Peruse the gallery for deets on the pleats.

With slits hiding in the pleated folds, this sweeping maxi steps up.

Sun shiny days bring textured yellow to light.

Having revolutionized pleating in the 90s with the tiniest folds, this skirt is a woven that truly stretches in its shape.

Pleats are a classy classic. Versace may be neither of those things, but this vintage skirt says otherwise.

It's not bifurcated, but the colors will set your legs apart.

Silk chiffon boxes out the patterned skirt.

Wide pleats take the look back to the schoolgirl. This brocade-like floral makes it regal.

This metallic blue pleather skirt escaped my 5th grade wardrobe, and got a hold of a Conair crimper. The Spice Girls clearly had a heavy hand in my upbringing.

A rounded yoke softens the linear pleating.

"Pleats Be Red-y" requests the pun-happy kids at

This year, marking the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s 50th anniversary, the awards will be presented on June 4 at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tulley Hall in a ceremony hosted by Saturday Night Live also-ran Seth Meyers.

Womenswear Designer of the Year

Marc Jacobs
Proenza Schouler
The Row

Menswear Designer of the Year

Patrik Ervell
Billy Reid
Simon Spurr

Accessory Designer of the Year

Alexander Wang
Reed Krakoff 
Proenza Schouler

Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent – Womenswear

Joseph Altuzarra
Chris Peters and Shane Gabier, Creatures of the Wind 
Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty, Suno 

Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent — Menswear

Antonio Azzuolo
Todd Snyder
Phillip Lim

Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent – Accessory Design

Tabitha Simmons
Pamela Love
Irene Neuwirth

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award

Tommy Hilfiger

International Award

Rei Kawakubo

Eleanor Lambert Founders Award

Andrew Rosen

Eugenia Sheppard Media Award

Scott Schuman and Garance Doré

Fashion Icon Award

Johnny Depp

So what do you think of the nominees? The Olsens sure have come a long way, baby, but does Marc Jacobs really need/deserve another CFDA nomination?

And bloggers have made their official entrée into the CFDA with noted streetstyle documentarians, Garance Doré and The Sartorialist‘s Scott Schuman, receiving the Media Award — is this a new level of legitimacy for the blogosphere? And if so, who’s next?

Also, when did that homeless man on the street known as Johnny Depp become a fashion icon? These questions and others will be answered on June 4 at the CFDA Awards. [WWD]

With the amount of air brushing going on these days, models in magazines look nearly good enough to hang in the Louvre. Their skin so dewy, their teeth so white and their eyes so clear, so it only make sense that the fashion world is rediscovering the lost art of illustration.

Back in the good ole days, names like Joe Eula, Antonio Lopez and Kenneth Paul Block would cross the pond to sketch the latest looks coming out of Paris to be featured in WWD and Vogue amongst others. Illustrators also worked closely with department stores such as Bonwit Teller and Lord & Taylor as well as other high end boutiques who wanted that certain pizzazz in their ads and catalogues.

Many of the great illustrators of those days have since gone to the great sketchbook in the sky, but luckily a new brigade of sketchers is cropping up. We recently met Katy Smail and were lured in by her dark and mysterious fashion damsels. Her playful animal sketches are equally mysterious and amusing. Read on to hear how this Scot ended up in Manhattan, her dream clients and who the hell this woman is she keeps drawing.

With backing from Michael Kors co-chairman Silas Chou, the China Exchange program will foster talent from both sides of the globe as the East becomes a larger and more important market. According to CFDA CEO Steven Kolb, this isn’t a one-time thing, either. “We never want to do anything as a one-off. We really like to connect and invest in things that have real meaning and depth,” he told WWD.

Wang will make two visits to the states, first in May and then she’ll return for New York Fashion Week. During her stays, the designer will work with Andrew Rosen‘s Theory as well as with tanned turtlenecked titan Michael Kors and visit Barneys, Google and Xanadu itself, the offices of Vogue. Oh, and she’ll also be put up by W Hotels.

No word yet on what the Proenza kids will be doing but after such an amazing experience, by the time NYFW rolls around Wang will already have Freaky Friday’d one of them. [WWD, sub req'd]

See the future ahead.

Pulling some tricks from Stella McCartney this outlining trick slims and stuns all at once. it tricks the eye into giving the body perfect curves.

Color blocking has been vertically integrated. Split the scene two-faced for a cool contrast.

The hues run deep in Fall 2012, but none deeper than burgundy. Red wine flooded nearly every runway this week, and left us delightfully buzzed.

