The downstairs floor imagery is constantly moving. As is the back wall. It's fluid, kind of like the capabilities of plastic. Oh, and they're also 100% recyclable, in case you were wondering. Read on to see the collaborations up close.

You can get Gareth Pugh on your tootsies for $105! It's really got his DNA in every aspect of the shoe. He told their in-store magazine Plastic, "I don't collaborate a great deal with other brands, so whatever I do with this needs to be done in a way that I am 100% happy with the product before it goes out." On the chosen print: "The print of the sandal is very characteristic of my work. It emerged from a drawing that I did as soon as I left college and since then it changes a little bit every season. It is a historical print in my career."

Jason Wu set out to make something very characteristically him, and also Melissa at the same time. "It's a pleasure for me to work with plastic in such an innovative way. It is a very modern material present in our daily lives and the possibility of making it more fashionable is very interesting."

"It is amazing what Melissa can do with plastic. Each shoe has a character and tells a story." - Vivienne Westwood

Dita Von Teese snatched all three of these line-backed peep-toe wedges on her Melissa visit.

You can't buy Melissa online, only in the store. Let yourself be Wu-ed into the store. Or go to one of the more than 700 stores worldwide that carry them. Galleria Melissa 102 Greene St New York, NY But you can check out the shoes pre-visit.

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]

- Get ready to go back to school and get some class. The Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design is now accepting applications. [Vogue UK]

- Michelle Obama wore Jason Wu — for Target — at an event in Florida over the weekend. And she looks super jazzed about it. [Huff Po]

-  Shit fashion people say at the Theysken’s Theory show. Not a viral video. Just real talk. My personal fave: “The after-party last night. How dare they? Cash bar?” Meanwhile, I don’t even know how they overheard that since I was nowhere near Thesyken’s Theory. [Paper Mag]

- While the CFDA recommends that designers don’t use models under 16, for his fall 2012 Marc Jacobs practically snatched them straight from the womb. [NYT]

- Of course the red carpet at the Grammys is entertaining enough, but add YouTube sensation Sophie Grace and gal Friday Rosie and the show just went H.A.M. [Fashionista]

Michael Bastian’s set is looking natural, but a little bit lavish. 

I love that you used the word lavish!

How does your aesthetic change between a show with the classic American prep of Michael Bastian versus some of the more wild designers?

It was important to give Michael Bastian a refined look, as soon as people walk in the door. They’re used to him being a little big sporty, but this season it’s very refined. I approach all my shows with same intensity. People always ask, what has been your favorite show? They all become your babies when you’re in the middle of making them. It’s a constant evolution from the minute you have the idea till the lights go on.

What past experience led you to being the Creative Director on so many top shows like Jason Wu, Alexander Wang, and now Michael Bastian?

I come out of the fashion magazine world. I was a fashion editor for many many moons. I always felt my job was not just get people excited by the clothes, but to almost make the clothes feel legendary within the picture. I was coming up in an era where we were making clothes famous.

The site features a convenient countdown clock to the runway show at 1 pm today as well as a rather dry Q&A with the designer. For those who have never seen a runway show, however, don’t be fooled by the disclaimer that the show will start at “1pm Eastern (10am Pacific) or shortly thereafter” — “shortly thereafter” means about a half an hour in.

When asked why Nordstrom chose Wu to break its live-streaming hymen, Executive Vice President of Designer Merchandising Jeffrey Kalinsky responded (rather defensively, I might add), “Jason makes truly exciting clothes for all different types of women of all different ages. He’s become a really strong partner for us. We’re totally behind Jason Wu, period, end of subject.”

Ra-ther. [WWD]

- Celebrities are clamoring to spice up their red carpet lives by wearing Victoria Beckham to this year’s Oscars. [Daily Mail]

- Victoria’s Secret Angel Kylie Bisutti apparently took her title too seriously and quit VS because god doesn’t care for that kind of behavior in his heavenly hosts. [Vogue UK]

- Ellen DeGeneres took the moral high road in responding to the One Million Moms group that wanted JC Penney to dump her for being a big ole lez. I, however will continue skipping merrily along on the low road by saying, “Suck on that, trash.” [EW]

- Christian Siriano may have been denied membership to the CFDA, but he’s “fine” with not being “a Wang or a Wu” as long as he has wads of cash to wipe his tears. [NYT]

