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]

Blazers by Missoni
Boots by Steve Madden

Clockwise from top middle:

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]

Opening at $20 a share, the KORS stock quickly jumped to $25 and over the course of the day some 42.3 million shares were traded leading to a closing price of $24.20. The company is valued at $3.82 billion, over 45 times its actual earnings, easily surpassing Ralph Lauren‘s 1997 IPO which valued the company at $882 million. [Vogue UK, WWD, sub req'd]

-Anna Wintour‘s biannual HJ to the industry, Fashion’s Night Out, will make an uncalled-for return next year to once again haunt the sartorial streets. [WWD]

-  Jonathan Saunders, Mary Katrantzou, Marios Schwab and Nicholas Kirkwood are among the finalists for next year’s British Fashion Council/Vogue Fashion Fund. [Vogue UK]

- Michael Kors IPO is listed at $20/share, which will probably be the least you’ll ever pay for a Michael Kors anything from here on out. [WWD]

- The First Family posed for a new family portrait and while it’s all cute and familial, we can clearly see Michelle‘s roots and homegirl could use a touch-up. [Just Jared]

- Vera Wang is getting in touch with her inner dude by outfitting some real dudes. While brides will wear her doomed David’s Bridal gowns to their weddings, their grooms will wear her new Men’s Warehouse tuxedos. And then everyone will go to the Olive Garden and cap the night off with a few PBRs. [WWD]

- While Vera slums it in the discount wholesale bin, Levi’s is classing their game up. The jeans giant will show at New York Fashion Week for the first time come February. Hopefully the CFDA will have cut whatever day said show is by then. [WWD]

photos: style.com

By week’s end, Kors will realize what it has taken him over 30 years to accomplish when his IPO finally launches. Michael Kors Holdings plans on selling up to 48 million shares of the company, under the ticker “KORS,” on the New York Stock Exchange. For his part, the designer will be well-compensated for his patience as Kors stands to make as much as $111 million in the process.

Kors signed a deal in July guaranteeing him “creative and aesthetic control” of the Michael Kors brand as well as employment with the company until he dies, becomes disabled, or is dismissed for “cause.” In addition to the $111 mil, Kors will also receive a minimum salary of $2.5 million for life and a bevy of bonuses including a car, driver, and health club membership.

It’s been a bumpy ride to the top for Kors and co. who had to file for bankruptcy 20 years ago: “When we were in Chapter 11 in the early Nineties, I had been at it for over a decade, which I thought was a really long time. Now I’m like, ‘I was a neophyte’…I finally realized that if I had to go back to square one, that if I was just honest and authentic, it would work. It’s what works. You have to know yourself.”

See, kids? Working hard, staying true to yourself and practicing little to no discretion in the application of self-tanner inevitably lead to incredible levels of success — take notes. [WWD, sub req'd]

To be perfectly honest, the female body frightens and discomforts me. But even I must marvel at the amazing work of art that is a naked Karlie Kloss — emaciated yet at the same time muscular (no doubt from all those years of ballet) with bafflingly long limbs, her body defies the laws of physics and perhaps even Photoshop. In between moments of undress, fashion editor Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele tries to cover the teen up in looks by Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara and Roberto Cavalli.

But really, who’s looking at the clothes?

Photos: Fashion Gone Rogue

[Fashion Gone Rogue]

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

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

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

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

The top 10 list is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Luxury Lab, Telegraph]

On Wall Street, people are upset that America’s a big money-grabbing capitalist and that the assholes on Wall Street are assholes, so they’re staging a good ole-fashioned “occupation”: the “Occupy Wall Street” protesters “occupy” Zuccotti Park, whic they have been “occupying” since Sept. 17th.

Flannel and Doc Martens, unsurprisingly, are very popular, as is a wanton disregard for good grooming. However, one protester interviewed deeply considered the various factors of her environment and situation before getting dressed:  “I’m wearing heels and they’re really comfortable. I kind of didn’t plan to be protesting. I mean what’s a protest outfit? Like in case you get maced or arrested? You have to think about the elements and the forces that come up against you. The pencil skirt is vintage I got at a thrift store. My gauzy shirt I just got the other day and I’ve worn it maybe four times already. The sunglasses are Michael Kors.”

Thank you! Someone knows how to dress for an act of nonviolent disapprobation; and when in doubt — designer.

Meanwhile, in Foley Square,the younger generation can take a cue from the older and wiser rabble-rousers that came before them. “My black velvet jacket is from J. Jill,” said 68-year-old retiree, Judith Carluccio. “My jeans, I’m not sure where they’re from. And I have on sneakers so I can run. In case the cops come, I’m ready to go.”