Perhaps inspired by the multitude of collar necklaces that have surfaced since Spring, collars are now stepping into the light, taking on their own colors separate from the rest of the garment. And it pops in a way that you won't have to lift it up.

Fanny who? These waist bags are all grown up, and some have even doubled. Hands and shoulders-free has become so chic.

The boob tube turned fuzzy as black and white meshed like a snowy television. The signal may not be coming in clear, but the trend certainly is.

Designers are pointing out your sexiest curves: hips, boobs, shoulders. On point.

Jackets hems hit the floor, billowing out behind as you take a step. The look is regal, the effect is long.

Because we live in the future (and Christopher Kane flourished with it last season), laser cut leather lace is cutting out everywhere.

Whether we're getting our athletics on, or yearning for old "glory days," this trickle up trends has saturated the runway and blown up street style. They. Were. Everywhere.

This peek at the top five collections casts a spotlight on the most au courant accessories. Proenza Schouler and Prada both look to midcentury Americana, invoking the smoldering glamour of 1940s California and summery, slightly cheeky 1950s Southern California, respectively. With Louis Vuitton, sugar sweetness is superbold. Céline creates streamlined cool with androgyny and minimalism, and Jil Sander explores all of the nuances and complications of femininity. Our look at the season ahead.

Re-posted from WSJ Magazine. Check out the original post here.

If a downtown art-house darling were to dress up as a 1940s screen siren, she'd pluck her wardrobe from Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez's spring collection: retro Hawaiian florals with skin-baring cutouts and A-line eelskin skirts in geek-out stripes. She'd carry only the essentials, and for that there's a burnt sienna camera bag to swing from the wrist.

Prada's pastel swing coats, bandeau tops and pleated skirts feel youthful and reminiscent of a decadent summer spent among the spiky palms and expansive vistas of 1950s Southern California. For a touch of playful, drive-in theater cheekiness, there are clutches and heels tricked out with silhouettes of classic cars.

Sweet is sexiest when there's a hint of deception. At Louis Vuitton, icy-blue bags and acid-yellow mules complement nipped-waist dresses, drowning in oversize plastic daisies and peekaboo broderie anglaise. Going this fluffy is actually an act of boldness.

For a woman who prefers straight-lined minimalism to convey a sense of understated power, Phoebe Philo offers the allure of androgynous fashion -- and this brick-red envelope clutch. This is what cool looks like right now.

This season, Raf Simons explores a slightly eerie, repressed side of femininity. Neon paisleys, lavender gingham skirt suits, white nurse shoes and structured patent frame bags are pieces that feel both innocent and complicated.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hers curated by: Samantha Lim
His curated by: McArthur Joseph

The look: RichBitch-ValleyGirl-FashionPlate

Key Pieces: Ballerina skirts, party dresses, say-something hats, leggings, cropped jackets, bold-shouldered blazers

Desginers to Wear: Jeremy Scott, Proenza Schouler, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Nathan Jenden

Defining Fashion Moment:  Season 1, Episode 1 –  ”Dancing to the Max”

There’s a dance contest at the Max hosted, for some reason, by Casey Kasem and Lisa is super jazzed…that is until she sprains her ankle. The resulting dance, appropriately titled “The Sprain,” stands not only as Lisa’s greatest moment — and proof that she can make anything look good, even crutches and a cast — but as the second greatest moment in SbtB history, behind only Jessie’s epic freakout when she gets hooked on caffeine pills. (I’m so excited! I’m SO excited! I’m so …*sobs* SCARED!)

Jeremy Scott AW10

Proenza Schouler AW10

Marc by Marc Jacobs SS10

Nathan Jenden AW10

The Fashion Fund, created by the CFDA and Vogue to aid young and emerging designers, includes a mentorship program and a cash prize. Altuzarra took home $300,000 while runners-up Pamela Love of Pamela Love Jewelry and Shane Gabier and Chris Peters of Creatures of the Wind walked away with $100,000 each.

Those that went home empty-handed were Suno’s Erin Beatty and Max Osterweis; Carlos Campos; Antonio Azzuolo of A.A. Antonio Azzuolo; Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs of Cushnie et Ochs; Ohne Titel’s Alexa Adams and Flora Gill; Fenton/Fallon’s Dana Lorenz, and Soraya Silchenstedt of Finn Jewelry.

This year’s selection committee included Vogue’s editrix-in-chic Anna Wintour, CFDA prez Diane von Furstenberg and CEO Steven Kolb, Theory‘s Andrew Rosen, Coach‘s Reed Krakoff, J. Crew‘s Jenna Lyons, and past Fund winners — Proenza Schouler‘s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. [WWD]

Photo: Terry Richardson...duh

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

For more information on The Fund, visit Vogue.com.