- Kanye West is showing his sophomore collection on March 6 at 9:30 pm during Paris Fashion Week. Anna Wintour is expected to leave at 9:31. [WWD]

- Hey, Linds, your tit’s out. Oh, nevermind, you’re with Terry Richardson. Carry on. [Terry's Diary]

- Stella McCartney has a new video for PETA that Cathy Horyn thinks is worth watching. Let me know, will ya. [NYT]

- Much like every diffusion line worth its salt, Jason Wu for Target sold out in, like, a day. [Racked]

- But this isn’t Target’s first time at the rodeo and the retailer is restocking their online shelves later this week. [InStyle]

- During the final three minutes of the Super Bowl there was an average of 10,000 tweets per second. That’s a lot of hashtalk. [TechCrunch]

- Vogue and Anna Wintour let Madonna have their logo free of charge for her half time show and as a result had the biggest bang for the smallest advertising buck of any of the big game’s blockbuster commercials. [WWD]

- Gisele can drop as many effing F-bombs as she effin’ likes since she’s the highest effing paid supermodel in the effing world. Dammit. [Modelinia]

- It’s no “The Boy Is Mine” but Brandy and Monica‘s new duet, “It All Belongs to Me,” is here. Sadly there’s no lyrical weave-snatching this time around. [Rap Up]

Willy Vanderperre captured Julia Frauche as a modern day pin-up girl in looks from Wu’s spring 2012 collection. With an emphasis on silhouette and sophistication, the designer decided to infuse an element of chaos by posting the ads all over Manhattan’s streets, adding, “The juxtaposition between the downtown-uptown vibe feels so right for my first campaign.” [WWD]

Mary Alice Stephenson wears a lot of hats!  Her Facebook followers are in the five figures, she is a media go-to for her red carpet commentating and heart-filled fashion segments, a world renown stylist who has styled for icons such as Avedon, Hiro, Demarchelier, Lindbergh and Richardson as well as serving as a brand ambassador and spokesperson for many Fortune 500 brands.   Oh, and we can’t forget to mention how cool it is that she and Barbie are talking fashion in her “dream” closet for BarbieWow.com next week, while still making time to be the national fashion ambassador for the Make a Wish Foundation.  She gives her time and love for fashion to many charitable organizations all while being a single mom.  She’s our new hero and we think soon to be yours, too!

As a fashion consultant, you get to do something different every day- which days are you favorite?

Every day is different and I love it that way!  It’s such a mix — from red carpet commentating to consulting behind the scenes for Fortune 500 companies, to creative directing, to styling editorial shoots with top photographers. Each week it’s high fashion to mass fashion, it keeps me happy to be in both worlds!  I can reach so many real women all over the world via social media, my followers love that they can get a look into the real world of fashion and learn how they can apply that glamour to their lives in a realistic way.  One day I’m shooting for a European Vogue, doing a fashion segment for the Nate Berkus show or styling a supermodel for Estee Lauder and the next day I could be helping real women get their glam on in a mall in middle America!

Who are young designers that we should be looking to for the future of fashion?

I just had lunch with the talented designers of Cushnie et Ochs, I try to support as many up and coming designers as possible.  I know how tough this business can be and how much support they need to make it.   I love Flora and Alexa from Ohne Titel, Juan Carlos Obando, Joseph Altruzara, Christian Cota, Suno, Frank Tell….  There is so much talent out there right now.  I try to shoot their clothes, or get them on the red carpet as well as talk about their clothes in the media to help get their point of view out to mass America.  The American public needs to know there are more options than just the big brands that can afford to advertise.  It’s still a struggle, for example, there were a wide range of luxury brands seen on the Golden Globe red carpet but where were Erdem, Prabal Gurung, Thakoon, Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler?  I was happy to see Givenchy, Nina Ricci and Jason Wu, though —  so that is some progress!

For the rest of the interview, click on over to LOOKBOOKS.com!

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

photos: style.com

brushes her shoulders on with the squared black block on an otherwise slouchy jacket.

In a collection mainly of their mainstay knits jumped this leopard looking orange glowing suit of sorts.

twisted up the prints in subdued brights as well as black and white.

It's a chilly southwestern movement brought on by the Aspen aristocracy.

