bardot, Claudia Schiffer’s sultry good looks catapulted her to supermodeldom in the early 90s. Though she made a comeback in a series of gorgeous ads for Salvatore Ferragamo in 2007, don’t expect to see Schiffer on a runway anytime soon; the German stunner maintains that she’s “very shy.” I’m the same way until I get a little liquor in me, hence, we just need to booze up Claudia and throw her — heels first — onto that catwalk. ASAP.

Heidi Klum (June 1, 1973) The ultimate Victoria’s Secret Angel, Klum hung up her wings for good in 2010 to focus on her thriving businesses: in addition to producing the Peabody Award-winning Project Runway (yeah, Heidi Klum has a Peabody), Klum has tried her hand at design, acting, painting not to mention re-populating the world with the help of her virile husband Seal…seriously, Heidi’s been pregnant nonstop for like the past ten years. I’m just going to say it, someone needs to separate those two.

Kate Moss (Jan. 16 1974) The kittenish face of “Heroin Chic,” Kate Moss’ arrival in 1990 sparked a sweeping change in the world of modeling. The glamazons of the 80s and early 90s now seemed outdated compared to the 5’7 Moss when she appeared in The Face magazine, shot by the late Corrine Day. Notoriously private — she rarely gives interviews — Kate Moss is still the most ubiquitous face in modeling of the past twenty years. As a regular in ad campaigns and a favorite muse for many photographers, Moss also practically owns the cover of British Vogue. Despite her amazing career, Kate has had her share of ups and downs…both fueled heavily by cocaine.

Photo: Harper's Bazaar

Tyra Banks (Dec. 4, 1973) Tyra Banks started off a rail-thin high fashion model before morphing into a voluptuous swimsuit cover girl, then a Victoria’s Secret Angel, then a fat-ass Emmy-winning talk show host and the professional smizer/creator of the now international Top Model series; in short, she is the ultimate model as mogul. And while I and a generation of other girls have learned everything we know about modeling from Ms. Banks (admittedly it took me a while to figure out how to find my light), she still has a few tricks up her sleeve (or in this case, turban), such as this shot from Vogue Italia’s iconic “Black Issue.”

Gisele (July 20, 1980) The last of the true supermodels, Gisele came along during the wave of Brazilian bombshells in the late 90s. With her athletic body and distinctive horse trot, she’s stayed at the top of the model heap for the past ten years, earning the one-name recognition to which all supers are entitled. Though there are several heirs to the throne (Karlie Kloss, Chanel Iman, Coco Rocha, Hilary Rhoda, Agyness Deyn, Anja Rubik, Jessica Stam, the list goes on and on…), the queen is not abdicating anytime soon.

Photo: Models.com

- Rumor has it Carine Roitfeld was banned from Paris Fashion Week after Condé Nast big-wig Jonathan Newhouse fired off a letter asking designers not to invite the ex-editrix as it “might send a confusing message.” In other news, Emmanuelle Alt recently graduated from an at-home signature forgery class. [Hint]

- Speaking of Alt, her first cover of Vogue Paris has hit the interwebs. Gisele looks great as usual, but this could easily be American Vogue and I could easily fall asleep looking at it. [Models.com]

- And speaking of American Vogue covers I hate, ladies and gentlewomen, Rihanna. [Twitter]

- I’m as excited for the Royal Wedding as the next gal, but some people are seriously starting to OD. [Beautylish]

- One of John Galliano‘s “victims” feels kind of bad that he might have ruined the designer’s career and doesn’t think he’s really a racist or anti-Semite. Thanks for your swift action regarding this matter. [Huffington Post]

- Japan really can’t catch a  break today. [BBC]

- And in equally tragic news, Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake have called it a day on their relationship. Personally, I think J-Tims looks better without a beard. [People]

-But as usual, Charlie Sheen provides the light at the end of the tunnel. Reports of the actor/hooker connoisseur’s death have been grossly exaggerated…by a virus spreading through Facebook. Now if this were the only the first time that we caught something contagious after poking Charlie Sheen…. [HuffPo]

The eight ladies Murenu chose include Last of the Supermodels, Gisele Bundchen-Dicaprio-Brady, Carolyn Murphy, Karen Elson, Jamie Bochert and the perpetually naked Natasha Poly.