Bohemian fringe has never looked so luxe.

Not for the shy dresser, these color-block beauties make a statement loud and clear.

Italian leather with chic and glamorous gold details - what's not to love?

A square toe makes brown suede extremely handsome.

The clever color blocking of merlot and black leather makes these knee-high boots suitable for any occasion.

Olive leather gets a stacked heel and elastic gusset sides for a look that's purely cool.

Beautiful brown leather gets a big sexy platform and pin-thin heel.

Show everyone how much business you mean with this badass, studded leather pair.

Burgundy suede gets a 70s vibe with laces and tassels.

Keep your toes warm in these boots, and the rest of your body will thank you.

Though they say I’ll be spending the next 7 days in a bathrobe and/or naked at various spas across the Czech Republic, I know that I’ll want more than just a plain white terrycloth backward snuggie. I’m ready to style the spa, but I’m also packing smart. Here’s the Czech list for what should be brought on a Spa-cation. I’ve never been on one before, so if I’m missing anything crucial, I’ll let you know at the time I need it most.

Take a few, because while they give you bathrobes, they might get you warm and stuffy. You need something light that will wrap like a dress, wear like a scarf, and act like a towel sometimes too. Plus, they add a bit of color, like the one Blake Lively's got on.

Bring your brightest beaded and rope jewelry with you, like this Proenza Schouler. The reason - just in case your skin reacts to any kind of metals, you don't want to interrupt the skin's healing process.

They're probably going to put your hair up turban and/or shower cap style for many of the procedures. Take some silk scarves, and also cheaper cotton ones with you to put your hair away with pizzazz.

If you've got room in your suitcase, a hat will kick up just about any outfit you've got. You'll look like the classiest lady at the spa if you've got a fancy hat on, like this Philomena Kwok that I'm bringing with me.

For those hours when real clothing is necessary, pack along some breezy skirts that can turn formal in a pinch. Keep it flowy so your skin can breathe in between treatments.

Bandeaus, sleeves, tanks, oversize shirts and light sweaters will take you through the climate right. Which is between 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Accessorize with the sarongs for extra warmth.

I'm going leather.

Because I'm me, and you're you, we'll be bringing some Steigers and Campbells to ride it sky high all the way through. However, sneakers and flat-like sandal structures will be accompanying me. As this is a wellness adventure, they might put me to work in some kind of gym, though I hope not. Sandals, like these by Pedro García, will be a mainstay because most treatments involve being in and around water.  Et voilá! You are ready to come with me. #CzechItOut

Get that Dalmatian chic look without feeling like Cruella Deville. Off-white calf hair is treated with black spots for a shoe that's beyond rock 'n roll.

Vibrant and skinny (just like you), this fantastic pony hair belt is an investment you won't regret. Pair it with jeans and a bolo for maximum effect.

Now here's a pair of UGGs I can get on board with. Made with hand-sourced Italian haircalf, thick sole treads make these both chic and functional.

"It" bag PS1 gets an "it" treatment to up its "it" factor. The sexy combination of pony hair and calfskin leather come together for the bag you'll never put down.

The heat is turned up on sexy leopard pumps when you add pony hair to the mix. Perfect for fall, add five more inches to your height as your crunch through the leaves.

A hot pink hue for a hot new brand, pony hair is treated rosy just for you. This crossbody sling bag is perfect for the girl on the go, and we love the detachable matching leather pouchette.

Go ahead, splurge on something that will make you look fabulous behind the wheel. Seductive and chic, leopard-print calf hair and red leather come together for an electric combination.

Izabel Goulart, a Brazilian model whom Carine discovered at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show, turns it in a Mugler top.

For a cut-out zig, zag into this ribboned and mesh-topped tunic from Topshop for $66.

For the zag on a long sleeve shirt, check out what Karl Lagerfeld did for Macy’s for $99. Pair it with Tom Ford sunglasses for a killer downtown look.

