- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was Secretary of Shots in Colombia, leaving her pantsuit and her ponytail at home to knock a few back with the girls. I believe this was shortly before the entire Secret Service got secretly serviced. [NY Post]

- The Artist Currently Known as Prince has to pay $4 million to a cosmetics company after failing to care about/publicize the line of perfumes they made for him. [Spinner]

- The allegedly late Tupac Shakur made a cameo at Coachella via hologram, shortly before being gunned down by a hologram of The Notorious B.I.G. [MTV]

- Throw your berets in the air! French Vogue has delivered on its tweeted promise with the launch of its new English language website. [En.Vogue.Fr]

- Dame Maggie Smith has reportedly asked show creator Julian Fellowes to write her out of Downton Abbey, making the upcoming third season her last. I’m assuming Shirley MacLaine will somehow be responsible for her impending death. [Daily Mail]

However, don’t expect to see Mario Testino‘s work in the pages of CR. The duo worked together for decades on The Face and later for Vogue Paris, but since he’s contractually obligated to Vogue, Testino is a no no. But that doesn’t mean there’s any shortage of talent. For the first issue’s mock-up, Argentinian photographer Sebastian Faena captured a topless — this is Carine after all — Kati Nescher while Bruce Weber shot Patti Smith in all her Miss Havisham glory.

In addition to scouting new talent, Roitfeld is being more hands-on than ever before, taking meetings with advertisers like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Cartier for the first time in her career. And according to her they were “very receptive and eager to participate.” Though carrying over 100 ad pages, ads in CR won’t look like other fashion mags since it will reportedly only carry spreads and have no front-of-book content — that will be reserved for the online component.

The fashion book will also only have longer-format articles, published in the writer’s original language — whatever that may be — with translations in the back. In her mock-up, Roitfeld had articles written in Arabic, Japanese and Russian, although CR itself is an English publication with offices located in The Standard hotel.

Carine insists that this new magazine of hers is in no way a form of revenge to her former bosses at Condé Nast, saying, “Vogue is a very beautiful magazine, an institution, and I learned so much working there. You can’t put yourself into competition with a magazine like Vogue; you have to create something new, something different.” She added, “It’s time to find something new, something fresh — for me and for the readers…I find that some people in fashion are so blasé. Fashion has to be fun”

Roitfeld will bring her trademark irreverence to styling photoshoots, which she admits “will always be edgy.” She’s trying to find new ways to push the envelope, not by being “safer” but rather just “different,” explaining, “Maybe it will be more mental than physical.”

CR Fashion Book‘s first issue will have 288 pages at a cover price of $9.95, with a publication of 50,000 copies, mostly in Europe but also including the U.S. and Asia.  And when Carine’s not busy working on that, she’ll have a host of other projects keeping her busy, such as styling campaigns for Max Mara and Chanel, musing for Givenchy‘s Riccardo Tisci and then there’s a full-length documentary on her slated for 2013 by Fabien Constant.

So I think it’s safe to say leaving French Vogue was the best thing to happen to Carine Roitfeld. [WWD]

Mock-up of CR's cover by Sebastian Faena

Patti Smith by Bruce Weber

Carine's Obsession

Another spread mock-up by Faena

- What’s American for “Ooh la la”? Vogue Paris may now be available in English following a mysterious tweet by the mag earlier today. [The Cut]

- Fierce Lady of the United States/renowned HBIC Michelle ”Guns” Obama covers the May issue of Ebony magazine where apparently she addresses the issue of burning in hell following a one night stand. Literally, it’s the FLOTUS, show some respect and save that smut for Cosmo. [Styleite]

- Clearly bored and seeking a completely irreverent challenge, Karl Lagerfeld will soon be designing helicopters. But  not just any helicopters, VIP helicopters. It’s not known whether they will be large enough for a full-scale fashion show. [WWD]

- PETA didn’t take too kindly to Kanye West‘s suggestion that someone tell them his “mink is draggin’ on the floor” in his new song “Theraflu” and responded by hitting him below his costumey caveman belt. [Elle]

- Kim Kardashian, however, is “lovin’” the song and apparently Kanye as well. [TMZ]

- Barbie‘s running for President…although she looks more like Jackie O.‘s lesser known slutty sister Candy O. [Refinery29]

Modern-day princess Charlotte Casiraghi is an equestrian and journalist by trade, but Gucci won’t be her first modeling gig — she covered Vogue Paris just last September. She inherited her royal good looks from grandmother/legendary style icon Grace Kelly and her mother Princess Caroline – a model in her own right.

As Gucci’s “Equestrian Ambassador” the Italian luxury house has outfitted the horsewoman’s competitive wardrobe for the past few years so it only makes sense that the two should continue riding into the sunset together. [Huff Po]

Best Costume Design: Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen for She Builds Domes in Air by Catherine Sullivan

Kristen McMenamy wanders about looking lost but impossibly beautiful in Alexander McQueen’s wondrous spring 2012 collection for AnOther Magazine.

Photos: Christopher Hall Photography

1. The Stride What you're thinking: I'm on my way to werq, get out of my way -- oh, look a camera -- I'm giving -- now I'm walking away. What you're doing: Walking slow enough to get in frame and making sure your legs are spread wide enough apart for a dynamic shot.

2. The Editorial Jump What you're thinking: You know I feel so great right now I'm just going to fly everywhere I go today, while still looking relatively motionless. Oh, look a unicorn...gorjuss. What you're doing: Squatting before jumping and giving face at the apex of your jump.

3. The Pensive Jut What you're thinking: I'm deep in thought -- about what, who cares? But I'm looking at the solution to all my problems way off in the distance...and it just winked at me. What you're doing: Hand on hip, other hand at an opposing but complimentary angle with one leg  straight and the other slightly bent.