Mmm, saying fuck the police well into her golden years while adorned in velvet. It’s called “experience,” kids. Now occupy that one for a second. [NYT]

Photos: ABC/Soapnet

The advertising campaign and/or packaging features a badly airbrushed male model with disturbingly small nipples being embraced from behind by a naked woman — probably because the brand doesn’t plan to launch a women’s underthings line anytime soon and because dudes are into naked chicks. So I’m told.

Meanwhile, the line of briefs and boxer briefs — ranging from $28 to $34 — will hit about 100 Nordstrom and Blommingdale’s department stores by the end of the month with Neiman Marcus being added for the holidays. Talk about a stocking stuffer! I’m here all night, kids. [WWD]

Diane von Furstenberg: ”That’s her opinion. She is entitled. She has a voice, she uses her voice. I have a voice. All I will say is that I work very hard, and I do the best I can. I hope she comes to the show and I hope she likes the show.”

Michael Kors: ”People can make their decision as to what turns them on and what thrills them, and what doesn’t. It’s like shopping.”

Oscar de la Renta: ”It bothers me because I love my industry, and I love fashion. I think fashion is something of beauty and it really makes me mad when someone writes about fashion in a bitter way.”

Vera Wang: ”We actually employ a lot of people, and we try to support our industry, and we do pay for things. We’re doing our best to be honorable and support our industry. If those things don’t stand for something, I don’t really know what does.” [WWD]

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.

- Sweetie darling! Now that Absolutely Fabulous is coming back, what will Patsy and Edie wear? Luckily, someone’s already on that. [Racked]

- Rumor has it Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty may be headed over the pond. [Hint Magazine]

Milk is now represented by Creative Artists Agency and has brought on Lexus and American Express as sponsors in addition to original partner MAC Cosmetics.  This partnership has also gone through some changes and beginning this Fashion Week MAC & Milk shows will be under the name of Made.

Lincoln Center on the other hand has IMG, Mercedes-Benz and Maybelline, as well as AmEx with MAC also providing make-up for many a MBFW show.

While Made focuses on emerging designers and does not charge to rent their space — MAC is the exclusive make-up provider leaving models and music on the bill — Lincoln Center caters to more high-profile designers, who in addition to paying for the venue also have to dig deep for models, hair, music and makeup. And these are just a few of the differences:

Number of Shows:

Made – 35

MBFW – 98 (81 on-site, 17 off)

Sponsors:

Made – MAC, American Express and Lexus

MBFW - DHL, Maybelline New York, American Express, TRESemmé, W Hotels Worldwide, Fiber One Bars, ideeli, Fiji Water, AriZona Beverages

Designers:

Made - Sophie Theallet, Cushnie Et Ochs, Peter Som, Erin by Erin Fetherston, Billy Reid, Simon Spurr, Ohne Titel, Jeremy Scott, Nahm

MBFW - BCBG Max Azria, Tommy Hilfiger, Nicole Miller, Cynthia Rowley, Derek Lam, Tracy Reese, L.A.M.B., Diane von Furstenberg, Betsey Johnson, Tory Burch, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Diesel, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, J.Mendel, Milly by Michelle Smith, Anna Sui, Elie Tahari

With Fashion Week just around the corner and all those sponsorship dollars, designer reputations and AmEx black cards floating around, the stage is set for a good ole-fashioned walk-off between Milk Studios and Lincoln Center. [WWD]

- Is this old news for everyone or just me? Model Coco Rocha was discovered jigging about in an Irish dance competition. Now she’s showing her pride for the activity by hosting an online screening of Irish dancing documentary Jig. Weird, yet mildly touching? [Fashionista]

- London was just named the #1 Fashion Capital of 2011, beating out top dogs Paris, Milan and New York for the title. We’re glad (not) rainy old London has a chance in the spotlight, but we’ll scream if we don’t get our title back in 2012. [The Cut]

- Would you carry a red leather 9/11 handbag around town? Designers Jen and Chris Mascali created the “Remember” bag to commemorate their father and others who were lost in the attacks. All wholesale proceeds go to the 9/11 Memorial Fund. Are you sold? [Refinery 29]

- And speaking of 9/11, did you know Gwyneth Paltrow saved someone’s life that day by almost running her over with a silver Mercedes? Lara Lundstrom Clarke said the encounter made her miss the train, subsequently late for work and she completely missed the attacks. Damn Gwyneth, you be cashing in big time these days. [E!]