Olympia Scarry in Haider Ackermann

Fei Fei Sun in Bottega Veneta

Crystal Renn in L'Wren Scott

Mary Frey in Stella McCartney

Saskia de Brauw in Nina Ricci

Victoire de Castellane in Azzedine Alaïa

Malgosia Bela in Celine

Vanessa Traina in Altuzarra

Joan Smalls in Commes des Garçons and Gianvito Rossi

Marie Agnes Gillot in Ann Demeulemeester

Theodora Richards in Rodarte

Izabel Goulart in Mugler and Gianvito Rossi

Dasha Zhukova in Proenza Schouler

Daphne Groeneveld in Rochas

China Chow in Giambattista Valli

Bambou in Lanvin

Melanie Huynh in Yves Saint Laurent

Alexandra Richards in Maison Martin Margiela

Jessica Hart in Marc Jacobs

Carolyn Murphy in Marni and Gianvito Rossi

Marie-Amélie Sauvé in Balenciaga

Giovanna Battaglia in Junya Watanabe

Naomi Cambell in Fendi

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]

Jackets go ablaze when electric hues brighten up the scene. Proenza Schouler, Jil Sander and Phillip Lim have not gone back to black, and how refreshing!

FashionIndie‘s own Jessica Lapidos captured
during last Fashion Week by NY Mag

Go East, Young Tran!

Asia is booming! With many designers flocking to the Far East not only for business but inspiration, why not give a knowing wink to the Orient with this look, featuring a Boudicca cape, cropped McQ jersey harem pants and of course, what Asian sensation is complete without a little Hello Kitty?

BCBGMAXAZRIA “Britte” Tribal Print Skirt $71 – Short, tight and tribal. What’s not to love about this cute, high-waisted number?

“I’ve always wanted to do a cool children’s fashion line inspired by the supercute and playful kid’s clothing you find in Japan.” said Stefani. “The whole idea is about being creative, expressing your own individuality and having fun getting dressed. ”

A takeoff of Gwen’s Harajuku Lovers young contemporary collection, Harajuku Mini is the No Doubt frontwoman’s first line for children and boys and will range in price from $3.99 to $29.99.

Harajuku Mini is the latest in a long line of collabos for Target, including Zac Posen, Rodarte and Proenza Schouler. The Bullseye plans on hitting the mark again when it rolls out the collection in two parts: in-store and online on November 13th and again in January. [WWD]

Anna Wintour and her flock of the fabulous have meticulously the selected 10 designers (and design duos) in the running for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award. Last year, Billy Reid took the top prize of $300,000, a year of mentorship and a bronze trophy. The two runners-up Prabal Gurung and Eddie Borgo each took home $100,000 and a year of mentoring. This year, the judges are Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler (who join the committee for the first time this year), Mark Holgate of Vogue, Jeffrey Kalinsky of Jeffrey and Nordstrom, Steven Kolb of the CFDA, Reed Krakoff of Coach, Jenna Lyons of J.Crew, Andrew Rosen of Theory, Diane von Furstenberg of the CFDA, and of course the Queen herself, Anna Wintour of Vogue.

See all the of nominees here:

A. A., Antonio Azzuolo

Right to Bare Arms

Either find some sleeveless numbers or go all Edward Scissorhands on some old jackets.

Summer Layering – Sleeveless by Les Fabian featuring a sleeveless cardigan

Leggings of the Fall

Slip a legging — or jegging or whatever the helll the kids are into these days — under those short-shorts.

Summer Layering – Leggings by Les Fabian featuring fringe shorts

Lighten Up

Try a light jacket, cardie, hoodie or sweater  in a fabric that breathes, like cotton, linen or silk.

Summer Layering – Light by Les Fabian featuring a stripe sweater

Put a Necklace on It

Heap on the accessories to add a layer of sophistication or plain ole whimsy.

Summer Layering – Accessories by Les Fabian featuring a chain necklace

The Long and Short of It

Mix up your proportions and lengths — if summer ain’t about a crop top, what is it about?

Summer Layering – Crop by Les Fabian featuring a studded jacket

Famous for its diffusion lines with Proenza Schouler, Zac Posen and most recently Missoni, Target gained considerable clout with the fashion set. However, clothing and home goods sales — which are more profitable and make up more than 40% of annual sales –  are sluggish.

And why is that? Poor people, of course.

When Target started adding more groceries and introduced a 5% discount to all customers who used their credit and debit cards, they attracted “more medium- and low-income shoppers at the expense of the higher-end shopper.”

Because who wants to pick up their Rodarte for Target discount couture next to a mom with a cart full of diapers and screaming kids? No one, that’s who.

So with other department stores picking up on their high-end designer collabo brilliance,  Target is quickly and unfortunately approaching Wal-Mart levels of cool. [WSJ]

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

Fit: 5

Appropriateness: 4

Trendiness: 5

Styling: 2

Shoes: 1

Hair: 2

Makeup: 4

Pose: 3

Confidence: 5

What the hell did Kidman do to this poor dress? It seems the version from the runway does not have that strange nude slip underneath, and just as well! She has managed to make this gorgeous dress look crazy with the weird hair and INSANE shoe choice. I know it’s only the CMT awards but COME ON – a little effort never hurt anyone.

