For her much-hyped Super Bowl Halftime Performance (#GoGiants), Madge channeled the late Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra with a 13-minute extravaganza eleganza featuring “relevant” artists, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., Cee-Lo Green and LMFAO.

To do justice to that great queen, the Queen of Pop turned to the house of Givenchy where Riccardo Tisi – who had designed costumes for her tour three years ago — was more than happy to conjure up some couture.

“People say everything has a limit, but limits do not exist with Madonna,” Tisci told WWD. “It is a great honor for me to be part of yet another historical and iconic moment.”

The Lady Ciccone also wore some white and gold diamond earrings from Bulgari, plus a stunning gold headpiece by none other than milliner king Phillip Treacy. If you’re like me and missed the Super Bowl and everything therein, take a look at Madonna’s blinged out performance below (before it gets taken down for copyright infringement).

- Taking two very different interpretations of ballin’,  Karl Lagerfeld showed Chanel’s fall 2012 haute couture show on a specially-built luxury airplane and Riccardo Tisci chose the oldest gymnasium in Paris for Givenchy.

- Tim Gunn hasn’t been laid in 29 years. Well, that explains the crusty demeanor…and his personality. [The Cut]

- Some attendees of Chanel’s Numéro Privés installation in Vegas – who were flown via private jet —   weren’t feeling classy enough, so they bee-lined it over to the AVN Adult Film Awards afterwards. [Page Six]

- Cynthia Nixon showed off her shorn scalp this morning on Live with Kelly! (that exclamation point is mandatory otherwise it would be a “?”). The actress formerly known as Miranda shaved her head for a new role on Broadway. [E!]

- Terry Richardson shot Kreayshawn for V Magazine and surprisingly she didn’t end up topless. [Refinery29]

Photos: Fucking Young!, Morphoman

If the talks prove succesful, Nicki Minaj would — correct me if I’m wrong — be the first rapper on the cover of Vogue. Although god knows Gwyneth Paltrow‘s been known to drop a hot verse in her day.

What do you think, Indies? Are you excited for a Nicki Minaj Vogue cover or has Anna finally gone over the deep-end?

I’m getting a little, or a lot, of Janet Jackson circa “You Want This” slash TLC circa “Waterfalls” right now.  Which means I’m fully on board. Hopefully there’s more to come but until then, do yourself a favor and check out this performance of “Love. Sex. Magic.” featuring one Ms. Justin Timberlake from SNL to see what all the hype’s about.

Photo: Oh No They Didn’t!

Photos: Design Scene

Photos: Models.com

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

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

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

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

- The always pragmatic Rachel Zoe came to Paris Fashion Week with 11 suitcases. Because those caftans and block wedges aren’t going to fly transatlantic by themselves. [Fashionista]

- Tom Ford, in a position to which he has grown suspiciously accustomed, for Russian GQ. [Image Amplified]

- An Irish farmer kicked a scantily-clad Rihanna off his land, hoping RiRi and her friends “acquaint themselves with a greater God,” i.e. Beyoncé. [BBC]

- Crystal Renn was accused of being too skinny by a plus-sized designer; there have been worse insults. [Fashionista]

- Natasha Poly, 52 years after entering the game (in model time) , is the hardest working model of Milan Fashion Week. [The Cut]

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?

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.

Dior has been without a creative director since that little incident with John Galliano — you know, the anti-Semitism and the firing and the rehab and the court case — since March.

Arnault, chairman of LVMH — which also owns Marc Jacobs International — had initially planned on hiring Jacobs for Dior back in the 90s, but that idea was vetoed by Dior’s then president Francois Baufume. Instead, Galliano was hired from Givenchy to Dior and Jacobs signed on as Vuitton’s artistic director in 1997.

“Had I hired Marc Jacobs for Dior and John Galliano for Louis Vuitton, it would not have worked as well for both brands, even though both designers are geniuses of their own,” Arnault told WWD in 2003.

Meetings are scheduled for this week in Paris between Dior and Marc Jacobs’ legal representatives while the designer prepares for New York Fashion Week. Robert Duffy, Jacobs’ longtime business partner, is also reported to be integral to the deal, despite currently having legal troubles of his own.

Should Jacobs move to Dior, Phoebe Philo is said to be on tap to replace him at Louis Vuitton, while maintaining her current role at Céline.

Since March, Dior has approached a number of designers to replace Galliano including Lanvin‘s Alber Elbaz, Balenciaga‘s Nicolas Ghesquière, Alexander McQueen‘s Sarah Burton, Haider Ackermann and Hedi Slimane. Elbaz, Ghesquière and Burton have allegedly withdrawn themselves from the running due to their strong personal commitments to their respective brands, while talks with Ackermann and Slimane proved fruitless.