This cape-jacket should say it all, but Wu spoke as well, "They are four equal seasons now. There's nothing watered down." Inspired by Indian Maharajas and Charley Harper's illustrations, the look is absolutely lux, clean and powerful.

In a feminine turn, DKNY breaks out the cherry blossoms, lace and swing.

In a "continuation of Spring" Herrera sticks to whimsical prints in slim proportions.

The caveat that broke the camel’s back was Jacobs’ insistence on taking his Louis Vuitton team with him to Dior, leaving Vuitton — LVMH’s cash cow — without a heel to stand on. To make matters worse, Arnault had wanted Céline‘s Phoebe Philo to replace Marc at Vuitton should he move to Dior, but Philo is happy where she is — outfitting Kanye West in billowy blouses.

So with Jacobs more or less off the table, LVMH has reportedly approached Alexander Wang, Jason Wu and Jil Sander‘s Raf Simons; though out of the three Simons would seem the most likely choice, that is unless Dior plans on eschewing breathtaking gowns and impeccably-crafted ladysuits for sweatpants and cocktail dresses.

Then there is Givenchy‘s Riccardo Tisci, whose name has been bandied about since Gallianogate got into full swing. But he — along with Lanvin‘s Alber Elbaz, Alexander McQueen‘s Sarah Burton and Balenciaga‘s Nicolas Ghesquière – has turned down the Dior deal, citing brand loyalty.

So the question still remains — and frankly, the question is getting really tiresome — who will take the reins at Christian Dior? However, by the time someone is announced, the question might be, who the hell cares? [WWD]

Leighton will be rated on the below categories, five being the highest and 1 being the lowest.

What grade did Leighton receive? Check out page two to find out.

*Kate Middleton‘s Alexander McQueen was a late addition and Rubenstein had to cut one of the dresses to keep the list to 100. So it was sayonara Nancy Reagan and her white one-shoulder inauguration ball gown. Michelle Obama‘s Jason Wu, however, remained in tact. [WWD, sub req'd]

Reese Witherspoon in Olivier Theyskens for Nina Ricci, 2007 Golden Globes: “Witherspoon’s slimmer figure, now snugly zipped into a strapless, canary-yellow silk brocade Nina Ricci cocktail dress, screamed, ‘Screw you, buddy!’”

Chanel RTW spring 2011: “Models rarely smile these days, but you can sense when they enjoy what they’re wearing. Kass could barely contain her delight.”

Rita Hayworth in Jean Louis, 1946,“Gilda”: “Strapless dresses owe their enduring popularity to Rita Hayworth.”

Julia Roberts in Marilyn Vance-Straker, 1990, “Pretty Woman”: “No matter how many times you have seen the film, the moment you can clearly recall is when you fell hopelessly in love with Julia Roberts — and that moment is marked by a dress.”

Michelle Obama in Jason Wu, 2009 Inaugural Ball: “Wu and the three women on his team set to work, spending more than three hundred hours making the gown.”

Halle Berry in Elie Saab, 2002 Academy Awards: “Because the gown was so right on her, it is the only one we ever imagine her in, regardless of how many premieres she graces.”

Princess Diana in David and Elizabeth Emanuel, 1981: “Let’s be honest. The gown is hideous…but it became one of the most copied Big Day gowns in history.”

Charlize Theron in Vera Wang, 2000 Academy Awards: “’We came real close,’ said Wang about the how-low-as-you-can-go open back.”

Marilyn Monroe in William Travilla, 1955, “The Seven Year Itch:” “Why the continued frenzy for an almost 60-year-old summer halter? Because of how it looked on the woman who wore it.”

Nicole Kidman in John Galliano for Dior, 1997 Academy Awards: “This wasn’t merely a sensational creation. This was haute couture-claiming turf.”

Kate Middleton in Alexander McQueen, 2011: “The legendarily loose-lipped House of Windsor became so close-mouthed it was as if there’d been a run on duct tape.”

Jennifer Lopez in Donatella Versace, 2000 Grammys: “No single outfit has ever caused more commotion on any red carpet anywhere.”

Madonna in Dolce & Gabbana, 2009, premiere for “Nine”: “The Sicilian dress is the essence of Dolce & Gabbana, the brand’s sartorial touchstone.”