Hillary Clinton getting the big picture in Rick Owens.

Fierce Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama telling it like it is in Proenza Schouler. What, no McQueen this time?

Doonan decided former Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko needed more Dior Haute Couture in her life. As does everyone.

Susie Bubble wants Home Secretary of the United Kingdom, Theresa May, bubbling up in Versus.

Though she hardly needs the help, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy gets reworked in Stella McCartney. Only gripe, where’s the goddamn heel?

Samantha Cameron, wife of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, looking felicitous in Felicity Brown.

Former French Presidential candidate Segolene Royal going to werq in Dries Van Noten.

Nicola Formichetti threw First Lady of Cameroon and all-around fabulous black lady Chantal Biya in some Mugler. That heel is presumably also 24 inches.

Queen Rania of Jordan gets short and flirty in Erdem. Meanwhile, she’s a queen, for Elizabeth II‘s sake, not a starlet going commando at a film premiere.

Last, and certainly least, Sarah Palin, looking chic on her way to ruin what’s left of America in Christopher Kane. I can hear her cackling even through this illustration.

What do you think of these politically-charged high fashion makeovers? Personally, I think Hillary looks the best out of all of them —  giving goddess realness while sacrificing none of the power she’s been harnessing in those pantsuits over the last decade or so.

Link Love: Vogue UK

Winners

Womenswear Designer of the Year: Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, Proenza Schouler

The kids, Jack and Laz

Menswear Designer of the Year: Michael Bastian

Bastian next to a surprisingly sexy Gerard Butler

Accessory Designer of the Year: Alexander Wang

Wang with fairy godmother, Iris Apfel

Prabal saddling up next to Alessandra Ambrosio

Super adorable pocket person Eddie Borgo with Guinevere Van Seenus

Gags

Rosie Rubenstein

Philo with BFF Kanye West

Sofia Coppola will present good friend and longtime fag to her hag, Marc Jacobs with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, amidst a roar of boos. Somehow Jessica Alba scored an invite and will hand over the Founders Award to Hal Rubenstein and sexy septuagenarian Grace Coddington will hurl the Board of Directors’ Special Tribute Award to an unsuspecting Arthur Elgort. Karolina Kurkova, not to be outdone, will present the three Swarovski Awards.

Meanwhile, Patrick Ervell dug up Kirsten Dunst for his date, Micahel Kors will be chaperoned by Ashley Greene and Calvin Klein‘s Francisco Costa by noted actress Kerry Washington. Liv Tyler forsake frequent gal-date Stella McCartney for the humpy Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler and last but not least, Chlöe Sevigny will stumble into the ceremony with MAC Cosmetics.

This should make the FiFis look…well, like the FiFis. [WWD]

Sofia Coppola and designer Marc Jacobs depart the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala "Superheroes: Fashion And Fantasy" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2008 in New York City. "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy" Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Departures The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York, NY United States May 5, 2008 Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.com To license this image (15782602), contact WireImage.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?

The weatherman is calling for mid 80s and sunny all weekend long!!

Keep it short.

*Bright striped high rise jean shorts: MinkPink

*Crop the button up shirt in shades of cerulean: Miss Selfridge

*Instead of a bra, have a small layer that welcomes unbuttoning: Topshop

*Shield the sun, but really look totally stuns in a wide patterned brim: Missoni

*Keep the shades clear and a touch catty: Cutler and Gross

*Rock the rope necklace to play with light: Proenza Schouler

*Cork wrapped in tie dye denim gives the leg a bit of coverage: Eight Twenty

Set the table bright:

*Recycled and speckled like confetti, these unbreakable dishes will make a splash. Zak Designs

*Memorial Day margaritas? Make it colorful and shatter resistant: William Sonoma

*Portable grill for guerilla grilling: Crate and Barrel

Now throw on the FashionIndie Mixtape Volume 3 and you’ve got yourself a poppin’ BBQ.

1. Vertical stripes in a loose tweed knit and subdued brights. Proenza Schouler

2. Rosy cheeks. Rebecca Minkoff

3. Light stripes sit tight. Topshop

4. Jagged print, ombré repeat. Missoni

5. Big splatter watercolor. Cacharel

6. Small spotty watercolor. Cacharel

7. Free ranging paisley. Topshop

8. Catty shorts. Barneys

9. Might be a skort, and that’s okay. Missoni

10. Do the polka dot. Henry Holland

11. Abstract neon on black tucks. Cynthia Rowley

12. Boyfriend shorts with a floral twist. Wood Wood

13. Tribal hypnosis. Diane Von Furstenberg

14. Minuscule floral bubble. Second Female

16. Lucky rows of horseshoes. Missoni

I met a girl in East LA in floral shorts… H&M

Watch and listen after the jump. And find what Kristin Chenoweth is wearing these days. 