Then, of course, there is Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci whose name has been bandied about as frontrunner for months now and who is a favorite of Delphine Arnault, deputy managing director at Dior. Where Tisci stands in all this is uncertain, but do you think Marc Jacobs is what Christian Dior needs right now? [WWD]

- Nicola Formicehtti said what we’ve all been thinking — “…old people should just be old and go away.” –  so what? [The Cut]

- Kim Kardashian is bored. [Refinery29]

- DailyCandy wants you to “Go Big” or go Home..or Go Fashion, Food & Drink or Beauty with their “Start Small, Go Big” — connecting you with some of the country’s most prominent entrepreneurs. The bigger, the fiercer, I always say. [FashionIndie]

Riccardo Tisci’s muse Mariacarla Boscono joins an all-stars cast of models including Naomi Campbell, Kristen McMenamy and Natalia Vodianova in this fierce fall 2011 campaign for Givenchy shot by Mert & Marcus. The upside to that many supermodels at one photoshoot is that you don’t have to spend any of the budget on the catering.

Photos: Vogue.it

On hand to toast Wintour — who never met a Chanel bouclé tweed she didn’t drape over her frail back — were Karl Lagerfeld, Donatella Versace with bff Riccardo Tisci — fresh off his glorious fall 2011 haute couture collection for Givenchy – Lanvin‘s Alber Elbaz, Anna’s Italian counterpart Franca Sozzani, Mario Testino, LVMH head honcho Bernard Arnault, YSL‘s Stefano Pilati, Burberry‘s Christopher Bailey,  Tommy Hilfiger, professional dandy and Vogue‘s editor-at-large Hamish Bowles and the Rhoda to Anna’s Mary, Grace Coddington.

According to the Kaiser, “We had this very nice cocktail, where Anna made a very funny speech.” I have a hard time believing at least one of those facts. [WWD]

Click through for more picture from Vogue Italia that were apparently taken by a drunk intern with an iPhone.

His intimate presentation at Place Vedôme included Tisci giving a guided tour of each piece and discussing the amount of work that went into the collection. We’re talking hand-cut tulle paillettes, embroidery rendered with invisible acrylic thread, hand-curled feathers, dégradé beading, metal intricately worked into fringe.

What does all that mean? Simply, stunning.

Tisci balanced this traditional couture attention to detail with his thoroughly modern take on sexuality that included sheer skirts, exposed zippers, cut-outs and in one gown, a full-on nipple-bearing lace bodice. This study in contrasts was also evident in the all-white palette that represented Tisci bringing his “darkness to light.”

When he spoke with Donatella Versace in this month’s Interview magazine, Tisci remarked that “in couture, I really show my romantic side, because in spite of the fact that everyone thinks I am very much a Rottweiler—that I am very dark and everything—I have a side that is very romantic that I show to very few people.” Tisci’s romanticism, in all its dark and sexual glory, is on display for the world to see in this, his beautifully ethereal fall collection.

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

- Karl Lagerfeld responded in his typical thoughtful and sensitive manner when asked about Christophe Decarnin‘s departure from Balmain: ”Forget about it! This was a job done by a fashion editor. I don’t even know the name of the man who did it, so don’t ask me about that.” [Fashionologie]

- Britney Spears caused a minor riot when she made a surprise appearance at raptress Nicki Minaj‘s after party this weekend, causing six fans to reportedly hyperventilate and pass out from exhaustion dehydration excitement. The two femme fatales will tour this summer and recently collaborated on a remix of  future Song of the Summer,”Till the World Ends” with dumpster diver cum popstar Ke$ha. [MTV]

- 18-year-old Scots Guard Cameron Reilly should have been more guarded over his Facebook. The palace guard has been banned from the wedding march after lashing out online against Kate Middleton, calling her a “stupid, stuck up cow,” a “posh bitch” and asking who “gives a fuck about her?” after the future Princess apparently slighted him. Aww, someone’s got a crush! And someone needs to be put on 24-hour surveillance! [Daily Mail]

- Though she claims she never thought much about pursuing acting, after being tapped to host the ck one -sponsored MTV Push event, Lara Stone says she would “definitely be a Bond girl if they asked me. For sure — I would make a great evil Bond girl!” Now casting, Chesty Von Gaptooth for the next 007 flick. [WWD]

- Sir Elton John has confirmed that Lady Gaga is indeed the godmother to his newborn son Zachary, thus ensuring the gayest kid this side of Chaz Bono. [Daily Mail]

- Australian retailers are now charging shoppers as much as $50 to try on clothes in an effort to cut back on people buying discounted fashions online after perfecting the fit in-store. The fee is refundable, however, should patrons decide to buy the article of clothing. Personally, I never try on clothes, mostly because I’m lazy. If I get home and something is too big I’ll call it “oversized” and if it’s too small, I call it an “aspirational piece.” I also love finding reasons to not eat, which I call “going on a diet.” [Daily Mail]

- Riccardo Tisci is still the front-runner to replace John Galliano at Dior, but his name is being bandied about with the likes of Olivier Theyskens, Tom Ford, Hedi Slimane, Nicolas Ghesquière, Alber Elbaz, Sarah Burton, Haider Ackermann and Prabal Gurung. Tisci has reportedly already sketched out his vision for the brand and has a supporter in Delphine Arnault, Bernard’s daughter and Dior’s deputy managing director. However, Bernard Arnault‘s eyeing the Royal Wedding, hoping to align Dior with the young couple; so if Burton catches Kate Middleton‘s sartorial bouquet she could be next on the list. The atelier is nevertheless hard at work on their upcoming cruise collection and a couture collection for July. [WWD]