4. In Repose What you're thinking: Ugh, it's sooooo hard being this glamorous, but I've got to keep it together. Waiter, where's my goddamn cocktail? Oh, there it is...with a Vicodin chaser. Quelle surprise. What you're doing: Staggering your legs, framing your face with your arms, sucking everything in and finding your light.

5. The Stroll What you're thinking: Oh, look! I'm walking again! This is becoming a habit. I'm going about my way, but for some reason everyone around me keeps dying of envy...and I. Love it. What you're doing: Catwalking towards the camera slowly either giving full face to the camera or feigning distraction.

6. The Broken-Down Doll What you're thinking: I haven't eaten in 4 weeks, my coke dealer isn't picking up his phone and if someone doesn't pour something alcoholic in, on or near me, I'm literally going to die. But I look great, right? What you're doing: Weird angles, lots of slouching, while still showing the garment.

7. The Wistful Coo What you're thinking: I'm caught in a violent hurricane of couture but my inner calm -- brought on by years of yoga and a small army of morally-suspect pharmacists -- keeps me the smizing eye of the storm. What you're doing: A slight hunch, a graceful hand and an expression that says you might not really know where you are.

8. The Dynamic Sit What you're thinking: Yes, this is sitting but you know what this isn't: Super Bowl Sunday. So I'm not lounging back with a bowl of goddamn nachos in my lap. Pardon me while I throw this leg up and concentrate on being effortless. What you're doing: Hunching, creating angles with your legs and space with your arms.

9. The Couture Hunch What you're thinking: I'm so thin that to prevent my ribs from caving in on themselves I have to hold them in place. I may have dropped a lung while in mid-hunch, but I dare you to tell from my face. What you're doing: Arms akimbo, you hunch until you're basically doubling over and sucking in everything while splaying your legs out at awkward angles.

10. The Dynamic Stand What you're thinking: Here I am, world! Take a good long look because I just officially shut shit down and own every one of you. You're welcome. What you're doing: Once again, arms akimbo, but a strong stance that is at once seductive and powerful.

- “Our campaigns exist at the intersection between fitness and fashion; they are intended to be thought provoking and to generate discussion through their deliberate synthesis of personal motivation and high fashion photography.” Equinox on its controversial Terry Richardson ads. Translation: gotcha bitches. [WWD]

- Heather Locklear was rushed to the hospital Thursday afternoon, allegedly for a mix of booze and prescription pills, but she seems to be doing fine and is said to be in “no danger.” [E!]

- Lil Wayne launched a T-shirt line called Trukfit, which is short for “The Reason You Kill For It.” When asked to describe the name in two words, Weezy responded: “‘Un…Usual,’ he said with a grin that broke into a croaky laugh. ‘That’s one word.’” [WWD]

- Lara Stone gets carried away by a tornado, Wizard of Oz style, in a new ad for Mercedes-Benz. [Huff Po via Nowness]

Lara Stone: American Fairytale on Nowness.com.

- Halle Berry has decided to earn her diva stripes by walking down the aisle a third time. The Oscar-winner is engaged to fellow gorgeous person Olivier Martinez. [Us]

“When you work with real people, you can’t impose something,” Roitfeld told WWD. She also stressed the importance of casting for male fashion becuase “it’s men who give personality to the clothes they wore.” Where she stands on women and personality is anyone’s guess, but for the cover Carine tapped easy-on-the-eyes French actor Tahar Rahim, shot by Nick Knight. Frequent collaborator and BFF Karl Lagerfeld also stepped behind the lens for the issue, as did Richard Avedon‘s son, Michael, who shot portraits of up-and-coming young actors, including The Hunger Games‘ Alexander Ludwig. Jean Baptiste Mondino snapped hottie bullfighter José María Manzanares and Willy Vandeperre lensed Lima et al for the pin-up calendar.

The Carine Roitfeld-helmed issue of VMAN hits stands on Valentine’s Day. [WWD]

25. Beyoncé at the VMAs How does an internationally-renowned pop diva announce her alleged pregnancy with as little -- and yet as much -- fanfare as possible? Why in Lanvin and Dolce and Gabbana, of course. Cupping her burgeoning baby bump on the red carpet, Bey let loose the dogs of publicity war when she thew her mic to the ground, ripped open her Dolce jacket, and announced to the world the coming of the Messiah.

25

24. Karl Lagerfeld's obsession with Blake Lively Blake Lively is Karl Lagerfeld's kind of girl. And he didn't hesitate to let everyone know, naming the Gossip Girl star Chanel's official purse ambassador, throwing her in print ads, parading her about the French Riviera and most terrifying of all, showing her something bearing resemblance to actual affection.

24

23. The rise of the tween style icon -- Hailee Steinfeld, Chloe Moretz and Elle Fanning cover LOVE magazine The kids are more than all right, they're fucking fabulous. Hailee Steinfeld, Elle Fanning and Chloe Moretz showed that style knows no age limits, landing on best-dressed lists while barely in high school. Miu Miu tapped Steinfeld for its fall campaign and Rodarte had Fanning star in a short film, while all three graced the cover of LOVE magazine this summer.

23

22. Emma Watson, style icon Emma Watson truly came into her own this year in a series of flawless looks both on and off the red carpet, some stunning editorial work, a capsule collection with Alberta Ferretti and a campaign with Lancôme. Hermione's not a girl, and very nearly a woman.

22

21. Christian Dior's disastrous Haute Couture show 2011 had its share of disastrous runway shows, but none as disastrous as Christian Dior's fall 2011 haute couture show. Left to his own devices, poor Bill Gaytten offered up an overwrought and wildly incoherent mess that, despite being maligned by pretty much everyone, still wound up on at least one red carpet thanks to Katy Perry. Let's just say she didn't help matters any.