- OOPS. Abercrombie & Fitch stock plummeted after the company offered Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino compensation to stop wearing the brand. Surely, we in the Indie Newsroom won’t be the only ones laughing about A&F’s douchebaggery. [Just Jared]

Let’s see, we have:

- Michael Kors celebrating his three decades at Bergdorf Goodman, along with live performances and their “BG Best in Show,” featuring designers such as Joseph Altuzarra, Reem Acra and Pamella Roland trotting down the runway with their dogs

- Live performances from Kelly Rowland and Joss Stone at Macy’s Herald Square, with appearances by Tommy Hilfiger, Rachel Roy and Amar’e Stoudemire

- Rachel Zoe and Erin Wasson will show face at Bloomingdale’s

- Jade Jagger will launch her new jewelry line at Henri Bendel’s

- Lord & Taylor will have Solange Knowles on the turntables and an appearance by Ivanka Trump

- Saks Fifth Ave will feature appearances by the inimitable Tilda Swinton with Pringle of Scotland designer Alistair Carr and Central Saint Martins professor/Kanye West mentor Louise Wilson, while Ne-Yo performs and signs hats

This is just a small sampling of the hundreds of  events listed on FNO’s website and you can filter through all of them by neighborhood, category or specialty. FNO also has an iPhone/Android app to help you plan your itinerary on the go thus ensuring this year you can make as many regrettable, booze-induced purchases as possible. [WWD]

Call of the wild

According to a profile in New York Magazine, Kors met LaPere in 1990 when the latter joined the former’s company as an intern. They fell in love while in Paris over quesadillas and cranberry juice and now their fairytale romance– emphasis on the fairy — will get its happy ending.

However, don’t expect Kors to diva out on an opulent wedding:

“Lance and I are very excited to finally be able to have the opportunity to marry in our home state after many years together. We have no plans for a major party, but we will be getting married privately.”

I hope one of the challenges on Project Runway — that show’s still on, right? — this season will be creating Kors’ wedding gown, only for him to deride it as “something Vera Wang threw up in the 80s.” [WWD]

Hailee Steinfeld

- Three of young Hollywood’s best, brightest and fiercest get LOVE‘d by Mert and Marcus: Hailee Steinfeld, Elle Fanning and Chloe Moretz grace the mag’s Issue No. 6. [Models.com]

Hilfiger would join Joel Horowtiz, Silas Chou and Lawrence Stroll in the venture; the fab four were the original investors in the Tommy Hilfiger brand, while Chou and Stroll bought Michael Kors in 2003 for a reported $100 million.

Hilfiger remained coy about his involvement, saying that ”Anybody would be crazy not to invest in it. Michael Kors is the next major global player in my eyes.”

He did, however, express great confidence in his partners:  ”For over 20 years, we’ve invested in things together. If they ask me, of course I’ll invest.”

Kors is planning on an initial public offering ASAP with some sources estimating the value of the company at $2 billion. While Prada is the latest clothes horse to trot out an IPO, Kors will be the first American designer in a while to do so.

Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan completed their IPOs in the late nineties, but very few brands are in as an advantageous position as Kors to  lure investors with an established business that still has room to grow.

And grow it shall with Michael Kors planning on adding 50 retail locations in Greater China over the next three years, as well as a new flagship store on Fifth Ave. [WWD]

- Hussein Chalayan was “devastated” when Tom Ford passed him over in 2001 for being “too avant-garde.” I guess birthing eggs weren’t what Gucci was looking for back then. [Vogue UK]

- Vogue‘s coveted September cover will go to Kate Moss and her wedding, shot by go-to Wintour lensman, Mario Testino. And Vanity Fair is going decidedly classy by shooting Lindsay Lohan while under house arrest for their September issue. [Page Six]

- Apparently, Princess Beatrice has been listening to the haters and has hired full-blown fashionista Emma Watson‘s stylist for $2400/day. Meanwhile, throw that glorified basketball hoop of a Philip Treacy hat back on and stop boring me. [Styleite]

- Ice queen Johnny Weir will be the face of MAC Cosmetics‘ holiday collection, “Glitter and Ice.” [Page Six]

- And if that isn’t gay enough for you, check out the windows of Michael Kors Bleecker Street  location in celebration of the recently passed same-sex marriage bill. Those brides are actually drag queens, FYI. [Racked]

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

DISCLAIMER: Keep in mind this was certainly not the fashion event of the year, so I graded on a curve based on what I had to work with.

Here are the BEST DRESSED of the MTV Movie Awards, the star students of the night scoring As and Bs on their style report cards.

Elle Fanning in D&G Spring 2011 – I want to adopt Elle as my own first born child -  she is so adorable. I love this floral romper with the floral wedges. Where else and on who can an overload of prints work this well?

Leighton Meester in Balmain Fall 2011 – Although she makes a lot of mistakes and does poorly in style school sometimes, I still stand by Leighton. She looks perfect in this bling-encrusted Balmain dress. I’m glad to see her at the top of the list for once.