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

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

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

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

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

- 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]

- And in other celebrity vanity fragrance news, fembot Britney Spears is being sued by Brand Sense for allegedly cutting them out on a deal with Elizabeth Arden over Brit’s Radiance perfume. Brand Sense is seeking $10 million and I’m seeking “internet star” turned “TV star” Chris Crocker to scream through smeared eye-liner to leave that fembot alone! She’s got a tour to sleepwalk through, for Gaga‘s sake! [Radar]

- I used to think the Great Recession would never end. Then I lost interest when something shiny flew in front of my face and months later people were still on the fence about it. Well, no more! LVMH, the world’s larges luxury group, has reported some record-breaking sales and earnings for 2010. Champagne showers and gold coin baths for everyone! [WWD]

- Among other things LVMH reported, Dior is in no rush to replace John Galliano. The house, according to Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH, Dior will see a number of candidates then weigh its options. In the meantime, Dior’s design studios will soldier on sans a creative director to meet the Fashion Week deadline. Riccardo Tisci must be getting the fashion equivalent of blue balls…cerulean bugle beads…?  [WWD]

- The new television Wonder Woman has nothing on Lynda Carter, not to mention that her costume looks like a cheap Jeremy Scott cast-off. [Socialite Life]

- The Sartorialist, Scott Schuman, caused a torrent of criticism when he referred to one of his subjects as curvy. Well, if the jeans barely fit, wear ‘em. [The Cut]

- Jake Gyllenhaal, give it up. [Socialite Life]

- Crocs will be donating 100,000 pairs of their footwear abominations to Japan, as if they haven’t suffered enough. [Racked]

- A woman in New Jersey can’t close her eyes, even to sleep, and blames her plastic surgeon over her most recent — of many — eye surgeries.  [Gawker]

- I’m loving Tyra Banks: Harvard student. She lives in the dorms, eats in the cafeteria and wakes up daily at 730 for study sessions with her classmates. Not only that, she’s never too busy to help out her fellow students : “I’m giving a billionaire that has a business that’s been in his family for 300 years—I’m giving him advice about strategy! Or how to penetrate the American market!” And don’t forget, how to sit without sitting. [NY Mag]

- Riccardo Tisci would have turned down his post at Givenchy had it not been for one pesky little factor: his mom. Turns out Mama Tisci was on the verge of selling her house and moving into a retirement home: “When I heard that it was like a knife in my heart. I felt like such a failure, that my mother had to sell the house of my father whom I don’t remember. And then I went to Paris, and they showed me a contract with all these zeros on it, and it was like help from God. I thought ‘If I sign this, my mother will never have to worry again.’ So I signed it.” Sometimes all it takes is a mother’s guilt. [Vogue UK]

Photo : Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

Photo: Huff Po

- Carine Roitfeld is coming out with a 400-page book entitled Irreverent! (I love when an “!” is included in the name) that lists among its contributors, Olivier Zahm, Cathy Horyn and (brace yourself) Anna Wintour. [Styleite]

- Nylon asks if the onepiece, a “high fashion Snuggie” is a good idea or bad idea. I ask why I’m not wearing one right now. [Nylon]

- Givenchy Couture‘s new CEO, Susan Whiteley is Alexander McQueen‘s old CEO; and Givenchy Couture’s old CEO, Fabrizio Malverdi, is now running Dior Homme. And in this game of fashion musical chairs, Riccardo Tisci is still circling around Dior Couture‘s creative director’s seat. [Fashionista]

- The New York Times compares Lindsay Lohan‘s court-room walk of shame to a catwalk and the red carpet, both things that Lindsay hasn’t been invited near in years. [NYT]

- NBC is working on a new reality competition fashion show in the same vein as The Fashion Show and Project Runway, ingeniously titled, The Fashion Project. As usual, NBC on the forefront of innovation. [The Cut]

- Apparently Rihanna, whose Vogue cover has been compared to the little mermaid can’t hold a candle to Ariel. We could also compare their singing, but Ariel would win that, too —  fins down. [The Hollywood Gossip]

- On a sad note, noted rap singer Nate Dogg has died at 41. In honor of him, my favorite quote from his classic duet with Warren G, “Regulate”: “If you know like I know then you don’t want to step to this’ It’s the G-Funk era, funked out with a gangsta twist/ If you smoke like I smoke then you’re high like everyday/ And if your ass is a buster, 213 will regulate.” Good night, sweet prince. [All Music Blog]

Misty

We’re getting Misty eyed with Marlena Szoka featuring the best looks of Haute Couture Spring Summer 2011 Collections for the April edition of Harper’s BAZAAR China with Gaultier Paris by Jean-Paul Gaultier, Maison Martin Margiela Artisanal, Chanel Haute Couture by Karl Lagerfeld, Elie Saab Haute Couture, Alexandre Vauthier Couture, the last Dior Haute Couture Collection by John Galliano, Armani Privé by Giorgio Armani, Valentino Haute Couture by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci captured in the Mist of the Hotel Le Bristol, Paris by Benjamin Kanarek.