Enjoy the Wicked voice of Kristin Chenoweth singing The Sound of Music to honor Montblanc and its namesake, the tallest mountain range in the Swiss Alps.

We caught up with Kristin Chenoweth after her tear-inducing performance.

What’s your favorite thing to wear right now?
Very comfortable clothes. I’m really into Proenza [Schouler] right now. I just wore a beautiful shift dress by Joie on Oprah two days ago.

Wow! What was that like being on Oprah?!
Crazy! My head’s not even… It’s still in a cloud. It was a very special moment in my life.

You are such a phenomenal talent. How does it feel to be on the stage?
Always on a stage of any kind is a blessing. Because I get so much from the audience and hopefully I can give back. It’s awesome.

Loving this white pocketed number. Who are you wearing tonight?
Theory! I’m all over the map. From Diane Von Furstenberg to Theory. I go anywhere that’s simple and looks good on me. That’s where I go.

Well she’s beautiful, it must not be very difficult.

The “Tribute to Mont Blanc” white collection will be available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC until May 29th, with all proceeds going to conserve the mountain range.

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 19: Kristin Chenoweth and Montblanc Celebrate the Launch of Exclusive "Tribute to the Montblanc Collection" at Saks Fifth Avenue on May 19, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Montblanc)

Get these bags, or find your own bright beauty.

Subtly American with a ringing vibrancy: Meredith Wendell

Lime dipped in acid dipped in satchel: Asos

Perfect purple of the present: Urban Outfitters

Brightly coral and scalloped: See by Chloé

Get a little bit jaded: Mulberry

Listen honey, mustard is a good choice: Proenza Schouler

P.S. – 1 of these bags is the originator of the brief satchel trend…

1. Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy

2. Olivier Theyskens of Theory

3. Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler

Though Jack looks super fun as he drunkenly tongues Thakoon (#10)

4. Nicolas Ghesquière of Balenciaga

5. Olivier Rousteing of Balmain

6. Joseph Altuzarra of Altuzarra

7. Thom Brown of Thom Browne/Moncler Gamme Bleu

8. Nicola Formichetti of Mugler

Nicola Formichetti, YEAH! Terry Richardson...not so much

9. Prabal Gurung (of Prabal Gurung)

10. Thakoon Panichgul of Thakoon

Humpable Hall of Fame: Tom Ford

and

Marc Jacobs

Though Jack looks super fun as he drunkenly tongues Thakoon (#10)

Nicole Formichetti, YEAH! Terry Richardson...not so much

Prabal

- With the Met Gala, the Fashion World’s Oscars only a few hours away, what better way to celebrate (especially if your invitation was lost in the mail like mine, I’m assuming, was), then to take a stroll down memory lane of the Costume Institute‘s patron saint, Anna Wintour‘s ball looks over the years. Time had the unmitigated gaul to name Vogue‘s editrix the worst-dressed of the year for her Chanel Couture from 2008′s Superheroes exhibit, but hopefully whoever had the cheek to write that is hanging by his/her nipples in a dungeon in France somewhere. Where they belong. [Fashionologie]

- J. Crew‘s new catalog features employees modeling their clothes, including openly gay designer “Somsack” and his boyfriend “Micah,” that for some reason is deemed “explicit.” Dear “Straight” World, the gays date and wear clothes. That is when we’re not secretly plotting against the moral fiber of America and recruiting your children to our degenerate way of life. Actually, you know what, we can do both since our people are natural multi-taskers. — Love, The Gays [Refinery29]

- New W Fashion and Style Director, Edward Enninful describes his vision for the mag as thus: “I want editorial to be filled with ideas. It’s very important to capture the mood of the collections and bring narrative onto the pages. It’s also very important to be forward-thinking but remain wearable. We should project what’s going to come, take from the past and bring something new, and document what’s around now.” That means practically nothing to me, but I’m hoping it will translate into tons of black models and couture out the wazoo. [Style File]

- Professional jailbird Lindsay Lohan still somehow manages to find work, this time giving face on the cover of Blank, photographed by Steven Gomillion and Dennis Leupold. I’m holding out hope for a jailhouse photoshoot during the four months she’ll be locked up. [DesignScene]

- Cool-kids-about-town and adorable design duo, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler are starting their own costume jewelry line, set to launch during the pre-collection season. I’m assuming this won’t be Claire’s-level bobbles but I wouldn’t mind a PS tribal beaded necklace bunch. [WWD]

“We were still living in our studio, and some big important magazine was coming to see the collection for the first time. We were such messes back then and hadn’t realized the clocks had changed an hour back. It was early morning and we were doing the final lint-rolling still in our pajamas (read: underwear!) thinking we were totally on time, when the elevator door opened and the editor-in-chief of the magazine walked in. There we were, lint-rolling half-naked.”