If you’re wondering what makes a muse, try this on for size. It took Gisesle twenty minutes to do this:

Why? Because when you’re a muse, the work is already done — you just show up.

See more from this a-musing (pun!) editorial at MDC.

This guide’s pretty spot-on, however, real supermodels lifespans are much longer.

Sure, the everyday, run-of-the-mill model has a lifespan of about 5 years, longer if they get in right after puberty.

But the Supermodel — the Giseles, Naomis, Lindas, Kates, Imans, Christys and Cindys of the world…they live FOREVER.

Hmm…maybe they are zombies after all.

Link Love: BuzzFeed

Yuri Plesken joins in on the action adorned by Pat McGrath‘s dramatic face paint…and little else. How do we feel about this? And is it me or does the image on the right look a bit Marc Jacobs/Juergen Teller-y?

Still I love to see Gisele as Tom Brady sees her: wearing the pants.

Photo: MDC

Photographed by Stewart Shining and outfitted by Sarah Gore-Reeves, the Brazilian stunner dons a wardrobe of bold prints and colors in the seductive shoot.

Listen to Crave you by Flight Facilities Feat. Giselle

.. and no not the supermodel.

Plus check out the shoot on video!

Vogue IT Dec 2010 : Gisele Bundchen by Steven Meisel

Word has it Tom Brady is trying to beat out Gisele Bundchen for the role of supermodel. It has been announced that the football player is going to be the new face of UGG. Apparently Mr. Brady was approached because “he’s always been a fan of the sheep-skinned boots.” Don’t get me wrong, I love my UGGs, especially during the winter, but it never occurred to me that Tom Brady had a pair of his own to love. Can’t wait to check out this ad campaign, should be very interesting.

LINK LOVE: Cocoperez

According to that pillar of journalistic integrity, the National Enquirer, Brady visited the offices of a Rhode Island hair transplant specialist on direct orders from his supermodel wife:

Gisele is a wife, a mother, and seconds away from being a senior citizen, but look at her here on the cover of Vogue Nippon! Shot by Mario Sorrenti, Mrs. Brady looks like a fresh-faced vaguely Asian newcomer.

There’s a reason why the Brazilian icon is one of the last true supermodels. It’s an elusive timeless beauty and a chameleon-like ability to change.

And also a pact with the devil and/or a really good plastic surgeon never to age.

The Monkey flu, from Borneo where, according to Sue, it had been “festering in a small clutch of loud bisexual primates, not unlike [Schue's] very glee club,” has taken Principal Figgins out of commission, leaving Sue interim principal.

Once Mr. Schue too falls victim to the flu, he has to call in sick, leaving the glee club unattended. Enter Holly Holliday (Paltrow), a quirky substitute teacher Kurt fondly remembers singing (one of my all-time favorite songs) Schoolhouse Rock’s “Conjunction Junction,” while subbing for an English class.

She eagerly takes on the task but the club is initially wary of her presence. However she shows a willingness to incorporate more current songs in their repertoire, as opposed to wanting to only do Journey songs as the student’s descriptions of Mr. Schue’s musical tastes suggests, by performing a sassy rendition of Cee-Lo’s “Fuck You,” cleaned up to a primetime friendly “Forget You.”

Will’s much-hated wife, Terri, returns to take care of him while he suffers from the flu. She brings him his favorite movie, Singing’ in the Rain which prompts a fever-induced fantasy of he and Mike Chang performing the acrobatic classic “Make ‘Em Laugh.” Lulled into a false sense of security, and feeling lonely after things fell through with Emma Pillsbury, they have sick sex –  just below hate sex, break-up sex and revenge sex on the ‘Acceptable Sex with an Ex’ totem pole –  which Will immediately regrets.