To Watch the Video and the Whole Story Here

- Everyone seems to think that Riccardo Tisci has been confirmed as Dior’s new creative director — this confirmation hasn’t come directly from Dior, but then again a tweet from backstage at a Katy Perry concert is all the proof I need. [The Cut]

- More images from Blake Lively‘s Chanel purse ad campaign have been released along with behind the scene footage of her smiling sweetly at Karl Lagerfeld. One can only assume this joy was proceeded by the Kaiser devouring the Gossip Girl‘s essence. [Fashionista]

- Lady Gaga‘s eau de semen-blood-and-cheap hooker perfume just got some serious — and seriously gross — competition. [Refinery29]

- Chanel Iman is a workaholic. I love this new breed of supermodel, but I miss the days when supers were every other kind of “-aholic.” [W Editor's Blog]

- Mariah Carey‘s baby shower was a veritable “Who’s That?” of Hollywood also-rans, featuring Penny Marshall, Lorraine Bracco, Randy Jackson, Brett Ratner and Piers Morgan. And to top it off, her fans sent her a book of well wishes entitled “Always Be My Babies.” Is it too early to reserve two rooms in Betty Ford for the twins? [Life & Style]

- Calling the Emmys, get ready to hurl a trophy at Jules Moore’s impeccable face. The Oscar-nominee will play Sarah Palin in the HBO film Game Change, based on the book of the same name that chronicled the 2008 presidential election. Who else wants Betty White to play McCain? [Deadline]

The fashion Industry was in uproar last week after John Galliano was dismissed as Creative Director from Christian Dior following numerous anti-Semitic allegations made against the designer. Galliano has denied all allegations made against him and claimed that he is of partial Jewish ancestry, although this has not been verified. The dismissal on 1^st March came immediately following the release of a video clip of the designer, who was unquestionably inebriated, stating, “I love Hitler”.

When I first heard the news and watched the video post that was made public over the World Wide Web, I was unsurprised by his behavior and by the reaction from Dior.

I was introduced to the designer after the 2009 Spring-Summer Haute Couture Dior show, in January 2009 and while he was polite, my lasting impressions of him were not favorable. I found him to have a thick and unattractive façade. It has long been known within the fashion industry that Galliano was prone to living a hedonistic lifestyle that resulted in drink and drug related addictions and although it seemed he had been clean for some time, there were rumors circulating that he had relapsed, partly due to the pressure of producing 12 collections a year. He was responsible for six collections for Dior, including the bi-annual Haute Couture, and six collections for his own label. Recent speculation that he had been increasingly less involved with the design process for Dior over the past few years was also starting to emerge.

Christian Dior is the largest holding company within LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) the world’s leading luxury goods conglomerate. Billionaire financier, Bernard Arnault owns 48% of LVMH and in turn, the company, which creates billions of dollars in revenue every year, can easily afford to ensure video clips such as these never see the light of day. Yet, on this occasion, they chose not to.

The fact that Dior fired the designer so promptly, confirmed a personal prediction that the company had been looking for a way to let him go for some time due to repeated displays of inappropriate behavior. The leaked footage, which was not the first of its kind, was the final piece of evidence needed to terminate their chief designer without a pay off that would have been in the region of $25 million.

After all, Christian Dior was established as a couture house post World War II and was considered to represent a new beginning. Given this legacy, Galliano’s comments were as much anti-Dior as they were anti-Semitic.

While I accept that there are people in this world who, through lack of education or for their own reasons, are racially intolerant, Galliano’s words were inarguably appalling. However, given the encouragement from the amateur filmmaker, on this occasion, they may well have been for shock value. Galliano’s personality, like his work, is known for being theatrical and provocative. Even accepting this possibility, one can’t help but wonder what might have been behind his hateful comments. In the video, Galliano tells the woman, “You are ugly”. Since the designer does not possess model good looks himself, most viewers have inferred that his remarks were an attempt to cover his deep-rooted depression and insecurity.

More than the reason behind the tirade, I have been intrigued by the mixed reactions. Academy Award winning actress, Natalie Portman, who had an endorsement contract with Dior for its fragrance Miss Dior Chérie, made this statement, “I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano’s comments. I hope at the very least, these terrible comments remind us to reflect upon these prejudices that are the opposite of all that is beautiful.”

Meanwhile, costume designer Patricia Field, defended Galliano’s tirade as being “misunderstood theatre.” While there are mixed opinions within the fashion elite, many insiders have refused to comment, other than to suggest, “It is a shame.” I was interested to pinpoint what precisely people felt was a shame. Is it the fact that he is no longer Creative Director of Dior? Or that he would make such remarks? A general consensus seemed to indicate that editors felt it was a shame this incident had tarred the fashion Industry while Karl Largerfeld stated, “It is a horrible image for fashion.”

While it clearly isn’t a positive reflection, I hardly feel that the general public looks upon the directors of the fashion world as saintly. For many outsiders, who have never met a designer in their life, the closest image they have to relate to, are the characters from ‘The Devil Wears Prada.’