Jack and Laz, oh the things I would have done to have been your intern on that day. Glad you fine chaps bounded back.

Link Love: StyleCaster

•Bid on a chance to meet Vogue Editor in Chief Anna Wintour and attend a photo shoot for the magazine
•One full week’s stay at the private home of Diane von Furstenberg in the Bahamas
•Ralph Lauren’s Paris – Two Round Trip Business Class Tickets from NYC to Paris, two nights at the Bristol Hotel in a deluxe room, dinner for two at Ralph’s, the quintessential American restaurant in Paris, a 1,000 euro shopping experience at the Ralph Lauren store on St. Germain, and two tickets to visit “The Art of the Automobile: Masterpieces of the Ralph Lauren Collection,” an exclusive exhibit of Mr. Lauren’s vintage automobiles featured at the Musée des Arts décoratifs.
•Live like a Vanity Fair writer for a day—minus the torture of actually reporting and writing. The winning bidder will take a tour of the Vanity Fair offices, have lunch with one of the editors, sit in on a meeting in Graydon Carter’s office, and then finish off the day with a dinner for four at Mr. Carter’s restaurant, The Monkey Bar.
Night: 2 tickets and backstage passes to Jay-Z and Kanye West’s concert
•Morning, Noon & Night with Tory Burch – Morning: $3,000 shopping spree at Tory Burch with a personal stylist; Noon: Lunch with Tory and the design team;
•Lunch and style consultation with celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe, includes a tour of her offices and additional styling tips from her team
•Go behind the scenes with The Hilfigers at the Spring 2012 Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign shoot. Get prepped out in a full Tommy Hilfiger look at the brand’s Fifth Avenue store before having your photograph taken with the Hilfigers.
•A meet and greet with The Row designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen plus an entire wardrobe of Elizabeth and James and The Row Collections
•Two tickets to the Elton John Oscar’s Party
•The opportunity to intern for a day at Elle Magazine along with a personal fashion consultation with Elle Creative Director Joe Zee
•Have a Barbie custom made by Mattel in your likeness, valued at over $10,000
•Courtesy of DKNY, enjoy a “VIP” experience at Yankee Stadium for four guests. Experience includes a private tour of Monument Park followed by watching the Yankees’ batting practice from the field, followed by a meet and greet with Yankees Manager Joe Girardi. Afterwards, watch the Yankees take on the Tampa Bay Rays on July 9th, 2011, from four front row Legends Suite seats
•A lunch and style consultation with TV Personality and Project Runway Judge Tim Gunn
•Two tickets to the Vera Wang Spring Summer 2012 Fashion Show followed by a meet and greet with the designer and a $2000 shopping spree at the Vera Wang flagship store
•The opportunity to personalize a PS1 ‘it’ bag with Proenza Schouler designers Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez
•A “Made to Measure Experience” custom suit and fitting from designer Tom Ford.
•Eight tickets to the Metropolitan Opera and dinner with Lincoln Center President Reynold Levy
•Two tickets to a live filming of “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” along with private cocktails with host Andy Cohen following the filming
•And many, many more……….

So get bidding on Charity Buzz, and support Japan in the most fashionable way possible (or any way you can).

- Grace Coddington‘s 70th birthday was a who’s who of fashion royalty, with a guest list including Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, Naomi Campbell, Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, Annie Leibovitz,  Helmut Lang, André Leon Talley, Liya Kebede, Karen Elson, Stefano Pilati, Hamish Bowles, Karlie Kloss, Nicolas Ghesquière, Bruce Weber, Patrick Demarchelier, Vera Wang, Edward Enninful, Riccardo Tisci, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez from Proenza Schouler and Laura and Kate Mulleavy from Rodarte. Twas clearly a magical night, as evidenced by this photo of Anna having what appears to be…a good time:

There but for the Grace of Coddington go I. [Styleite]

- Another image has “leaked” from Beyoncé‘s video shoot — either B has awful security or we’re just the pawns in her little chess game of pop supremacy…either way I couldn’t care less because she’s wearing Alexander McQueen. [Red Carpet Fashion Awards]

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

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

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

Fit: 4

Appropriateness: 3

Trendiness: 4

Styling: 2

Shoes: 2

Hair: 3

Makeup: 2

Pose: 2

Confidence: 4

This look is great for hanging out, but for an awards event? Come on. The way it’s styled looks extremely sloppy, Kirsten is slouching and her makeup could have been applied by Bozo the Clown. Kirsten has more potential than this, I don’t know why she can’t step it up.