Emma Stone in Bottega Veneta Fall 2011 – Congratulations Emma for finally making my best dressed list! She looks phenomenal with her red-again hair in this golden, lacy frock. The orange accessories are PERFECT.

Hailee Steinfeld in Louis Vuitton – Many think Hailee looks too old in this sequin-adorned Louis Vuitton suit, but I think she looks youthful and chic. Unfortunately, I hate the shirt she is wearing underneath and wish she would have chosen something brighter and not so stiff.

Lil Mama in Sherri Hill Fall 2011 – This little lady sometimes tries too hard and ends up looking completely ridiculous on the red carpet. But Lil Mama got it right this time in a perfectly-fitting strapless mini dress. She is put-together and sexy without looking ridiculous.

Emma Watson in Marchesa - I thought this look was a little safe for Emma, but it grew on me as I looked through all the red carpet photos from last night. It’s difficult to pull-off a stark white dress and even more so if it’s this short. This is a great feminine look with the added edge of the Brian Atwood pumps.

On to the MOST BORING looks of the night. The Cs of the red carpet, these ladies could have tried a lot harder.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2011 -  I usually LOVE animal print, so I’m surprised I’m not phased by this. But a short animal print dress with the half-up, half-down hair? Ehhh I need something more from a gorgeous gal like Rosie. It would have made a huge difference if the dress was left longer like it was shown on the runway.

Blake Lively in Michael Kors - If Blake was going to a sophisticated fashion event, this would be an A++. But for an MTV awards show? Where is the insane Chanel Couture that could be blowing all these tartlets out of the water? If you have the access, use it!

Reese Witherspoon in Zac Posen Pre-Fall 2011 – Snore. Snoring at the hair, the dress, the shoes. Snoring at you Reese Witherspoon, who has been doing so well and just had to go and disappoint when you were receiving the post “prestigious” MTV Movie Award possible.

Selena Gomez in Giambattista Valli Spring 2011 – Talk about looking too old. Fit for a grandmother, this ensemble is just too tedious for MTV. Selena wowed us at the Billboards and must be tired because she is not at work.

Here we are ladies and gentlemen, the WORST DRESSED of the MTV Movie Awards. These ladies receive Ds and Fs for their detestable fashion sense.

Jessica Szohr in Alice + Olivia Fall 2011 – AHHHH!! This is a paisley nightmare! Hide your kids, hide your wife because this is the scariest clown I’ve ever seen. Perfect example of how an awesome runway piece looks like shit in real life. Look at Jessica’s face, she’s as horrified as we are.

Kristen Stewart in Balmain - Someone finally managed to look like a hooker in Balmain. Kristen Stewart continues to neglect her fashion studies in this too short, terribly styled studded and safety pinned number. The hair is bad, the shoes are wrong and she is not working this dress the way it needs to be worked.

Mila Kunis in Balmain Fall 2011 – Poor Balmain, so much drama as of late. I am obsessed with this skirt, but what in god’s name was Mila wearing on top? It looks like she was half changed into her pajamas, someone rang the doorbell and she had to walk outside like this. Justin’s hands would be a more fashionable choice.

Amanda Bynes in Hervé Léger – Congratulations Amanda for winning the WORST DRESSED award by a landslide. Not only does this dress make her look saggy all around, but she chose the ugliest shoes Christian Louboutin has ever designed. Tan, turquoise, black, white – it’s a rainbow of disaster on the red carpet.

Who were your picks for the best and worst dressed at the 2011 MTV Movie Awards? Tell us in the comments or tweet at me @CrystlMeatballs.

The spot
Il Bastardo, Chelsea

What to wear
Gap Jersey Maxi Dress $69.95, gap.com

A|X Armani Exchange Aviator Sunglasses $65, macys.com

French Connection Cleo’s Haze Clutch $158, usa.frenchconnection.com

Calvin Klein Blaire Wedge Espadrille $93.50, piperlime.gap.com

Lynn Ban Fintail Ring $1,600, kirnazabete.com

Topshop Moto White Denim Crop Jacket $80, us.topshop.com

What to order
Eggs Benedict with Imported Prosciutto and unlimited champagne

The spot
Southern Hospitality, Upper East Side

What to wear
Topshop Red Stripe Suntop $50, us.topshop.com

Gap High-Waisted Flare Jeans $69.95, gap.com

Diane Von Furstenberg Theia Caged Wedge Sandal $275, farfetch.com

American Eagle Outfitters Braided Skinny Belt $19.50, ae.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Oversized Aviator $98, piperlime.gap.com