Rather more, because of this attention, accounts of Galliano’s achievements have been highlighted in the media. Galliano’s design talents were noted at a young age, while he was still a student at Central Saint Martin’s College in London where he graduated with a first class honors degree. His first collection, inspired by the French Revolution, was bought by London boutique, Browns. Shortly after, he was able to start his own label. A few seasons later, he moved to Paris, where his talents were recognized by Anna Wintour and Andre Leon Talley. In 1995 he was appointed as the designer for Givenchy, also part of LVMH, and within two years, he replaced Gianfranco Ferre as the chief designer at Christian Dior. Many have cited his great attention to detail as playing a large factor in his success.

Galliano’s suspension came before he was able to complete work on the Dior Autumn/Winter 2011/2012 Collection. Consequently, the Paris Fashion Week show, held last Friday, was preceded by a formal announcement from Dior Chairman, Sidney Toledano, confirming the termination and apologizing on behalf of the company, for Galliano’s comments. Since the designer was not present, the final walk was taken by the Dior atelier, walking out to a standing ovation from the tearful audience.

Over the past few years, Dior has produced some incredible collections, notably in 2008 and 2009. Dresses that are timelessly chic and reminiscent of Dior’s famous New Look. This last collection could not have been more different. It was a tribute production, characteristically John Galliano, with the first model wearing a long cape and tall boots, looking distinctively like the designer himself. Could Galliano have known this would be his last collection for the label?

While I consider that a possibility, I do not share the view that many seem to have taken that this is the end of the road for him professionally. He has reportedly now checked into a rehabilitation facility in Phoenix, which will hopefully give him the opportunity to address his inner demons. This is exactly where he needs to be right now. Many in the fashion Industry may be fair weather friends, but there are equally as many who I am sure will be there to offer him the strength and encouragement that he so obviously needs.

While emotions are running high, many are speaking as if he has retired or worse, as if he has died. I would not be so quick to write him off. Audiences love a comeback and I have every faith that Galliano is capable of quite the encore.

As he faces trial from both Paris Police and from public opinion, reporters are already speculating as to who will take over as chief designer of Dior. One name being repeatedly mentioned is Riccardo Tisci, the current Creative Director at Givenchy. No doubt, this will be an extremely well considered decision. As it stands, LVMH stock has been strong for the past year and there has not been a noticeable decrease in value over the past week. If anything, stock value is more likely to be affected by the current rising price of oil than a changeover of staff. To put it succinctly, Dior was strong before Galliano and will continue to be, long after Galliano.

Post written by Kirsten Lea & Watch the Video’s Here

Tisci was clearly in a feisty feline mood as he paraded bowler hats with cat ears over cat-eye glasses over panther sweaters down Givenchy‘s Fall 2011 runway.

Equally funny and sexy — something that is all but impossible to pull off — Tisci included sheer shirts and blouses, balancing his panther prowl with Betty Page‘s pin-up posturing on those sure-to-be-popular sweaters.

Think sexy schoolgirl meets sexy cat lady meets sexy librarian.

The palette came mostly in black except for a few beautiful prints that ran their way through some skirts and jackets and a brilliant canary yellow ensemble worn by Natalia Vodianova.

There’s a lot of talk and hearsay about Riccardo Tisci taking over Dior in the wake of Gallianogate and there’s no wonder why; as a master couturier in his own right, Tisci also has a strong voice and a daring sense of adventure that is reminiscent of a young Galliano. Collections like these prove he has a wonderful career ahead of him, no matter where he ends up.

Photos: Style.com

Roitfeld, Slimane, Pilati, Ackermann, Tisci and Galliano

So far I count at least one Queen, a few Aces and a Jack-Ass. Is that a winning hand?

Link Love: Fashionologie

@rihanna: My bad ci, did I 4get to tip u? #howrudeofme

[@LesFabian: Ouch. #bitch]

@rihanna: U gangsta huh? Haaa

@ciara: Trust me Rihanna you don’t want to see me on or off the stage.

@rihanna: Good luck with bookin that stage u speak of

[@LesFabian: Oh snap! #BURN]

@ciara: pure comedy…

[@LesFabian: #nocomeback]

@rihanna: Ciara baby, I love u girl! U hurt my feelings real bad on TV! I’m heartbroken! That’s y I retaliated this way! So sorry!

[@LesFabian: How...sweet... #lyingherfaceoff]

@ciara: Rhi, u know its always been love since day 1! Doing shows and everything. You threw me off in that party! Apology accepted. Let’s chat in person.

[@LesFabian: Translation: Bitch, wait til I twist my fingers through that troll doll hair. #illcutabitch]

Things have calmed down dramatically since then, but whenever divas duel it out in the public arena, there is an inevitable choosing of sides and bitter argument over who’s better, blah, blah blah.

Well, since I live for these moments, I’ve decided the only logical way to determine who is the baddest bitch on the block (clearly not including Beyoncé who could blink and take out both of them) is to compare both RiRi’s and CiCi’s editorials from European Vogues…naturally.