21

20. Christian Louboutin trademark case Christian Louboutin tried, and failed, and is still trying to copyright its "trademark" red sole. By the way, I'm legally obligated to use trademark in quotations.

20

19. Versace for H&M One of the most buzzed-about diffusion lines of the year, Donatella Versace's exclusive one-off collection reignited interest in the brand's sumptuous archives and had everyone from Anna Dello Russo to Kanye West clamoring for those Medusa heads and Miami prints.

19

18. Karlie Kloss comes of age They grow up so fast! Karlie Kloss turned 19 this year, covered Life Magazine, shed her clothes on several occasions, became a Victoria's Secret Angel and got eye-banged by Leonardo Dicaprio -- in other words, she very publicly became an adult and a supermodel.

18

17. Lady Gaga wins over Anna Wintour Anna Wintour embraced Lady Gaga with open arms this year, putting her on the cover of Vogue and presenting her with the CFDA Fashion Icon Award. And Gaga thanked her by calling her a bitch and showing up in a walking wardrobe malfunction to the ceremony. BFFs, y'all!

17

16. Elizabeth Taylor's death and subsequent jewelry auction Elizabeth Taylor's death was the passing of a true legend and a style icon but her legacy lives on not only through her films, but also her impressive collection of jewels and haute couture that is being auctioned off by Christies this month.

16

15. Michelle Obama's McQueen controversy Michelle Obama had jaws dropping in her Alexander McQueen gown for China's state dinner but it was the fallout from the dress by Oscar de la Renta and other American designers that made the dress truly newsworthy.

15

14. Victoria Beckham, fashion designer This year Victoria Beckham lived up to her nom-de-Spice by gaining real credibility as a designer, and not just another celebrity with too much time on their hands, while simultaneously stepping out of her husband's sexy shadow. A win at the British Fashion Awards for Design Brand of the Year capped off a year of living poshly.

14

13. The Valentino Garavani Virtual Museum Sneaking in at the end of the year, the virtual Valentino museum is an innovative and ingenious step by one of the world's most iconic designers that makes his formidable legacy available to anyone who wants it. A novel and forward-thinking concept that belies Valentino's 800 years.

13

12. The rise and subsequent fall of the fascinator Trends come and go all the time in fashion, but rarely has one particular trend impacted culture so hard and been discarded so fast. The Royal Wedding inspired ladies everywhere to make it a say-something hat day, but it was Princess Beatrice's fascinator that may go down as one of the most infamous pieces of millinery in modern recollection.

12

11. Marc Jacobs stolen spring 2012 collection Lifted from a train en route from Paris, the theft of parts of Marc Jacobs' spring 2012 collection was this year's biggest and most intriguing mystery. Besides, of course, whether Marc himself would defect to Christian Dior or stick it out with Louis Vuitton -- who, coincidentally, was also a victim of theft just two weeks later. Yep, big coincidence.

11

10. Fashion Week calendar controversy Tensions came to a head between the four fashion capitals, leaving the fate of upcoming fashion weeks up in the air. But if there's one thing we've learned from this is you don't fuck with the Italians.

10

9. Kate Moss' fairytale wedding It was only a few years ago that Kate Moss was spiraling down a cocaine-encrusted rabbit hole, but fashion's favorite bad girl has finally settled down. Moss wed longtime beau Jamie Hince in an epic three-day long ceremony known cheekily as Mosstock. BFF Naomi Campbell was one of her bridesmaids, and in a show of solidarity, Moss chose a wedding dress by John Galliano. Kate Moss' wedding was not only front-page news, it garnered the most coveted cover of the year: Vogue's September issue.

9

8. Bill Cunningham New York Originating and perfecting the art of streetstyle photography decades before The Sartorialist picked up a camera, Bill Cunningham finally got his time in the spotlight thanks to a heartwarming documentary that reveled a little of the man behind that ubiquitous lens.

8

7. Kanye West shows at Paris Fashion Week Kanye West is a man of many talents, though fashion design may or may not be one of them. A true lover of fashion, West did his research and worked with the best people but in the end he let his usual over-zealousness get the best of him and the result? When prompted for her opinion on West's collection, Anna Wintour responded: "Ask someone else."

7

6. Missoni for Target Missoni for Target took the high-low collaboration craze to a fever pitch, crashing Target's website and selling out shortly after hitting the shelves. That is, before those items appeared on eBay for several times what they had originally cost, thus negating the entire process.

6

5. The rise of Lea T. and Andrej Pejic Transsexual lady Lea T. met Oprah and androgynous male model Andrej Pejic met the Queen of England this year. If that weren't enough of a moment, these two gals also shattered boundaries in fashion and modeling, and in the process became icons and role models to the LGBTQ community.

5

4. The reinvention of Carine Roitfeld Quele scandale! Did she get fired? Did she quit? Are she and Emmanuelle Alt no longer friends? The rumors have been buzzing around Carine Roitfeld since she officially exiting Vogue Paris in February -- and in the process creating a future supermodel in Saskia de Brauw --  after 10 landmark, nipple-bearing years. But through it all, Carine has been the picture of calm and chic, hiking up her pencil skirt and reinventing herself as a brilliant and in-demand stylist/the coolest bitch on the planet. Stay tuned for another reinvention when Carine launches a new magazine and starts life as a grandmother next year.

4

3. Kate Middleton's Alexander McQueen wedding dress The speculation was unbearable for what was the biggest and most well-kept secret in an age of superfluous information. Though an unsurprising but nevertheless brilliant choice, Sarah Burton's handiwork cemented the Duchess of Cambridge (née Kate Middleton) as not only a bona fide style icon but a phenomenon on both sides of the Atlantic. Meanwhile, Burton proved she was the right person to carry on McQueen's brilliant legacy and take it to the next level.