What to order
The classic BBQ Combo and a Mint Julep

The spot
Caracas Brooklyn, Williamsburg

What to wear
Topshop Yellow Mini Floral Print Dress $80, us.topshop.com

Tom Binns Ethno Teknik Hand-Painted Swarovski Crystal Necklace $2,175, net-a-porter.com

kate spade new york “Make Waves” Bangle $78, nordstrom.com

Sonia Rykiel Dalya Platform Sandal $1,087, shopsavannahs.com

Malababa Pocahontas Bag $395, calypsostbarth.com

Illesteva Leonard 3 Sunglasses $230, lagarconne.com

What to order
Llanera Arepa with a Tropical Bloody Mary

The Spot
Juliette, Williamsburg

What to wear
Nasty Gal Flora Sweetheart Romper $68, shopnastygal.com

Reiss Classic Two Button Blazer $320, reissonline.com

Michael Kors Darrington Flap Hobo $895, neimanmarcus.com

French Connection Jakoba Platform Mule Espadrille $138, fashionbeans.com

Bonamano & Ferrari Rhinestone Bracelet $138, amrag.com

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses $145, swell.com

What to order
Roasted Banana Stuffed French Toast and a JOiE DE ViVRE

Did we miss anything? What is your favorite brunch spot in NYC?

- Apparently something is going down in Syria prompting Vogue to pull its profile of first lady Asma al-Assad from its website. [Styleite]

- Chanel hasn’t thrown a black model down their runway in many a season. Not even Chanel Iman, and you’d think that shit would write itself. [The Cut]

- Queen Elizabeth is still turning heads and more importantly turning it at age 800 — after she wore a Launer London handbag to the Royal Wedding, sales jumped 60%. [Racked]

- Speaking of the Royal Wedding, Princess Beatrice of York‘s fascinator — the hat heard mocked around the world (though it was literally perfection) — is being put up for auction to benefit charity. Sign me up! [Fashionista]

- Dov Charney‘s browser toolbar has a bookmark labeled “good hookers” prompting me to wonder where he keeps the “bad hookers” bookmark. [Gawker]

- Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenberg and Tory Burch will be on Oprah tomorrow for her very last MAKEOVER SHOOOOOOOOOOOW! EVERYONE! GETS! A WRAP-DREEEEEEEESSSS! [Twitter]

1. Paris Is Burning (1990)

Set amidst the backdrop of 80s New York ball culture, Paris Is Burning is an exploration of beauty, race, sexuality, capitalism and the American Dream, all wrapped up in a dragtastic homage to the transformative powers of fashion. Also, where do you think Madonna learned to Vogue?

See Also: To Wong Foo — Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1994) Drag queens, yes; acute social commentary, not so much…but how can you argue with this? Oh, that’s right, you can’t.

An adorably young, swimming-trunked Michael Kors sits in the lap of his fabulous mother Joan amongst his latest ready-to-wear and the quote:

“My Mom, Joan, has always been my biggest fan, she’s a constant source of support and inspiration, so to her and to all the great mom’s out there…Happy Mother’s Day!”

Aww, what a nice boy that Michael Kors is, so good to his mother! I bet he calls her regularly — I’m just saying, would it kill you to pick up the phone every once in a while?*

Other mom-designer windows featured are: Milly designer Michelle Smith and Rebecca Taylor, both with moms named Patricia; Lela Rose with mom Deedie Rose (cutest name ever); and Yigal Azrouël with mom Remond. [WWD]

*Best when read as an old Jewish woman…like most things in life.

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

Fit: 5

Appropriateness: 4

Trendiness: 3

Styling: 4

Shoes: 5

Hair: 4

Makeup: 4

Pose: 3

Confidence: 5

This is a very good look for Hilary, and she wears this outfit better than the model on the runway. I would have liked to see a splash of color in the clutch, but she still looks great. Love seeing pants at a movie premiere.

*Andre Leon Talley wins the award for best purple tent. As always, his volumes are amazing.

Let’s take a look at the Best Dressed of the night. This category has quite a bit of people, as it should, for fashion’s biggest event. These were the As and high Bs, the working girls.

Shalom Harlow is my pick for BEST DRESSED in Marchesa. This is what the Met Ball is all about – she looks breathtaking in that gown.

I almost fell over when I saw Christina Ricci in Zac Posen. She never ages a day and looks super sexy in this sheer number.

I found Mary-Kate’s dress underwhelming, but Ashley Olsen looks ravishing in vintage Dior Haute Couture. The whole look is perfect.

Elle Fanning looks like a little couture doll in Valentino. She is so outshining her sister, it’s not even fair.

Rihanna has been looking haggard lately, so I was pleasantly surprised at how elegant she was in this striking Stella McCartney gown.

Iman, also in Stella McCartney, turned it out in a metallic gold jumpsuit. A little draggy, a lot amazing.