Rihanna covered Vogue Italia‘s special couture supplement in 2009, shot by the incredible Steven Klein and styled by Patti Wilson:

Then last year, Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci styled Ciara for a Vogue Paris shoot with the dynamic duo of Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

For me, the answer is clear. Ciara’s editorial easily trumps Rihanna’s, achieving a poetic and sensual beauty that’s more effective than the hard, technical sexuality of the Klein shoot. Which is not to say that both spreads aren’t great, but Ciara possesses a grace and classic beauty that makes her actually look like a model and not just a moonlighting popstar in it for some free couture.

Plus, she totally gets extra points because Riccardo said this about her:

“Ciara is like a black Betty Page. A very refined hip hop queen. Although she is American, she has a sort of European class, a Parisian chic.”

Musing for Givenchy beats out openly stealing from David LaChappelle any day of the week.

Spring explodes in a riot of color and pattern.  From floral and leopard to houndstooth and psychedelic, supermodel Natasha Poly wears the prints.  They never wear her.

The love the balance of black and white and colored photographs featured in this spread. The amazing clothing used includes spring 2011 looks by Versace, Christopher Kane, Celine, Jil Sander, Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere, Miu Miu, Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci, Prada and Giorgio Armani.

LINK LOVE: V Magazine

The campaign will feature Thompson and the models in overlapping exposure, giving the translucence of the model’s skin and Givenchy’s clothes a further ghostly effect.

In an interview with WWD, Riccardo Tisci explained that he felt albinos are “very near [his] world” and that the idea for the campaign as well as his latest collection was inspired by “an alabaster Roman bust atop a stretch of leopard-print fabric.”

Yeah, that sounds about right:

Photos: Style.com

LINK LOVE: WWD

The photogenic pair were shot by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin and styled by Alex White, and though I usually love the work of all involved, W‘s really dropped the ball on interesting covers.

Lest I remind you.

And while I live for Givenchy and its brilliant creative director Riccardo Tisci, the Givenchy gabardine pants on Garrett don’t do anything for him, nor, more importantly, for me.

On the bright side, in addition to Stone and Hedlund, W‘s list of “who’s happening now” also includes fashion designers Haider Ackermann and Joseph Altuzarra.

From leopard to chiffon, zippers to brocade, layer upon layer of different fabrics and hardware were used in the Givenchy S/S 2011 collection to create rich, Gothic  silhouettes and structured volume executed with an edge.

My only wish is that I can see this collection up close. I can only imagine how elaborate these details look in person.

LINK LOVE: COÛTE QUE COÛTE

LINK LOVE:Romantic Death

Become a FashionIndie.com contributor. Subscribe to Envy.

 

Valentino’s super-sweet collection, nicely balanced with a bit of weighty symbolism in the form of cages and underpinnings that tie in with its title The Dark Side of First Love, comes courtesy of Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli (proving to be the right appointment?). This is the couture collection that made me squeal. The society ladies just won’t know what to do with this one. 

Karl Lagerfeld indulged in moody-hued, embellished and beaded tapestries, sometimes with matching boots (not so sure about those but then, that’s so Chanel). The first two looks are my favourites, they are divine:

The embellished transparency combined with the textured striping of this skirt and top from Jean Paul Gaultier really appeals to me. And I just love this photo of Karlie Kloss in the chic trench looking exactly like a designer’s fashion illustration come to life. The girl is not yet 18 years old and is the most sophisticated presence on the runway, and no one walks quite like her:

Dita von Teese modelled two outfits for Gaultier. Now, I’m not sure what’s going on here but I’ll assume it’s just an unfortunately timed photo and she’s not actually doing the robot, or vogueing. Or both.

Riccardo Tisci doesn’t want to show Givenchy couture anymore, he will only do private appointments so the clothes will be that much more exclusive. They were far enough out of my reach as they were but thanks for drawing that line in the sand a little deeper. Well, that’s one way it was told. Another way is that he opted for intimate presentations so the details could be fully appreciated (I like that one better.) A quick glance is all it takes to see that these opulent dresses and jackets are rich with painstakingly complex textures that are exquisite and never extraneous, and for me, that is haute couture at its most indulgent and best. And Tisci managed to do it without using black (one chocolate brown dress and jacket was close). Bravo. 

According to Style.com‘s Tim Blanks “He claimed his inspiration was Frida Kahlo and her three obsessions:
religion, sensuality, and, given the painter’s lifelong battle with
spinal pain, the human anatomy. The zipper pulls were little bones, a
belt was a spinal column re-created in porcelain.” I’m a bit tired of anatomy as a theme as its been done to death in recent years (how many ribs and skulls can one take?) and Schiaparelli and Dali did it way back in the 30s, but when it’s interpreted this beautifully – who cares?

Those white sandals look a bit incongruent, no?

Photos Style.com

LINK LOVE:Paris Haute Couture: Givenchy, Gaultier, Valentino et Chanel

Become a FashionIndie.com contributor. Subscribe to Envy.

26-year-old Lara Stone married 38-year-old David Walliams last night. She wore custom Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci for the traditional ceremony held at Claridges Hotel in London followed by an after-party at Shoreditch House. Photo of the happy couple in wedding attire above.