Sue, mad with power, tries to disband the football team, but is thwarted once Coach Beiste presents a plausible argument that Sue’s Cheerios would then have no one to cheer for. So in order to gain some respect, and to strike fear into the hearts of any one who would dare oppose her, Sue adopts another cause: teen obesity, banning tater tots from the school cafeteria. This decision really taters Mercedes tots, leading her to pull a Norma Rae on a cafeteria table.

But are the tots the real reason behind her anger? Kurt and his platonic gay friend Blaine have been seeing a lot more of each other, leaving a void in her life for Kurt’s affections.  After joining Kurt and Blaine on a date, she feels even more isolated when they fag out over Prop 8, Patti Lupone’s new book (which I have yet to read), the year’s best Vogue cover (Marion Cotillard?…a pretty shallow bag to choose from, but what are they teaching in that fictional school?; try Giselse, kids).

Mercedes at one point imagines a tiny purse literally falling out of Kurt’s mouth. Thus Mercedes must learn to face what every hag dreads – being pushed to the wayside once their fag finds someone else to obsess over. Meanwhile, Kurt is still being harassed by Karovsky who threatens to kill Kurt should he tell anyone about their kiss. Ah, teenage romance.

Holly has won over everyone in New Directions, everyone except Rachel Berry, who does not care for her teaching methods. But Holly indulges her desire to do “an upbeat, glamorous number with a good dance beat,” with a game duet of “Nowadays/Hot Honey Rag” from Chicago. Sue becomes the permanent principal at William McKinley High and her first order of duty is to fire Will, citing the substitute’s success with the glee kids.

The tides soon change for Holliday, though, when her reckless attitude lands her in hot trouble after she fails to punish Mercedes for stuffing Sue’s tailpipe of her Le Car, a car so rare that only seven have been made, full of tots (girl does have a history of vandalizing cars). Holly has no idea how to react when things turn serious and so turns to Will for guidance. Just then Terri finds them and has a blow up, only to have Will tell her to never come back again.I’ve yet to encounter anyone who likes the character of Will’s ex-wife and it seems the writers are really trying to get rid of her for good. I don’t dislike her, she’s just a one note character – an unabashed bitch who lacks Sue’s wit or cartoonish villainy.

Kurt eventually confronts Mercedes, flaunting his budding romance in her face and telling her she needs to find a boyfriend and stop filling the void for love with food. Kurt had, to his credit, tried to set her up earlier with hunky football player Anthony (“one of the five black guys in school”). This is the second storyline involving Mercedes and food, and unlike last season’s empowering “Home,” which actually had something to say about eating disorders and body image, this week’s plot felt more like an insult to the talented Amber Riley. Big girl fears losing gay friend, eats her emotions, rebels in a ridiculous way.

You’re better than that, Glee. Constantly resigned to the background and occasionally given a solo, Mercedes is a character we still no little to nothing about. Hopefully, this Anthony will give her a role beyond sassy sidekick. And speaking of big girls, what was up with the Precious (Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire)-esque character that attacks Holliday in her flashback?

Anygay, Holliday resigns as director of New Directions, but not before she, the kids and Schue can perform a limp mash-up of “Umbrella/Singin’ in the Rain.” Perhaps a good idea on paper, the number lacked the spark and energy of previous group numbers and mash-ups (see last week’s: “Start Me Up/Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Stop! In the Name of Love/Free Your Mind.”

Now I’d never thought I’d say this, at least not without a gun to my head, by Gwyneth Paltrow was definitely a highlight of last night’s episode. She showed off her comedic chops (dressing up as Mary Todd Lincoln for a history lesson she exclaims, “My husband is probably gay” and “That teapot is spreading lies about me!”), she has a nice voice and can shimmy for a white girl. But her role seemed more an act of stunt casting than anything intricate to the myriad plotlines that continually seem to fall to the wayside as the season progresses.

At least we’ve seen the end of the Terri Schuester, for now, though I feel bad for poor Jessalyn Gilsig who does the best she can with a character that’s really plain awful.

Next week, get ready kids. Comedic legend Carol Burnett will guest star as Sue’s mom, which means the world will explode from hilarity.

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!