3

2. Alexander McQueen's Savage Beauty The most successful fashion exhibit in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's  history, Alexander McQueen's Savage Beauty set records and inspired fashion lovers and neophytes alike. The exhibit proved so popular, in fact, the Met extended its run twice. Even then, there were still lines of people waiting hours to get into the museum, but for 661,509 people it was well-worth the wait.

2

1. John Galliano stars in Gallianogate John Galliano's downfall has loomed large all year, particularly since Christian Dior has yet to announce his replacement, despite a neverending back-and-forth with a stubborn Marc Jacobs. Following a stint in rehab, a guilty conviction in Paris for making anti-Semitic remarks, and the general destruction of his reputation, Galliano at least had one bright spot this year: designing good friend Kate Moss' wedding dress. Galliano's dismissal also raised questions about the stress designers are under to deliver  multiple collections a year -- just ask Balmain's Christophe Decarnin. Everyone's still waiting to see who Dior picks to take the throne and if Galliano can make a comeback after such a devastating fall. As 2011 comes to a close, 2012 has the promise of even more scandals, breakdowns and breakthroughs that we cannot wait to cover obsessively for you. If we missed any epic moments or if you're particularly incensed over Lindsay Lohan's Playboy spread not making the list, leave a comment below.

1

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!

Then under the buzzer, this happens. By referencing/recycling that eight-year-old cover and giving it their own spin, Alt and co. end the year on a decidedly high note.  Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott capture Moss in glam rock Ziggy Stardust regalia for FrenchVogue‘s December/January 2012 issue. Freak out, this moonage daydream’s so chic.

Photo: Design Scene

Donatella Versace herself crawled out of her crypt uncharacteristically before noon to pay a visit in London, decked out in a studded silk pink dress and studded black leather trench, her bleach blond hair casually swept over her oversized sunglasses. “I feel very emotional,” she told WWD. ”I really want to see how they are going to mix and pair the clothes, how they will wear them.”

Arriving at 8:30 am, when the line was already around the block, Donny also also expressed her approval of the quality of the garments that had produced such a clamor:  ”Do you see these studs? Usually, with low-cost clothing, they’re pressed on but these are real. And I only worked with pure materials – 100 percent silks and real leather.”

In Milan, a transportation strike did not deter Versace devotees from lining up while in Paris, the racks were picked clean within fifteen minutes. Some shoppers, however, were luckier than others as the night before, French Vogue‘s Emmanuelle Alt hosted a special preview shopping party for 1,000 winners of a contest the magazine had conducted.

Some 300 people lined up in Hong Kong for the store’s 8 am opening and in Berlin, lines started forming at 4 am.

In Shanghai, professional queuers waited on behalf of shoppers too smart and/or lazy to wait in line themselves. Mingling with migrant workers who were also paid as placeholders, a fight broke out amongst the predominately male stand-ins before doors opened. In fact, most of the customers in line were male, with some openly admitting they were there to snatch up as many covetable items as they could to re-sell online.

Besides that slight altercation, H&M’s well-organized, and well-documented, process has been rather smooth. But we’ll see once the doors open stateside this Saturday. [WWD]

Donatella

UK

UK

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Shanghai

Shanghai

This will be the first baby for Restoin-Roitfeld and her Swedish model boyfriend Robert Konjic. Too bad Carine isn’t still at Vogue Paris so we could have a pregnant Julia naked on the cover shot by Karl Lagerfeld or Mario Testino. Ah, well. #MissedOpportunities [Styleite]

< > Rodarte Fall 2009 during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Gagosian Gallery on February 17, 2009 in New York City.

Gareth Pugh

Prada

Numêro / Models.com

W's "Transformers" by Steven Meisel

Pop Magazine Fall/Winter 2011 by Gillian Wearing / Models.com

Versace x H&M

Versace spring 2011

cK One spring 2011

Balenciaga spring 2011 runway

Barney

Harper's Bazaar Australia November 2011 / Models.com

Models.com

Vogue September 2011 / Fashion Gone Rogue

1. “The Butcher” - Mario Testino, The Face, 1996

"The Butcher" - Mario Testino, The Face, 1996

“Shot during the meat crisis in Britain, this much-copied story was a turning point in my career. And I don’t even like meat!”

"The Butcher" - Mario Testino, The Face, 1996

"Chic" Issue - Mario Testino, Visionaire, 1997

"Corps & Lames" - Mario Testino, Vogue Paris, 2005

"Naughty Parisian Maid" - Mario Testino, The Face, 1997

"Festin'" - Terry Richardson, Vogue Paris, 2010

Photo: Trendland

Italian designers are forming a united front to decide on their own dates, out of the three following options: 1.) move to July; 2.) show before New York in September; or 3.) leave things the way they are, which could mean an overlap between Milan and London.

Condé Nast, for its part, is not having any of this. In a letter to Mario Boselli, head of the Italian Chamber of Fashion ”obtained”  – *cough* stolen *cough*– by WWD, CEO Jonathan Newhouse writes that Vogue editors “like the schedule the way it is presently organized. We at Condé Nast do not want the schedule to be changed. We very much oppose moving the Milan shows earlier so that they overlap or conflict with the London fashion shows — or with the New York fashion shows or those of any market.”

Newhouse then goes on to basically threaten a boycott by all Vogue editors — American, British, French and Italian — of Milan shows, stating matter-of-factly that “they will not under any circumstances abandon the London or New York shows if the Milan shows are moved earlier.”

The root of the conflict stems from a pact in 2008 when all four cities agreed to kick-off the fashion weeks on the second Thursday of February and September. Boselli claims that the agreement was only for three years while the CFDA‘s Steven Kolb and the British Fashion Council‘s Caroline Rush contend that it was indeed a permanent arrangement.