Karolina Kurkova in a spring 2011 Jean Paul Gaultier lace legging-dress creation. If the models can’t do it, who can?

I love this Prabal Gurung gown and funky jewelry on Ciara. White could be difficult to pull off at the ball, but she did it right.

Even though Crystal Renn is too skinny for my taste, she is an absolute vision in Alexander McQueen. I need my hair to look like this.

After getting ready in a Barneys window yesterday, Daphne Guiness showed up in McQueen. Perfect, amazing, stuns.

I loved Ginnifer Goodwin‘s look from the moment  I saw it. Then I realized it was custom Topshop. Damn she makes it look good.

Naomi Campbell looks like the queen she is in custom McQueen. She wears the sedatives well too.

Hamish Bowles looks like a true gentleman in custom McQueen. Love it from head to toe.

I always wait with baited breath to see what Blake Lively is wearing. She obviously did not disappoint in a Chanel toga.

New York’s best couple showed up looking better than ever. Beyonce is working that Emilio Pucci gown like whoa.

Queen Bitch Anna Wintour gave her best smile to the camera and looks like a shiny grandiose statue in Chanel.

On to the Most Boring of the night. On any other occasion, these folks would have looked great (probably). Unfortunately, this also means they’re the Cs of the Met Ball.

I’m sleeping. Zoe Saldana is usually among the best dressed. Why did she choose this boring Calvin Klein for the biggest fashion night of the year?

Leighton Meester is amazing, but she has trouble getting it right. Different shoes and hair would have done this Louis Vuitton dress more justice.

I love this Michael Kors dress on Emma Roberts, but she has the body to wear something more over the top on a night like this.

Madonna, the Material Girl herself, definitely could have done better than this Stella McCartney dress. Pretty, but boring.

I’m actually quite obsessed with this Miu Miu dress Michelle Williams is wearing. But I would wear this to a nice dinner, not a gala.

And now ladies and gentleman, the Worst Dressed of the night. These are the Ds and Fs of the Met Ball, the creme de la creme of mistakes.

ARGH! Christina Hendricks used to dress so well! This Carolina Herrera gown is an unflattering fit and color on her.

Oh dear. Hate to say it Alicia Keys, but it looks like you’re wearing a giant turd instead of Givenchy. Brown jacket AND dress is NOT fly.

Jennifer Lopez looks like a halfway plucked bloody chicken. Matchy-matchy lipstick, bag and Gucci is a no go.

I thought Chloe Sevigny would make McQueen look good, but I was wrong. The hair is awful and the dress fits like she grabbed it off some rack.

Sorry to say it Kate Hudson, but this Stella McCartney is not a cute pregnant lady dress. And whatever is on your head isn’t working either.

Nooooo! In the rush of preparing for the gala, Lucy Liu forgot to get a wax! Oh wait, that’s just her looking blech in Vionnet.

I hope everyone enjoying looking at the red carpet photos from the 2011 Met Gala as much as I. Who was your best and worst dressed of the night?

Spring 2011 brights: Derek Lam, Christian Dior & Nina Ricca

Start with a primer: There are a few different ways to pull-off this cheery look, but always start with an eyelid primer before trying any of them. Benefit Stay Don’t Stray will guarantee your concealer, shadow and eyeliner won’t bleed no matter how hot it gets.

The Double Bright: Vivid colors on both the lips and eyes can work if done strategically. Start with a neutral base shadow from the lash line to the brow bone like Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Eyecolor in Vanilla Sugar. Use a cool-colored eyeliner to draw a thin line from the inner to outer corners of eyes. Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in Turquoise 7L is the perfect shade to master this look. Finish with a warm lip color that will complement your ultra cool eyes like Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick in Muse.

Mellow Yellow: If you wear yellow eyeshadow from lashes to brow bone, you could look like you have jaundice. Using an eyeliner brush, like Sephora Collection Professionnel Angled Liner/Eyeliner Brush #15, apply yellow liner from the middle of the pupil to the outer corners on both the top and bottom lash lines. M.A.C. Chromaline in Primary Yellow is one of the brightest you can get. Finish with the simplest gloss you can find like Michael Kors Rollerball.

Light bright all over: If you love that smudged, all-over bright look, make sure to use a lighter bright instead of something super electric. Start with a grey eyeliner from the start of your lashes to the outer corners on top lids and along the inner rim of bottom lashes. Try Smashbox Limitless Eyeliner in Smoke for the correct look. Then smudge a lightly colored cream shadow across the lid from the inner corners past the outer corners on both the top and bottom lids, creating an ethereal halo around the eyes. We swear by Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Dab. Turn up the drama and finish with two coats of Buxom Lash Mascara in Blackest Black.