Read more on NY Mag

1. Fashion’s darling shines in a shimmering Swarovski-crystal-embroidered silk gown and pumps, by special order, Armani Privé. 212-988-9191. Bracelet, Van Cleef & Arpels. 877-VAN-CLEEF.

2. Child’s play calls for tiers of tulle. Embroidered tulle and silk dress, cuffs, and booties, by special order, Chanel Haute Couture. 33-1-4286-2800. Childrenswear: Pajamas, Burberry. Scarf, Tom Ford.

3. Picture-perfect in an embroidered layered-chiffon gown, by special order, Valentino Haute Couture. 212-772-6969. Necklace, Harry Winston. 800-988-4110. Sandals, Valentino Garavani. Ring, Gwyneth’s own.

4. Saddle up this season in a prize-winning ensemble. Wool riding jacket with illusion satin blouse, Scottish wool skirt, felt top hat, ascot, gloves, riding crop, and boots, by special order, Dior Haute Couture. 800-929-DIOR. Earrings, Harry Winston. 800-988-4110. Vintage shirt (worn under), stylist’s own.

5. Gwyneth Paltrow on the May 2010 cover of Harper’s Bazaar.

6. Portrait of a lady. Lace tailcoat embroidered with jet tubes and dotted lace and tulle jumpsuit, by special order, Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci. givenchy.com. Earrings, $390, José and María Barrera. Tabandeh, Washington, D.C.; 202-244-0777. Ring (left), Chopard. 800-CHOPARD.

7. Stairway to heaven. Silk velvet gown with chiffon cape, by special order, Gaultier Paris. 33-1-7275-8300. Diamond bracelet, Van Cleef & Arpels. 877-VAN-CLEEF. Charm bracelet, $4,500, Monica Rich Kosann. Bergdorf Goodman; 212-753-7300. Swarovski-crystal booties, $1,165, Christian Louboutin. christianlouboutin.com.

(harpersbazaar.com)

Photographer: Alexi Lubomirski

Gwyneth is absolutely Glowing as she appears in this “smoking hot” shoot! She is at once, sexy, sultry and seductive……sheer perfection! Of the Two covers, I love her in the black dress.

LINK LOVE:Gwyneth Paltrow for Harpers Bazaar’s May Issue

Join TheyEnvy.Us to Add Your Own Stories to FashionIndie.com

The Avatar star chose something a bit more risky by wearing Givenchy Couture by Riccardo Tisci’s from spring 2010.

LINK LOVE: Elle

1. Moschino 2. Louis Vuitton sunglasses and Bagutta shirt 3

LINK LOVE:Men: All About Plaid

CONTRIBUTE YOUR OWN STORY: JOIN ENVY

1.

LINK LOVE:"Intimate Connection"

CONTRIBUTE YOUR OWN STORY: JOIN ENVY

Find more photos like this on ENVY. THE FASHION NETWORK

LINK LOVE: GQ

Find more photos like this on ENVY. THE FASHION NETWORK

LINK LOVE: Style

click ‘more’ to check out the interview

Fashion Indie: We’ll start off with an obvious question, how did you get involved in film production, specifically within fashion?

Jason Last: I’ve always had a very strong connection to sound and moving image, and the emotion it can carry, or the story it can tell. Fashion film is something that has come out of my passion for video and film making, as well as my love of fashion imagery. It is a combination of both things and is derived from my mind and sensibility as an artist, a director, and an image-maker. Fashion film combines the mediums that I want to work and create within: art, fashion, and cinema.

It was a natural progression.

For me, it is broader than just something being directly linked to the fashion industry. It is the use of fashion imagery, clothing, models, lifestyle, that can take on a cinematic form, whether it be narrative, experimental, music video, video art, or feature film. I am very open to the blurring of lines between the labels and genres that exist in film and art. I am always interested in experimenting and trying new techniques and expressions related to film and video.

FI: You’ve worked with some pretty amazing designers like Complex Geometries and Travis Taddeo. If you could work with any designers or brands, who would they be? Why?

JL: There are so many people I would love to work with, of course. Riccardo Tisci is one of them. I love what he is doing at Givenchy. There is a dark sensibility and romance I relate to in the work and the image he is putting out. It’s moody, it’s romantic, and it’s elegant…I see so much beauty, fantasy, and emotion in his work, and that is what I want to represent in my own work.

There are too many though. Every designer I work with is amazing.  I’ve been lucky to have been a part of some fantastic collaborations. I think the end result is successful because we share a vision and a sensibility towards fashion and art.

FI: Your videos tend to have this sense of dark and eerie feeling to them, where does this come from? What is the inspiration that drives your work?

JL: My work begins as images I want to see come to life and move, or stories I want to tell.  Fashion and art are at the forefront of my work; it’s what informs it. Additionally, my work is a personal creative expression, like any artist, or filmmaker, or designer. There’s always an emotional connection to the work I am putting out. I’m drawn to that kind of romance and drama visually. The color palette, the mystery, the mood and history these types of images hold and bring up in the mind of the viewer.