As for the fromage standing alone, Paris is expected to side with Milan. However, Didier Grumbach, head of the Chambre Syndicale, would rather come to a compromise and wants everyone to just chill the eff out: “When planning our schedules we have to factor in the time constraints of houses such as Jean Paul Gaultier or Givenchy that deliver couture, men’s and women’s shows with one designer. In any case, these things can’t be improvised. We have our locations. To move dates on venues like the Grand Palais cannot be improvised. Those dates are decided months and months in advance. If [anyone wants to] move dates for 2013, why not, we have the time to talk about it, to arrange it.”

Frankly, it’s a little odd that London is siding with New York considering the hubbub over model castings earlier this season, with London designers blaming New York for hogging all the best girls and the general feeling that LFW was being squeezed out. Now it seems Milan is feeling the crunch and are going to have to come to a decision soon or face the wrath of Wintour. [WWD, sub req'd]

Photo: Trendland

Photos: Fashion Gone Rogue

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

Honestly, this post-Vogue Paris reinvention is seriously working for me. I’m openly obsessed with everything she’s doing…except those damn Chanel ads. Really a photobooth? Though I am hoping to eventually get on board. [Fashionista]

Other topics Ford explores in his interview include his return to fashion and the why of it: ”Because I’m not Doing The Fashion System. I don’t do shows. I don’t have reviews. I’m not putting the clothes on every celebrity so that by the time they reach the store the customers are sick of seeing them.” *Cough, Prada, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, cough.*

Speaking of Gucci, Ford compares his time at the Italian luxury house to the work he does now: “At Gucci, it was all about creating The Look each season The Shoe, The Bag, The Hair. But now I have no desire to create The Look. I just want to make beautiful, glamorous clothes.” Pity he won’t wear them, though.”

But before sending a look down the intimate, exclusive runway, Ford always has his PR lady Whitney or Carine Roitfeld when she’s not pussyfooting with Karl Lagerfeld, try it on: ”If they don’t wear it, it doesn’t go into production.”

As for that infamous French Vogue he guest edited for Roitfeld, Ford explains his reasoning behind all the geriatric grinding: ”My mother doesn’t like me saying this but she’s in her late seventies and her boyfriend’s in his late sixties. The point is she’s active and looks amazing, and yet we’ve taught ourselves to think that ageing’s embarrassing. That’s why I left all the wrinkles in the story shot for French Vogue of an old couple having sex”.

[Quick joke, what does one call a 78-year-old cougar? Madonna,10 years ago. *Rimshot.*]

And then there’s Ford’s burgeoning film career after 2009′s wonderful A Single Man. While his next film, allegedly a comedy, is “ready to go,” the life of a filmmaker has its difficulties: ”I would lose my mind if I just did films…I enjoy the speed of fashion. I love doing different things and I think I still have something valid to say in fashion.” I fully support that — I always find whatever Tom Ford says to be valid, no matter how batshit it is. [Telegraph]

VOGUE Fashion Night 2011 dans le monde (version… by VOGUEPARIS

Miss Taylor showing that elegance truly is learned.

According to Roitfeld, the Dame “had the kind of elegance that went far beyond clothes.”

This elegance will be captured by Mario Testino in a 72-page “fashion extravaganza” — my favorite kind of extravaganza behind the eleganza variety, of course — for the issue themed “heroes.”

Vogue Paris be damned — though it kind of already is — but I love that Carine is doing her own thing. Sister do it for yourself.

Are you as excited as I am for this September issue? [WWD]

Photo: Zimbio

They will be joined by Condé Nast International chairman, Jonathan Newhouse, to form Voguetron show support for the country’s ravaged economy and fashion industry. This show of support includes a gala dinner for fashion executives, celebrities and VIPS on November 4th and Anna will once again miss my birthday when the next day she and the other Vogue ladies attend the Tokyo FNO. [WWD]

The lone female in a sea of blue balls, Smurfette models, commercial-smiles and generally “gives” in Marc Jacobs, Lanvin, Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton.

She looks great and all, but frankly, I’m awaiting that true diva of the silver screen, Miss Piggy.

As an editor at Vogue Paris – hilarious timing by the way —  in this fall’s The Muppets, La Piggy is giving Carine/Emmanuelle a serious run for their money.

Of course, the only thing green Miss Piggy covets is her  longtime lilypad lover — and friend of Gaga – Kermit D. Frog. [Harper's Bazaar, MTV]

Spotted Friday at the Givenchy mens show, Carine will once again be sitting front row at the July haute couture shows in Paris where she’ll be impersonating a client for W. Paolo Roversi is rumored to be shooting the story.

Meanwhile, this sounds even better than that Carine Roitfeld-inspired editorial a few months back, though one can only hope that they dig up “Cardboard Tom Ford” again.  [WWD]

- The next chapter of that sad story will actually begin on June 22nd when Galliano takes the stand. It was previously thought he would miss his first day in court due to rehab, but he’ll be there with his couture bells on. [Vogue UK]

- Noted paragon of virtue, Lady Gaga, flashed her aquamarine mirkin at the MuchMusic Video Awards. [Styleite]

- Meanwhile, BFF Nicola Formichetti is flashing some serious man-skin for Mugler‘s upcoming menswear show in Brothers of Arcadia, a two-part promotional video inspired by the Greek gods. And in a move the ancient Greeks would no doubt applaud, an uncensored version of the videos will be available on XTube. [Fashionista]

- Kate Moss is marrying Jamie Hince in two days and the monumental event, dubbed Mosstock, will apparently be at the super’s home and will provide guests with a “full festival experience.” [Modelina]

- The latest rumor about former Vogue Paris editrix and current Independent Woman, Carine Roitfeld, is that she is starting her own independently published magazine. [Hint]

The doc follows Ford through his first womenswear show in six years, his guest editorship at Vogue Paris during the last halcyon days of Carine Roitfeld‘s tenure and the opening of his flagship store in Beverly Hills — in other words, you don’t want to miss this shit.