- Target is apparently offering a Mossimo knock-off of Proenza Schouler‘s PS1 bag and Jack and Lazaro are none too happy about it. Target on the other hand will neither confirm nor deny the allegations but they did say something about being rubber and Proenza being glue. [NYT]

- Noted actress, Tea Leoni…it is 1998, right? Anyway, Tea Leoni will be starring in a new HBO pilot set in the fabulous, fast-paced world of fashion titled Spring/Fall. The show is being written by one of Six Feet Under‘s scribes and produced by the kids who brought you The September Issue, so Tea Leoni might actually have a career again. The 90s really are back! [Deadline]

- The second gal to accuse Dov Charney of…well, being Dov Charney took to the airwaves to speak to Today. My guess, for a company already on the verge of bankruptcy, this isn’t going to help. Just sayin’. [NY Mag]

- Katie Holmes got down with the Real Housewives of New York at a premiere party for her new fashion short film with John Frieda…hey, remember that time Holmes’ Dawson Creek co-star, Michelle Williams, got nominated for an Oscar? Twice? [Daily Front Row]

- View co-host and EGOT-er, Whoopi Goldberg admitted that she was stoned as a Marley on 420 when she accepted her Best Supporting Actress Oscar at the 1991 ceremony: ”So I smoked this wonderful joint that was the last of my home grown. When he [presenter Denzel Washington] said my name and I popped up, I thought, ‘Oh fuck… okay, up the stairs… around to the podium… there’s millions of people, pick up the statue, get the statue.’” Oooh, Whoopi’s got that home grown ish? Can a bitch come over and hold your Oscar in a very similar state of mind? [DListed]

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

LINK LOVE: Fashion Gone Rogue

LINK LOVE: Design Scene

Did you Tweet on your way here?

Yes! Absolutely.

How does it feel to speak in front of the online community in such a formal setting?

It feels great. Its cool to meet all you guys and see the faces behind the online communities.

Does it make you nervous to be speaking in front of all these people plus a live stream of over 15,000 others?

Oh gosh. We don’t think about that part, if you think about that, forget about it.

If you had a blog, what would you post on it?

Pictures of our dogs, (laughs) and stupid things like that.

What can you tell our readers about your upcoming show next week?

You’re gonna have to wait for any surprises.  It will be online so sign on to find out.

1. Boudicca pleated dress $1,355 – matchesfashion.com

2. Lanvin Knitted cotton-blend dress $1,290 – net-a-porter.com

3. Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadow in Graffiti $18 – urbandecay.com

4. Miu Miu Apple-embellished plexiglass bangle $265 – net-a-porter.com

5. Forever 21 Oval Stone Ring $4.80 – forever21.com

6. Proenza Schouler Bag $1,270 – colette.fr

7. Butter Women’s Swagger Mary Jane Pump $286 – endless.com

8. Marc by Marc Jacobs Large leather wallet $240 – net-a-porter.com

9. OPI Matte Gargantuan Green Grape Nail Lacquer $5.35 – amazon.com

10. Kate Spade palace of mirrors crystal earrings $145 – katespade.com

The look: RichBitch-ValleyGirl-FashionPlate

Key Pieces: Ballerina skirts, party dresses, say-something hats, leggings, cropped jackets, bold-shouldered blazers

Desginers to Wear: Jeremy Scott, Proenza Schouler, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Nathan Jenden

Jeremy Scott AW10

Proenza Schouler AW10

Marc by Marc Jacobs SS10

Nathan Jenden AW10

Defining Fashion Moment:  Season 1, Episode 1 –  ”Dancing to the Max”

There’s a dance contest at the Max hosted, for some reason, by Casey Kasem and Lisa is super jazzed…that is until she sprains her ankle. The resulting dance, appropriately titled “The Sprain”, stands not only as Lisa’s greatest moment — and proof that she can make anything look good, even crutches and a cast — but as the second greatest moment in SbtB history, behind only Jessie’s epic freakout when she gets hooked on caffeine pills. (I’m so excited! I’m SO excited! I’m so …*sobs* SCARED!)

Photos: Style.com