Tilda Swinton in Alber Elbaz for Lanvin at the 2008 Academy Awards: “Amplifying Swinton’s translucent alabaster complexion, vibrant titian hair and knowing exoticism is a fashion sense that revels in her own singularity.”

Prada RTW spring 2004: “This Prada dress was striking for its level of ease.”

Prabal Gurung

Prabal wanted to keep things understated: “I didn’t want to dress Miss Piggy in anything that would take away from her bold personality so I went with a simple, classic dress and neutral color. The Empire waist really complements her figure.” I’m sure she would agree since it’s not easy giving a pig a waist. I would insert a Mariah Carey joke here but I’ll wait for when she crawls out of the barn for her inevitable comeback.

Jason Wu

Jason Wu, however, decided to go pig or go home: “Her humor, flamboyance and joie de vivre inspired me to design a decadent feathered dress that features her most sensational qualities.” And always the consummate professional, Piggy is giving an editorial jump to emphasize the garment while keeping that porcine punim light and commercial.

“Style is about expressing your inner self,” said the star, “capturing your personal ethos, and, most importantly, spending someone else’s money.” Take notes, kids.

The Miss Piggy media blitz express will wind its way into Project Runway All-Stars where she will serve as a guest judge, then she’s making a stop at MAC for her line of cosmetics (out November 14th) — and of course there’s that amazing collaboration with Opening Ceremony – all before she karate chops into the station for The Muppets premiere, November 23rd. [WWD]

Prabal Gurung

Jason Wu

Photo: Style.com

Wu’s diffusion line will not be as massive as the Missoni juggernaut, which featured some 400 pieces including clothes, home furnishings and — why not — a bike. Rather, Wu’s collaboration  is part of Target’s Go International program and will consist of only apparel and accessories, in the similar vein of past Go International designers Rodarte, Zac Posen and Thakoon.

For his part, Wu seemed to really enjoy teaming up with the mass retailer:

“The exciting thing about this limited edition collection of affordable women’s wear and accessories is that it allows me to reach a wider audience and bring my designs to people who may not have been able to purchase them before. My collection for Target is chic and wearable. I think women everywhere will enjoy it.”

Just wondering, is it too late to hope for a 25-foot Michelle Obama to commemorate Jason Wu x Target? [WWD]

- Lindsay Lohan continues to be employable, if only by German fashion houses you’ve never heard of/care about. This can’t go well, particularly considering the first sentence of the press release announcing Lilo’s participation in Philipp Plein‘s spring campaign: “Lindsay is a beautiful, highly acclaimed actress and model.” Who are we lying to Philipp Plein? [Styleite]

- Frida Gustavsson is GORGEOUS on Paolo Roversi‘s cover of Vogue Italia‘s Couture Supplement, giving us a little flapper chic and some serious face. [Fashion Gone Rogue]

- Designer Alice Temperley thinks London Fashion Week is better than New York Fashion Week and should be longer. Meanwhile, preaching to the choir, girlfriend. [Telegraph]

- Girls fall on the runway every season and, honestly, it’s always a highlight. But turns out taking a catwalk misstep could land a girl face down in unemployment. [Daily Mail]

- Which is why they should take a cue from the pros, like Liu Wen and Jourdan Dunn, who reveal how they traveresed the trricky runways of Jason Wu and Alexander Wang, respectively. [The Cut]

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.

Diane Kendal used MAC to create these bright orange pouts at Jason Wu, reminiscent of “Fifties and Nineties pop art inspired by the artist KAWS.” Photo via Style.com.

11. University of Delaware Newark, DE

Campus Tour: The smallest state also has a small design program that is focused on quality garment making from every angle. The program follows a garment through its entire lifecycle, from the creative design and tailoring, to a focus on sustainably producing goods on both small and large scale in a socially and environmentally minded manner. An entirely student run fashion magazine, UDress, and fashion shows exist outside of class, working to show and pull fashion out of this college driven town.

Programs: Apparel Design, Merchandising, Sustainability

Student Body: 16,500

Tuition:  $27,000

Star Alumni: Well, me. And a fierce force that is the backbone of the garment industry.

Alexander McQueen

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 16: Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones arrives at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton hotel on January 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

attends the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011 in New York City.