Ford admits that he’s “never let anyone film [him] like this before,” claiming that “[t]here’s a very squiggly line between Tom Ford the man and Tom Ford the brand.” That line was further squigglied with his feature film debut A Single Man, which he refers to as his “midlife crisis on screen.”

If only all mid-life crises resulted in Oscar nominations as opposed to bad hair plugs, expensive sports cars and cheap hookers.

You — and I — can learn more about Tom Ford the man and the brand when Visionaires: Tom Ford debuts on OWN June 24th at 10 p.m. [Racked]

Richardson goes on to explain that the point of Richardson is stimulation: “Not orgasm stimulation, but stimulating debate. It’s like an asexual sex magazine.” That may seem a little oxymoronic, but there’s nothing less sexy than analyzing sex…which is exactly why I forbid talking before, during, or after it.

Last published eight years ago, Richardson is a labor of love for the stylist who refuses to compromise on quality or his vision. But though the mag is highly sexual in nature, Richardson thinks the “porny” trend in fashion magazines has “peaked”:

“I think people began leaning on sexuality as a way to make the images exciting, in an environment where there wasn’t as much room to be creative with the fashion. I get the sense that trend has peaked. We were in a time of excess, and now we’ve entered the era of sobriety. Everyone’s buttoning up.”

That’s a little disheartening. Carine Roitfeld leaves Vogue Paris and suddenly everyone’s tucking away their nipple shots? Well, everyone except Andrew Richardson, noted purveyor of sex, dapper gentleman and lover of pussy:

[Style.com]

“We aren’t friends any more. I think it’s sad. When you give a lot of confidence in people and you don’t get it back you are a bit disappointed but it’s life. I move on.”

It is sad. All those years of nipple-bearing bravado gone down the drain. [Financial Times]

Winner: “I wish I knew how to turn this darn thing on!” – Sarah McAdams

Second Place: “….What Would Bowie Do?” – Stace ShyArts Psyhk

Honorable Effort: “iii GO HARDCORE..but in style.” – Manda Goldberg

See all our entry’s HERE.

**Stay tuned for another Model Thought Bubble contest soon!

Kate hunches, emotes and bares a nipple or two (this is still Vogue Paris after all) in Dior Haute Couture, Armani Privé, Givenchy Haute Couture, Atelier Versace, Elie Saab Haute Couture and Valentino Haute Couture.

There’s nothing to get fashion pulses racing like a couple hundred thousand dollars in clothing on one of the greatest posers to ever stare meaningfully at nothing at all.

Head over to our Facebook page and caption THIS POST. The best entry will be featured on Fashion Indie’s homepage tomorrow!

[Freja Beha Erichsen in Vogue Paris shot by Inez & Vinoodh.]

- No. Plastic. Hangers. EVER! Macy’s is trying to reduce the size of its stilettoed carbon footprint with a number of sustainability initiatives such as replacing clear, petroleum-based clear plastic hangers with black, matte hangers made from recycled materials. [WWD]

- The Twitterverse Is Abuzz! After self-described “Young Business Woman. Relentless Opportunist, Restless Optimist” Amber Atherton tweeted this pic of a label apparently bearing Carine Roitfeld‘s name, rumor has it the former Vogue Paris editor will toss her chapeau into the design realm. Though the skeptic in me thinks that label could easily say “Carrie Poitfeld”…especially since the garment seems to have been “Made in Korea.”[Fashionista]

I first became aware of Emmanuelle Alt back in the early 90′s when she headed up Fashion in the forward thinking and very creative magazine “20 Ans” in France, meaning 20 Years Old.  I was struck by her avant garde approach to her styling and her eclectic choices of designers used in her editorials.  She took this rather tame magazine and turned it in to one of the most desirable magazines to be seen in and that applied to France and Europe! If you were in 20Ans you were IN. It was Young, Chic and Rebellious.

As a result of her uncanny capacity as a “Styling Chef” to put together an incredible menu of delicious eye candy that was often more suited for the pages of magazines like Numero, which had not yet come out or Italian VOGUE, it was obvious to me from the onset, that Emmanuelle Alt was destined to become an icon in the fashion industry.

Not to get in to a lengthy diatribe regarding her bio, from 20Ans, she moved on to Mixte Magazine and from there we all know that she went on to become the Fashion Director of VOGUE Paris.

I am giving you this short but sweet synopsis of her journey for one very important reason, her creativity has always been at the forefront of what she has accomplished.  The eyes of the Fashion community have been scrutinizing Emmanuelle very closely and will probably not let up for quite a while.  Why? Because there are many people out there in the world of the arts that love to see people fail.

I find that notion sad at best and pathetic at least.  It is way too early to judge what she is capable of accomplishing at this juncture in time.  Although she was the Fashion Director at VOGUE Paris for over 10 years, she was not at the helm and that is a totally different mind set to employ.

What I can say based on my knowledge of Emmanuelle Alts past and if that is any indication of her future, is that she will cast her die, leave her mark and have a major effect on the fashion industry.  Like Elizabeth (BABETH) Djian a luminary creative fashion engine and the Editor in Chief of NUMERO  Magazine (with whom I had the privilege to work with when she headed up Jill magazine), I am sure that Alt will also be instrumental in setting, rather than following trends in the very near future.

I can totally understand why her initial steps were to tread more lightly than if she had just come in from elsewhere.  What she is doing right now I believe is a very fine balancing act between necessity and her desired direction.  She just needs a bit more time. As she has already stated (and I am embellishing…creative license) her September 2011 Issue, will be her true immersion in to her identity and the direction of the magazine.

