The top hat is being seen more and more across the fashion world, and Influence is getting with the picture for Fall 2009. What do you think indies, is this a trend you want to follow?

Gallery: Influence: Fall 2009 Collection

via Men’s Rag

If you aren’t already familiar with his stuff, head immediately over to Rankin’s site.  You’re bound to find something you recognize (like the shot from Mary Kate and Ashley’s Influence  cover), and be unbelievably impressed with his extensive portfolio.  Rankin co-launched Dazed & Confused in ‘91 with his business partner, Jefferson Hack, and has continued to shake up the photo world ever since.  He’s done dozens of famous ad campaigns (from Nike, to Dove, to Jameson), and shot just about every celebrity (Madonna, Heidi Klum, The Rolling Stones, Kate Moss…), but I was impressed the most by his beauty portfolio, a series of creative shots, crazy makeup , and perfect lighting.  Rankin is best known for his intimacy with his subjects, and these up close and personal shots display just that.

SOURCE: Kingdom Of Style

Unfortunately they’re water-marked, but new outtakes (about 100!) from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s Influence photoshoots have surfaced.

Mary-Kate (R) and Ashley Olsen (L) at an L.A. signing of Influence.

Image from Olsens Anonymous.

PETA protestors did not keep Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen from celebrating the release of their book Influence. Over 2000 fans turned out to their signing event at Barnes & Noble Tuesday (top), and the girls also celebrated at Barney’s on Monday (bottom).

And in case you’re not a fan like I am, you’ll be thrilled to hear about the 9 rules that were apparently established for B&N guests. Racked reports attendants were limited to one book each, could not ask for anything else to be autographed, could not take pictures, etc.

Photos from The Fashion Spot.

The Fashion Spot and my new favorite blog, Olsens Anonymous have some sneak peeks at the Olsens’ Influence. I just got mine from Amazon today, but my scanner is in storage!  I’m sure better quality images will surface soon.

“…jeans are becoming too tight.”

- Karl Lagerfeld, to Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, in an excerpt from their upcoming book, Influence.

More at New York magazine.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have revealed the cover art for their upcoming coffee table book, Influence. The point of the book cover is so you can’t tell which one is which. Not bad ladies…Excited to get our hands on a copy.

Thanks PopCrunch for the pic