The colorful cat eye: Creating less drama then the bright all over look, you can use any color your heart desires for this modern twist on the cat eye. Just like the classic method, swoop your color of choice from the inner corner of eyes past the outer corner in a light, upward motion. There are two great ways to achieve this look. Use a cream shadow for a richer color, like Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in Turquoise. If you want that shimmery, sparkling look, try a glittery pressed powder like TARINA TARANTINO Eye Dream Hypershadow in Sweetzer.

What are your favorite eyeshadow hues for spring? Will you be trying these runway-inspired looks?

1. Quit this: Birkenstocks
A mandal by any other name would look as bad.

Hit this: Espadrilles
An Hermès espadrille may not be ideal for Ultimate Frisbee in the quad, but it’s more than appropriate for quick munchie runs.

2. Quit this: Tie-Dye
Psychedelia  gave us many things, none of them as enduring or as tacky as tie-dye.

Hit this: Bold prints
Pucci prints are as trippy as they come so you can easily get lost staring into them for hours on end.

3. Quit this: Hemp
A durable and versatile fabric, there are more chic ways to green your wardrobe, especially without using your green.

Hit this: Organic fabrics
If you’re all about sustainability and that crap, H&M‘s new Conscious Collection is easy on the environment and on your wallet.

4. Quit this: Puka shell necklaces
Ah, the puka shell necklace, or as I like to think of it, shorthand for letting everyone know you’re a complete tool.

Hit this: Statement jewelry
A statement necklace says something completely different, like “I’m high as a kite right now and I’m going to dress like it.”

5. Quit this: Ponchos
If you’ve been indulging a little too much in the late night Taco Bell, then by all means, drape an unflattering carpet over yourself.

Hit this: Capes
However, a cape like this Alexander McQueen number is a fashionable alternative to the poncho but on the other hand, so is anything else.

6. Quit this: Board shorts
Board shorts are appropriate on only one occasion, and that is on a surf board. Any other time is just an insult to surfers everywhere.

Hit this: Suit shorts
Tom Ford doesn’t think men should wear shorts at all, but Thom Browne doesn’t expect you to play hacky sack in a full-on pant during those hot summer months.

7. Quit this: Hawaiian shirts
Hawaiian shirts are appropriate on only one occasion, and that is on Charlie Sheen. Any other time is just an insult to Charlie Sheen…which is kind of all right.

Hit this: Paisley shirts
Odds are you won’t need much to cheer you up this 420, but paisley, like this Michael Kors top, can add a dash of curlicued sunshine to anyone’s day.

8. Quit this: Baggy jeans
“So okay, I don’t want to be a traitor to my generation and all but I don’t get how guys dress today. I mean, come on, it looks like they just fell out of bed and put on some baggy pants and take their greasy hair – ew – and cover it up with a backwards cap and like, we’re expected to swoon? I don’t think so.” – Cher Horowitz

Hit this: Harem pants
A harem pant gives you the same freeballin’ feeling of a pair of slouchy Levi’s hanging off your upper thighs and — bonus points — the drop-crotch acts as a great weed table if nothing else is around.

9. Quit this: American Eagle
For most of us, middle school is over and so is the Eagle.

Hit this: American Apparel
Going from the Eagle to the Apparel, though, is not so much a show of growth so much as a show of wanting to get laid. But even stoners need to slut it up sometimes.

10. Quit this: Beanies
A beanie is like the stoner equivalent of the little black dress. And though I would deign to ask any pothead worth his or her reefer to abandon their LBD…

Hit this: Newsboys
A newsboy cap adds a certain air of jauntiness and charm. I mean, who would you rather get high with, beanie boy or Brad Pitt? Though the beanie guy looks baked as all get out.

Happy Toking and remember to dress is human, to smoke divine.

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

Fit: 5

Appropriateness: 4

Trendiness: 3

Styling: 2

Shoes: 3

Hair: 2

Makeup: 2

Pose: 2

Confidence: 5

UGH Heidi can do so much better than this! There is no model pose, hair or makeup displayed here at all. And that color does not work for her, it’s so drab. I’ve been so bored with Heidi lately, she needs to turn it up.