Emmanuelle Alt is representative of the hybrid approach taken by many artists in the Creative Business arena.  By hybrid, I wish to imply that for any artist to leave a mark on the body politic of the day, they must know how to strike a perfect balance between pragmatism and child like optimism. She seems to have accomplished this rather daunting task with panache. Emmanuelle Alt is the Modern French woman in all respects.  She is totally at ease with her persona which is refreshingly and naturally confident.

I believe that Emanuele Alt is probably doing some serious creative soul searching and looking both forward and backwards at the same time to find the essence of who she truly is and always will be…an Artist.

From: Benjamin Kanarek Blog

- After marrying David Lauren, son of iconic American designer Ralph Lauren, Lauren Bush will unfortunately not be known as Lauren Lauren. [Harper's Bazaar]

- A new documentary delves into the 50 year relationship between Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, told through the objects they collected together. Despite not believing in the souls of the objects — let alone of other people — Bergé remains sentimental like any old glorious queen…by selling them off. [NYT]

- 3 months after having a baby, Miranda Kerr is back in a bikini for Have Faith Swimwear. Yeah, I’d put down that pot brownie if I were you….

- Libelula, Sophie Cranston‘s label that allegedly designed Kate Middleton‘s wedding dress, has released an official denial, thus perpetuating the greatest mystery of our times. [WWD]

- Thierry Mugler, the man behind the Mugler magic, is now going by the name of Manfred these days and is serving as the artistic director for drag queen, Joey Arias. Meanwhile, his eponymous label is working with another famed drag queen, Lady Gaga. [Style.com]

- The VERY 90s black sports bra and white sweatpant Britney Spears wore for a Japanese commercial years ago when she still had her soul are being auctioned off to benefit Japan. [The Cut]

Emmanuelle Alt © Garance Doré

Emmanuelle Alt is writing her own ticket for VOGUE Paris. I was not expecting a fundamental change in the Editorial Direction being that she has been the Fashion Director of the magazine for over ten years and collaborating with Carine Roitfeld. Thus the assumption that there would be little change from the status quo. However, the April 2011 issue of VOGUE Paris gives a clear new direction; bye bye porno chic, provocation, unjustified nudity, welcome softness, lifestyle, casual clothing. Emmanuelle’s approach is more consensual and obviously more commercial, which the fashion customer might find more accessible.

I want to show in French Vogue more and more a lot of clothes … It’s a different point of view, but nobody gave me a mission to change it or make it more commercial. she stressed in her WWD’s interview

Her vision of fashion is also conditioned by the choice of photographer she has decided to collaborate with and thus don’t expect any radical changes in those she has already worked with.

I want to keep the quality, the photographers we work with—David Sims, Mert and Marcus, Mario Testino, and Bruce Weber. I don’t think there should be radical changes. The magazine should still be chic and sophisticated. VOGUE.com interview

There has been one huge surprise however… The Return of Hans Feurer in VOGUE Paris is great news and a welcome change.

Hans Feurer ©DR

Hans Feurer’s style is easily recognizable:

• Outdoor shoots, long lenses, grainy film aspect, blurred background, sharp on the model (bokeh effect), sunrise or sunset light and often with the introduction of back light and flare.

This style was in “VOGUE” in the 70′s and 80′s and has come back in to fashion since certain internet bloggers started to photograph street fashion a few years ago. The styling often associated with his photography is ethnic, tribal in wildly natural spaces. However, he can express himself in a more urban environment as he did recently in French VOGUE with Supermodel Anja Rubik.

Anja Rubik by Hans Feurer for VOGUE Paris - April 2011

Feurer, a highly renowned fashion photographer in the 70s and 80s, is Swiss born and studied photography in London. In the ’60s, he became a photographer for British Vogue, Vogue Paris, US Vogue, Marie Claire, French Elle… He photographed most of the major supermodels from Claudia Schiffer to Laetitia Casta with Yasmeen Ghauri, Christy Turlington… He launched Amber Valletta in French Elle Magazine.

Who do you dream to photograph?

- I had the chance to work with the most beautiful women in the world from Pat Cleveland, Christy Turlington to Stephanie Seymour… Kate Moss is the only one that I haven’t photographed. Excerpt of his interview in the Contributor Section of French VOGUE April 2011.

I would add “so Far”… , but I have the feeling that with his statement in the Contributor Section of the magazine, this omission will be repaired quickly enough.

Some of his archives

In the early 60′s, he was assisted by French Photographer Patrick Demarchelier. Hans Feurer is also renowned for his collaboration with Kenzo for several of their Ad Campaigns in the 70′s and 80′s and was well known for his shooting of lingerie and swimsuits in a beach environment. In 1974, he directed the famous Pirelli Calendar.

Over the past few years Hans Feurer is back on track with magazines the likes of Numéro, I-D and VOGUE China, etc…

I really appreciate the fact that Emmanuelle Alt went for the original “Real Deal” photographer rather than one of the numerous copies amongst the younger fashion photographers emulating his and Eddy Kohli‘s style.

DIM Advertising © Eddy Kohli

Watch more photos from Hans Feurer in VOGUE Paris – April 2011

Here is the video of the 2005 edition of the International Fashion Photography Festival in Cannes, France with interviews of Hans Feurer, Jean-Daniel Lorieux, Benjamin Kanarek, amongst others.