Rick Owens

Alber Elbaz

Designer round up, left to right:

Aquilano e Rimondi, Jil Sander, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Jason Wu, Paul Costelloe, Kimberly Ovitz

Want acidic sunflower in your closet? Check out these subtly singeing pieces.

Ladylike Fall 2011 runways: Monique Lhuillier, Jason Wu and Nina Ricci

- Don’t call it a comeback because it’s apparently never going anywhere. Latest Sex and the City news: a revamped TV show with Sarah Jessica Parker allegedly signed on to produce. [Fashionista]

- Lara Stone drowns in a sea of petals to the delight of Mert and Marcus for Tom Ford‘s Violet Blonde fragrance. [Design Scene]

- Remember that time that London burned down? Yeah, me neither, but despite the rioting and the chaos, rest assured Anglophiles, London’s Fashion’s Night Out will continue as planned. [Fashionista]

- Robert Pattinson is on the rags. The Twilight heartthrob is coming out with his own Rags by Robert clothing line. [Refinery29]

- Andrej Pejic, professional androgyne and noted wit, once threw on a fake baby bump in an ode to his Victoria’s Secret brethren (sistren?) only to be stopped by airport customs who thought he was trying to smuggle drugs. Story of my life, except that my fake pregnancy was actually eight pounds of cocaine. You live you learn. [NY Mag]

PRABAL GURUNG

The color blocking intricacies and power shapes make me ever kick myself for missing his debut in The Tents for Fall 2010. But it was his ability to unravel that structure for this season that makes me even more excited for what’s next.

Fall 2010

A Brief History of Gurung: After studying fashion and working in production and design India, he designed under the tutelage of Manish Arora and Cynthia Rowley. He then left his position as Design Director for Bill Blass to start his own label, which launched in February 2009.

 Jason Wu Cream Lace Detailing Flounce Dress With Belt $1,700 – A-line, cream, lace -  need we say more?

Borsalino Black Ribbon Straw Hat $160 – Every Southern lady needs a handsome sun hat.

Valentino Couture Bow d’Orsay Pump $645 – Coral patent leather revs this classic shoe.

Kate Spade Bixby Bag $495 – Delightful golden leather brings the sun to rainy days too.

ASOS Tortoise Cat Eye Sunglasses $20.69 – This classic paring of tortoise and cat-eye won’t wreck your wallet.

Recommended Cocktail: Sazerac Reborn

One-of-a-kind totes customized by CFDA designers including Diane Von Furstenberg, Badgley Mischka, Jason Wu, Marchesa, and Botkier may have sold out, but you can still snag the standard tote for a mere $35. Check out the YOU CAN’T FAKE FASHION page in eBay’s Fashion Vault to purchase the bag above and see what you missed.

Despite a solid showing from the monochrome palette, orange stole the spotlight this year. Bottega Veneta, Phillip Lim and Dianne von Furstenberg were just a few who made a statement with solid, orange pieces in their collections. And orange you glad they did? I, for one, can’t wait to add this pop of color to my wardrobe!

Top left: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Top right: DVF, Bottom left: Bottega Veneta, Bottom right: McQ

Nima Taherzadeh

With a new color palette came a more “sporty,” laid-back group of collections. Many collections featured swimwear for the first time this year, and Michael Kors, Herve Ledger, Donna Karan, and McQ took the swimwear analogy one step further. That’s right, dear readers, we’re talking about “scuba-influenced silhouettes” (Style.com).  Take a look at these neon delights and tell us what you think.

Top left: Michael Kors, Bottom left: Donna Karan, Right: McQ

Notable themes on the runway were represented by Max Azria (“a city-inspired undercurrent with a feminine ease”) and Dianne von Furstenberg (a collection of “matchy/clashy prints”). This year there was a general trend towards more urban, jet-setter style in the collections.

Marc by Marc Jacobs and Missoni both included the “emerging must-have” that is the pajama suit in their collections.  This colorful, loose pant was represented in more subdued tones in numerous other collections, and retained its characteristic exaggerated length in all. Petite girls everywhere, ready your platforms!

Top left: Louis Vuitton, Top right: Jason Wu, Bottom left: Marc Jacobs, Bottom right: Missoni

On the other side of the pant spectrum, above-the-ankle, straight-leg cigarette pants were also popular with the likes of Helmut Lang, Monique Lhuillier and Elie Tahari featuring them in their collections. I’d like one in every color, please.

