Katy & Baptiste Sitting in Karl Lagerfeld’s Tree, Vogue Italia’s Haute Mess and Madonna’s New Video a Musical Cougar Town

Edited by Lester Brathwaite

- Katy Perry has allegedly been canoodling with fellow talentless popstar/Karl Lagerfeld avatar Baptiste Giabiconi. [Daily Mail]

- Vogue Italia‘s “Haute Mess” editorial has been accused of being “insensitive and condescending towards low-income stereotypes.” Meanwhile, those low-income stereotypes have been setting trends for ages so the only insensitive thing is the lack of royalties. As a wise woman once said, “Show me the receipts.” [Refinery29]

Illustrator Katy Smail Talks Artful Inspiration in a World Overrun with Photoshop

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

LOOKBOOKS editor-in-chief Cator Sparks explores the lost art of fashion illustration with artist Katy Smail. See the interview and fantastic gallery of her whimsical work below.

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.

Lenny Kravitz is Looking for More Hunger Game Stylists. Are You Game?

Edited by Jessica Lapidos

If you, too, gobbled up the Hunger Games, and also consider yourself a very hungry stylist (what stylist isn’t starving?), you’ve got to get yourself into this competition. Much like battling to the death on live television, the official blog of The Hunger Games movie, Capitol Couture, is holding a competition on foot, and they’re asking volunteer tributes to design shoes via sketches/photos/paintings/3D renderings/any medium of your choice. Meanwhile, the blog is reporting on some seriously stunning designers, like Rodarte, Malgorzata Dudek, Iris Van Herpen, and other futuristic indies. 

RED CARPET REPORT CARD: Dakota Fanning in Rodarte

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

In this edition of Red Carpet Report Card, Dakota Fanning will be graded on her Rodarte Spring 2012 look worn to the Rodarte Fall 2012 runway show during New York Fashion Week. See how she looked after the jump.

SHOE ENVY: Rodarte Fall 2012

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

Kate and Laura Mulleavy turned to Australia for inspiration when designing the Rodarte Fall 2012 collection, and we’re crushing on the high-waisted wool pants, beautifully tailored double-breasted blazers and whimsical cool-girl gowns as usual. But the shoes, THE SHOES, have nearly thrown us backwards right out of our chairs. Look closely inside those Plexiglas heels, and you’ll notice they are filled with sand. Though much chicer, it brings to mind craft projects of yore –  a sentimental and all around extraordinary idea. Not to mention the thick color blocked leather and metal plate detail adds to the wonderment below the ankles. Click for the gallery after the jump.

The Museum at FIT Celebrates 50 Years of the CFDA and American Fashion

Edited by Lester Brathwaite

Eleanor Lambert founded the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1962 and since then the organization has had some 600 members. This Friday, the Museum at FIT opens its latest exhibition, Impact: 50 Years of the CFDA, featuring 70 iconic looks that trace the development of American style over the last half century. 

The Fashion Behind ‘The Artist’

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

They’re sweeping up at the award shows and stealing everyone’s hearts, and the cast of The Artist is shining under a spotlight that grows brighter each day. But behind the Oscar nod for Best Picture (among many other nominations it has received) is that killer fashion from the 1920s — flapper, avant garde, art deco glam. And The Artist isn’t alone – think about how Midnight in Paris, Boardwalk Empire and soon enough The Great Gatsby are full of 1920s fashion glam. Here are a few ways to channel it.

10 Shoes for a Sparkling New Year’s Eve

Edited by Jessica Lapidos

If your tootsies ain’t sparkling on New Year’s Eve, girl when will they ever?! Shimmy and shake your way into 2012 with a sparkle in your eye and glitter in your step. We found 10 shoes that shine no matter your budget. They’ll keep you spinning all through the new year. 

Kirsten Dunst for Rodarte Campaign Photos

Edited by Samantha Lim

The Kirsten Dunst + Rodarte photos for A Magazine have arrived!  The limited edition independent magazine explores the world of the acclaimed designer sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy in a 200 page spread of photography, art, interviews, and personal works.  This David Armstrong shot campaign with Kirsten Dunst features the most beautiful dusty designs from the Rodarte Fall 2011 collection.  Click through to see all the stunning images.

SHOE ENVY: Rodarte x Opening Ceremony Glitter Cut-Out Bootie

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

“HAPPY HOLIDAYS” these booties screamed in my face when I opened my browser to their webpage at Opening Ceremony. Lovingly designed by the sisters Rodarte for OC, burgundy glitter encrusted, 5-inch lace-up booties are taken to an even higher level of staggering with a foxy cut-out above the toe. Clutch that stole around your shoulders and venture into the great winter with sparkles at your feet.