[Above: Michael Kors, $160 michaelkors.com]

[Nixon, $100 nixonnow.com]

[Timex, $90 timex.com]

[Emporio Armani, $195 dillards.com]

[D&G, $195 macys.com]

[Lacoste, $185 lacoste.com]

[A|X, $120 armaniexchange.com]

[WEWOOD, $119 urbanoutfitters.com]

[Kenneth Cole, $150 kennethcole.com]

[Skagen, $185 skagen.com]

Photo: Refinery29

- Dov Charney has been accused of behavior even despicable by his loose, scumbaggy standards. What could that possibly be, you ask? How’s about subjecting a young girl to sex slavery for her 18th birthday (allegations AA denies). Happy Birthday — slip on this muzzle!…The Charlie Sheen Story. [Racked]

- “Artist” Richie Budd has encased a bunch of not completely unattractive frat boys behind Plexiglass in the exhibition, “Come on Guy” (one must assume) for the sake of art. And also for the sake of perverts who have been banned from every other peepshow in town. [Refinery 29]

- Kate Middleton to wear Alexander McQueen at wedding? Reportedly, the princess-bride-to-be consulted British Vogue‘s EIC, Alexandra Shulman over the momentous gown. All hail the McQueen! [The Cut]

- Matthew Morrison‘s album art was clearly dug up from a never released early-90s Richard Marxx project. Meanwhile, shelve this easy listening snoozefest and give me Amber Riley‘s record, ASAP. [Just Jared]

- Kanye West will not be attending Central Saint Martins after all, it seems. According to a CSM spokesperson: ”He isn’t coming to study the MA course but he did visit the college regarding a separate issue last week.” I hope that “separate issue” involves renaming the college Central Saint Kanyes. [Vogue.co.uk]

- Recession, resmession! Is there even a recession anymore/does anyone even care? Well Michael Kors certainly could give two shits. He’s opened his largest store in the world: a sprawling 7,000 square feet in Paris. [NYT]

- And at the Paris opening of his new store, Mary J. Blige “confirmed a year-old report that she will portray Nina Simone in an upcoming biopic” by covering a Simone classic. I’m officially starting my Oscar pool early this year. [NYT]

- Miss J. Alexander once famously said (on one of the 62 cycles of Top Model): “Fashion has no sympathy or empathy.” Well, if you’re John Galliano, that may not be absolutely true. [The Cut]

- Walking lab experiment James Franco has been tooling around with supermodel Agyness Deyn and has uploaded some of their kooky exploits on the Twitter. [Oh No They Didn't!]

With a body of neoprene and a bubbly rubber sole encasement, these Tron Legacy x Opening Ceremony sneaker-heel-hybrids look fit to work. They look light, like the weight of those sneakers that make your socks look like fat asses. Only pretty.

They are reminiscent of Ruthie Davis, whose shoes are the self-proclaimed offspring of a passionate love affair between Nike and Manolo. These Opening Ceremony kicks look more like K-Swiss fucked Michael Kors. It was hot.

Thanks Opening Ceremony, for creating this Tron Legacy inspired beauty. If you still had them available in more than just the aqua blue, I’d be jogging in them tomorrow to Tron’s Daft Punk soundtrack.

Over a month ago, when I had the pleasure of witnessing Project Runway‘s finale show firsthand, I didn’t think Gretchen had a snowball’s chance of winning. Maybe my brain had turned to mush after sitting through 75 minutes of decoy collections, but her crunchy-granola take on tribal just seemed so…boring. It left me cold.

On the other hand, I thought Andy South‘s collection was elegant, romantic yet slightly hard, and vaguely reminiscent of his beloved Yohji Yamamoto. Sure, it didn’t have any of his dominatrix/warrior princess edge, but why can’t something just be LOVELY, god damnit? Naturally, the judges hated it and counted Andy out of the running entirely.

Mondo’s collection, on the other hand, I loved from start to finish. I am not a print girl in my daily life, and I don’t really go for whimsy…but the moment his first look walked down the runway, all of Lincoln Center seemed captivated. His prints are wild and could become costumey with a less skilled hand, but his tailoring was so sharp and clean that it still looked refined.

Not so, sayeth Michael Kors and Nina Garcia. They lambasted him for being too “circusy” and skewing towards a “junior market,” remarks which led to the best. Project Runway. Catfight. Ever.

Lasting a whole 20 minutes–unheard of in reality TV–Michael and Nina duked it out with Jessica and host Heidi Klum, Team Gretchen and Mondo respectively. Team Gretchen was pleased that the designer, once written off as too “Birkenstocks,” styled her models a bit higher-end and more luxe, and they applauded her hand-forged (by other hands) metal jewelry. Heidi, however, correctly pointed out that no consumer wants to buy a top and have to buy the accoutrements necessary to make it fashionable.

Boxing gloves out, the tie was somehow broken and Gretchen takes home the prize. Ultimately, the judges said she was “current” and speaks to what modern women want to wear today.

I’ll let Mondo sum up my feelings in his exit interview. “You know, I was just really, really shocked…Gretchen, it was mundane, it was kinda one idea.” Yep. Guess Tim Gunn was right when he said the judges were smoking crack this season.

Who do you think deserved the win?