Top left: YSL, Top right: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Elie Tahari, Bottom right: Helmut Lang

Of course, to my delight, leather separates were also popular with quite a few designers this year, including Derek Lam, Thakoon and Jason Wu, who featured leather skirts, shorts, and pants. Calvin Klein and others were also fans of thin leather belts, sending a clear message: when in doubt – belt it!

Top left: Helmut Lang, Top right: Derek Lam, Bottom left: YSL, Bottom right: Thakoon

Perhaps to balance this blast of color and print (and leather, oh my!), the resort collections were significantly more buttoned up this year – and I mean that literally. The runway was up to its proverbial neck in collared shirts and high necklines this season.

Top left: Jason Wu, Top right: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Marc Jacobs, Bottom right: Carolina Hererra

In particular, the boat neck was an popular look for both separates and dresses, with Jason Wu, Louis Vuitton, Max Azria and a plethora of other designers featuring the look.

Top left: Max Azria, Top right: Derek Lam, Bottom left: Donna Karan, Bottom right: Jason Wu

Outerwear took on a boxy silhouette, and squared-off coats were popular with Louis Vuitton, Rachel Roy and others. Oscar de la Renta fittingly featured the silhouette in his Cubism-inspired collection.

Top left: Rachel Roy, Top right: Oscar de la Renta, Bottom left: Naeem Kahn, Bottom right: Monique Lhuillier

Honorable mentions go out to A-line skirts (Jason Wu, Louis Vuitton) and lace (Monique Lhuillier), both trends popping up here and there on the runway this year – always good staples to have in your closet.

Top left: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Louis Vuitton, Top Right: Louis Vuitton, Botom right: Jason Wu

Will you be wearing any of these looks on your next getaway?

Source Love: Style.com

And the nominations go to:

For Womenswear Designer of the Year: Alexander Wang, Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler, Marc Jacobs

For Menswear Designer of the Year: Michael Bastian, Patrik Ervell, Simon Spurr

For Accessories Designer of the Year: Alexander Wang, Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler, Reed Krakoff

A number of designers have also been nominated for the Swarovski Awards:

For Womenswear Designer of the Year: Joseph Altuzarra, Ashley Olsen & Mary-Kate Olsen, Prabal Gurung

For Menswear Designer of the Year: Alexander Wang, Phillip Lim, Robert Geller

For Accessories Designer of the Year: Alejandro Ingelmo, Eddie Borgo, Jason Wu, Pamela Love

The Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, named for the four-time CFDA Fashion Award winner, will be presented to Marc Jacobs.

The CFDA Board of Directors chose to present their Special Tribute on Arthur Elgort in honor of his impact on photography and fashion.

The Fashion Icon Award will go to Lady Gaga for being a fashion revolutionary impacting style today.

“We look forward to once again honoring the best and brightest talent working today,” Steven Kolb, CFDA executive director said. “Winning a CFDA Fashion Award is the highest and one of the most coveted honors one can receive in our industry.”

Who do you think will win each of these extremely prestigious fashion awards? Who are your picks for the best?

- Anderson Cooper will host the CFDA Awards and hopefully his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, will make an appearance, preferably in this fashion. [Refinery29]

- Britney Campbell, the 8-year-old Botoxed beauty queen in training, has been removed from her mother’s custody by Child Protective Services. Britney may have been distraught but her face was the picture of serenity. [The Cut]

- Jason Wu may be new to Twitter but he’s already mastered the requisite art of irreverence. His Twitter handle is @MissWu_NY and is managed by an owl. [WWD]

- Isaac Mizrahi donated newly designed uniforms to the Brooklyn Youth Chorus Academy and the NY Post had a pun field day. [NY Post]

- Princess Beatrice’s fascinating fascinator is generating a bidding war on eBay.  [The Cut]

- Barnes & Noble and Borders are censoring Andrej Pejic‘s ladylike boychest in their stores. [Elle]

-  Models Agyness Deyn and David Gandy and designer Henry Holland ran the London Marathon on Sunday. Holland shut it down with a time of 3h 28m — maybe his running gear had something to do with it. Gandy came in with a time of 4h  35m and Aggy in 4h 45m, despite bad knees from a skiing accident and running in 5-inch heels, respectively. [Vogue UK]