There is definitely a ‘dark fantasy’ element that inspires my work. Fashion imagery can be so powerful because of the world it can take us to and it’s limitless nature.Like watching McQueen’s last show and collaboration with Nick Knight, for instance. He brings us into the art of fashion. To this spectacle that is other-worldly. He pushes the way we look at fashion and fashion imagery through this merging of clothing, styling, performance, video, art, and new media.

He creates this sensation and intrigue through the grandeur of the spectacle with the darkness and mystery of what we are seeing and experiencing. He brings us into this fantasy world he has created for us, but we never lose site of what we are there to see.Inspiration comes from everywhere.  Whether it’s an Andrew Wyeth painting, music, or a dark Chanel silhouette as it moves down the runway.

It comes from fashion, art and real life experience. I always find inspiration in films and news media photography as well. I have this huge database of images I collect. It acts as somewhat of a mood-board for inspiring an idea or story and how I will tell it.

FI: I know you shoot stills as well, which do you prefer video or photo? Why?

JL: Video is really where it all begins for me. Whether I am thinking in moving or still images. I shoot video and I think mainly in moving image.

What’s so exciting for me about video stills is that I am able to capture this one fantastic frame out of all the movement. The image is unintentional, which I love. It’s this perfect image that you find later and it’s always there. A still image that can sum up the essence of an entire piece.

I also love the quality of video stills. The slight pixelation that occurs, especially when blown up into large format prints. For me, it’s gorgeous. But yeah, they go hand in hand. I couldn’t make stills unless I made the video.

FI: With magazines being phased out going digital, what do you think the future holds for artists like yourself who are really the pioneers of this shift towards fashion videos?

JL: I really do think fashion film and moving editorial are the future. It’s amazing to see how many print magazines are available in an online format, or websites that act as magazines (like online magazines Mykromag or Hint Magazine)

The potential that exists for web is astonishing. I think we will definitely see a time not too far from now where online magazines will include video in a major way. More than they already do. This includes editorials, ads, and features. I mean, photography is always going to be there, but I think editors and brands are understanding the power that film and video has in terms of reaching people in a way that it always has through motion pictures and television advertisements. It just makes sense with the way the web is going.

There’s an exciting future ahead for video and moving fashion online, with the idea of touch screen online magazines and interactive features. It’s the future.

FI: Dazed and Confused has already jumped on a bunch of your videos, where else can we see/expect to see your work being published?

JL: The web seems to be the most logical home for my work at the moment, beside galleries & film festivals that I am a part of. It’s where fashion film exists right now, and where it will continue to grow.

I’m working with several magazines at the moment like Mykromag.com, V, and Blend, whom I have a video stills print editorial coming out with in the new year, with an accompanying video. I’m also working with many blogs and online magazines collaborating on video projects.

I imagine a time when video stills will be pushed more for print, but for me it’s just as strong online. Unless I am printing large format stills and selling them as part of a series, which I love.

FI: Enough of the serious questions, let’s get to know the notorious Jason Last a bit better as a person rather than just through your work. Music always has been and always will be a major driving force in the fashion world. What’s been pumping through your speakers lately?

JL: Music is a major source of inspiration for me and my work.  I’ve always been obsessed with combining sound and moving image; and music videos. Gaga is on a lot…obviously… I’ve been listening to Rated R a lot too… I love my pop music.

The XX, Florence & the Machine, and Weezy have been getting a lot of play as well. I listen to Hot97 a lot here in New York.

I have my downtime classical as well.  It really depends what mood I’m in or I want to be in. You know?

FI: If you could shoot a music video for a nineties pop star trying to make a comeback who would it be?

JL: Sinead O’Connor. Does that count?

FI: Yes that counts….unfortunately (haha)

FI: You’re asked to shoot a video based on a horror film, what movie are you choosing? And, no, Catwoman doesn’t count despite being terrifyingly bad. Why?

JL: A friend of mine recently re-introduced me to the amazing work of Dario Argento & my latest film is based on his work.  I’m not all about extreme gore, but I do love the mystery and suspense he creates through his cinematography, and the shadows and use of color of his imagery.

I’ll probably end up making a slasher fashion film at some point, but a little camp at the same time. I live for dark beauty & strange imagery, but I don’t like getting scared.

FI: What can we expect from the notorious Jason Last in the near future?

JL: More films, lookbooks, campaigns, and a few really fun ones with choreography and color!  Lots of stuff coming out in the new year that I’m excited about.  Also, my use of video stills. It’s something I want to push and experiment further with. They are both video to me, but I love what can be done with video stills and I don’t think they are recognized or used enough yet.

I can’t even begin to tell all of you the level of respect I have for Mr. Last. I’ve been in love with his work for a long time, but you really can’t get a full appreciation for his work until you talk to him. He is a pioneer for the digital fashion world, and I think he is one of the few people who is showing the static fashion world that digital fashion isn’t something to shrug off. Thank you again to Jason for talking with me, and if you are interested in more of Jason’s work check out either his website or Vimeo page.

Guillaume Henry, former assistant to Riccardo Tisci, brings new life to the house of Carven.

Read interview on Dazed Digital