- Jason Wu clearly needs to get into the prom dress business. After dressing Karlie Kloss in 2009, the designer outfitted junior super Lindsey Wixon for the prom over the weekend. That certainly beats the tacky one-shouldered hoochiewear teenagers wear nowadays that often lead to 18 years of “Nights to Remember.” [Stylecaster]

- The bride wore Givenchy. Natasha Poly married her fiancé in Saint Tropez with the aid of Riccardo Tisci‘s elegant tailoring, a natural choice for the Givenchy regular. Poly looked gorgeous and her new husband…clearly has a lot of money. What? Love may be blind, but I’m not. [Modelina]

- Sister Act on Broadway means two things: 1.) Me front-row screaming “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” and 2.) 7,000 Swarovski crystals running through 23 of the show’s costumes. Patina Miller will don the sparkling habit when she makes her Broadway debut as Deloris Van Cartier, the role originated by EGOT-er and professional grumpygoose, Whoops Goldberg. [Racked]

- Lady Gaga‘s newest single “Judas” leaked on the internet and The Catholic League is already up on the cross about it. The song will be officially released tomorrow, the 19th and the accompanying video will feature Gaga portraying Mary Magdalene. The League had harsh words for the hitmaker, calling her “irrelevant” and “boring.” Meanwhile, pot meet kettle. [Hollywood Life]

Other CFDA nominees include:

Menswear Designer of the Year:

Michael Bastian

Patrik Ervell

Simon Spurr

Accessory Designer of the Year:

Reed Krakoff

Alexander Wang

Proenza Schouler

Swarovski Award (which recognizes up and coming talent; “recipients in each category will receive generous financial support from Swarovski as well as exposure to the company’s vast and innovative Swarovski crystal resources”):

Womenswear –

Joseph Altuzarra

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, The Row

Prabal Gurung

Menswear —

Alexander Wang

Philip Lim

Robert Geller

Accessories —

Eddie Borgo

Jason Wu

Pamela Love

International Award:

Phoebe Philo, Celine

Eugenia Sheppard Media Award:

Hilary Alexander, The Telegraph

Eleanor Lambert Founders Award:

Hal Rubenstein, InStyle

CFDA Board of Directors’ Special Tribute Award:

Arthur Elgort (in honor of his impact on fashion and photography)

Who do you think will win in the competitive categories? And this is my first time seeing the actual CFDA trophy, but is it just me or does it look like something recovered from an alien spaceship? And furthermore, the trophy kind of has a little gut. If it insists on being a fashion award, I think it’s time to get on a diet…

Link Love: CFDA

Photo: People.com

Prabal Gurung

Prabal Gurung really knows how to make a woman feel like a lady; something Sheen usually undoes in a matter of minutes, but a pastel pink can soften anyone’e edges.

Donna Karan

Sheer-ly you jest! I’m sure Charlie’s angels are used to anything see-through, particularly pornogal Rachel Oberlin aka Bree Olson. However, Donna Karan shows how to class up that look while still giving off  a whiff of that all-important “whore” vibe; the Charlie Sheen catnip, as it were.

Jason Wu

It’s important to make a statement whenever entering a room and Jason Wu’s finale gown makes that statement loud and clear: “I’ve arrived now kill yourself.”  Which is something that Charlie’s been known to utter to more than a few hookers in the past.

Giles

Every goddess has her dark side — even Aphrodite could be a ruthless, conniving bitch — but that’s not to say they still can’t look heavenly. Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if Charlie loves a little leather (or a lot).

Alberta Ferretti

Some goddesses deign to walk the earth with mortals, while some come alive in nature. And for some, like Chronic Girl 2010, Natalie Kenly, nature holds the promise of some really choice bud. What better way to answer that age-old question “how green was my valley?” then with this floral-inspired number from Alberta Ferretti.

Prada

Besides ancient Greece, the greatest goddesses resided in the 70s: Diana Ross, Cher, Liza, Bianca Jagger, Elton John. Prada took a page out of that glittery era’s chapter with this sequined fur number that would look great hunched over a pile of cocaine on Charlie Sheen’s coffee table.

Versace

The bodice of this gown is positively Grecian, but the skirt says fiesta. A goddess can really kick up her tranny heels with this gam-bearing confection, whether they’re dancing vertically, or more likely, horizontally in a pool of tiger blood.

Dries Van Noten

If anything, a goddess loves to feel powerful. What’s the point of all those Sheen-baiting gifts if you don’t show ‘em off once in a while, am I right? And nothing says “power” like a gold lamé pantsuit. Business-fabulous.

Gareth Pugh

This one’s for good ole Chuck Sheen, for whenever he grows tired of those baseball caps and poly blend button downs and wants to feel pretty while showing off that Adonis DNA

Mugler

Monster Mother Goddess, Lady Gaga, can certainly share some tips on dressing the part: after walking in the Mugler show she subsequently bought the entire collection. It’s doubtful that Natalie and Rachel could walk in these towering platforms, but they’re on Team Sheen and Team Sheen is all about winning. And winners don’t fall, except perhaps from grace.

Runway Photos: Style.com

Credit: Gather Celebs

I’ll be honest, I hated this look when I first saw it on Camilla. But let’s take another look at this outfit on the Jason Wu spring 2011 runway:

Credit: Style.com

I think she looks good, if not better, than the model walking in the show. Camilla‘s body is rock solid, so she can wear something this revealing and look so hot. I think the sparkly black bag is a nice touch and dresses it up a bit. But is it a little much for a movie premiere? In Los Angeles, I don’t think so. I kind of hate that ruffled bandeau anyway, so I wish she would have chosen something sleeker for under the suit. But for pulling off this very difficult look and showing up to her own movie premiere, Camilla gets a:

B-

A little goofy but not so bad, this look is above average.

Credit: Gather Celebs

Credit: Style.com

LINK LOVE: Style.com

Mo wore the couture confection for the taping of TNT‘s Christmas in Washington special airing Saturday night at 8 pm EST.

Jon Schneck, co-owner of New York Vintage (along with his wife Shannon Hoey) thinks that this might be “first time a First Lady has worn a vintage dress” and is “truly honored” that Mrs. Obama chose his store for her “first venture into vintage clothing.”

First, but apparently not the last. Schneck says that Mobama has scheduled other dresses from their archives, therefore we can expect a fervently renewed interest in vintage clothing. After all, whatever Michelle Obama wears has resounding effects in the fashion industry and in women’s personal lives.

I wouldn’t have even looked at a kitten heel two years ago, but then came the statuesque First Lady catwalking from Air Force One, wearing a Jason Wu dress and a J. Crew sweater set, an Isabel Toledo bag in one hand,  the world’s problems in the other, wearing a dainty 2-inch heel. And my mind. Was. Blown.

New York Vintage, in particular, will probably get some serious business as a result so get your classic couture now before everyone and their gay best friend invades their Chelsea store and strips them clean.

LINK LOVE: The Huffington Post

Sorry for those of you who are ready to insert your credit card digits but these are only available somewhere in China… don’t worry I’ll keep you updated.

Did I mention that Jason Wu is designing her prom dress?.. Um, no I’m so not jealous.

Aside from crucial high school career dress decisions Kloss also revealed in an interview with E! News last week that she has career plans other than wearing designer dresses: “Going to medical school . . . some day, I’ll get there.”- @Karlie_Kloss

Although she looks stunning in just about everything she wears it’s all about what makes her feel like a diva… right?

LINK LOVE: The Cut

From the “blog dedicated to dolls,” Plastic Ladies, is a place where doll-lovers everywhere can upload photos of their most fashionable toys. Jason Wu is even a fan!

LINK LOVE: High Snobette

RODARTE

DONNA KARAN

RUFFIAN

CAROLINA HERRERA

MARC JACOBS

ALEXANDER WANG

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

MICHAEL KORS

CUSHNIE ET OCHS

JASON WU

Dying over this first image from Jason Wu’s collection for Tse Spring/Summer 2011 capsule collection. Inspired by abstract expressionist Barnett Newman, this collection really ups the game for Wu who is well on his way to creating a lifestyle brand.

What do you think about this sneak peek? Love it or hates?

“We’ve actually had Miss Wu waiting in the wings for quite some time,” Wu said. “Now that the collection has fully developed, it is time to introduce an iconic figure to the brand.”

LINK LOVE: T Magazine Blog

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

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