1. Anna Dello Russo, Editor-at-Large, Vogue Nippon

Style: “Balls to the Couture Wall”

2. Shala Monroque, Editor-at-Large, Pop

Style: “Hip Gal About Town”

3. Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief, Vogue

Style: “Baddest Bitch in the Game”

4. André Leon Talley, Contributing Editor, Vogue

Style: “Great-cape Expectations”

5. Carine Roitfeld, former Editor-in-Chief, Vogue Paris

Style: “Parisian Perfection”

6. Giovanna Battaglia, Fashion Editor, L’Uomo Vogue

Style: “City Sleeker”

7. Hamish Bowles, Editor-at-Large, Vogue

Style: “Dandy Does It”

8. Lauren Santo Domingo, Contributing Editor, Vogue

Style: “New Yorker State of Mind”

9. Glenda Bailey, Editor-in-Chief, Harper’s Bazaar

Style: “Tea Time with the Tudors”

10. Stefano Tonchi, Editor-in-Chief, W

Style: “Gentleman’s Agreement”

Carine with Spiegel journalists and an expression that seems to say, "This is why I need an agent."

1. On fashion:

“Fashion needs glamour, provocation and broken taboos.”

2. On Anna Wintour:

“She is actually very nice.”

3.  On wearing fur:

“In these politically correct times, you can’t even go out on the street in New York or London without getting a pie thrown in your face.”

4. On being labeled the “Queen of Porn Chic”:

“The little girls wearing makeup were never naked; it said ‘No Smoking’ under the pregnant woman; and why shouldn’t old people kiss?”

5. On Yves Saint Laurent:

“Yves Saint Laurent was the first person to openly admit to being a drug addict.”

6. On why women don’t need bags:

“I believe in the Yves Saint Laurent woman who either has her hands in the pockets of her pantsuit or is holding her lover’s hand.”

7. On wearing flats to go for a walk:

“I don’t go for a walk very often.”

8.  On money buying you class*:

“You can’t learn how to be elegant.”

9. On Karl Lagerfeld:

“Good old Karl. Superhuman Lagerfeld.”

10. On turning it:

“You should always be one of the best, whatever your age group.”

11. On John Galliano:

“You have to be very unhappy and lonely to praise Hitler in public while completely drunk.”

12. On future plans:

“Perhaps I’ll become a muse for designers again.”

13. On looking normal:

“The glamour’s limited to my feet.”

14. On up-and-coming designers:

“In a way, we’ve already seen everything. What else could they hope to invent?”

15. On the democracy of fashion:

“I was always saddened by the idea that elegance was only something for a minority.”

Link Love: Der Spiegel

*Sidebar: If you bothered to watch that video from The Countess of Real Housewives New York “fame,” you’ll notice that the camera lens was apparently slathered in eight pounds of Vaseline before shooting began. Money can buy you better production values.

Carine Roitfeld ex editor of Vogue.France in interview with Britta Sandberg & Claudia Voigt from Der Spiegel

Carine with Spiegel journalists with an expression that seems to say, "Happy now?"

- Snooki and JWOWW will continue to spread their own brand of charm — among other more communicable things — with their own Jersey Shore spin-off. Finally, we get down to the good stuff. Honestly, Ron, I’m frikkin’ over everyone else on that show. [Daily Beast]

Photo: Der Spiegel

- Editor Casual seems to be running rampant in fashion as Carine Roitfeld donned corduroy jeans and a “no-name” T-shirt (thank god the shoe came to work) for an interview with a no-name mag about her current state. Turns out she never had any plans to replace Anna Wintour at Vogue (remember that plotline from Devil Wears Prada?), she just likes fucking with us: “I like to provoke. I’m very French. In America, they’re not even allowed to show a hint of nipple in photos. Anna Wintour is the most powerful woman in the global fashion industry, the first lady of fashion. She’s a politician; I’m a stylist. They are two very different jobs. Incidentally, despite all the rumors, she is actually very nice.” What we don’t know is that Anna was hanging from the ceiling the entire time. [Fashionologie]

- If you’re like me and live for the Met Ball but have yet to receive a coveted invitation, you can at least live vicariously through one of its fabulous attendees, fashion icon Daphne Guinness. The kooky, couture-loving heiress will be getting dressed in Barneys windows before heading off to the Gala on May 2nd. How many years in jail do you think I’ll get for busting through that window and stealing a McQueen feather from Daph’s hem? [The Cut]

Carine Roitfeld ex editor of Vogue.France in interview with Britta Sandberg & Claudia Voigt from Der Spiegel

6. The Broken-Down Doll

What you’re thinking: I haven’t eaten in 4 weeks, my coke dealer isn’t picking up his phone and if someone doesn’t pour something alcoholic in, on or near me, I’m literally going to die. But I look great, right?

What you’re doing: Weird angles, lots of slouching, while still showing the garment.

1. The Stride

What you’re thinking: I’m on my way to werq, get out of my way — oh, look a camera — I’m giving — now I’m walking away.

What you’re doing: Walking slow enough to get in frame and making sure your legs are spread wide enough apart for a dynamic shot.

Models Zuza and Jacqueline give a dead-on Roitfeld impression for Mateusz Stankiewicz‘s lens while stylist Pola Madej-Lubera positively nails Carine’s signature style.

What better way to pay tribute to an editor than a spread honoring and maybe even lampooning (just a little) her? Too bad Carine’s former mag didn’t think of this first.

Imagine, Gisele posed in raccoon eye make-up and pin-straight blonde hair with appropriately black roots and Daria Werbowy as Emmanuelle Alt. C’est la vie. But at least someone’s got a sense of humor: note the picture of Alt in the background and the cardboard cut-out of Tom Ford.

GENIUS!

Photos: Design Scene

- American Apparel has hired a new retail executive in Marty Staff to dig them out of the clusterfuck known as their crippling debt. With a reported net loss of $67 million over the first nine months of 2010, they’ll need a very large shovel. Perhaps CEO Dov Charney can start funneling some money from his secret sex slave ring to boost revenue. I’m not saying break up the sex slave ring, god forbid, but this is the age of synergy. A sex slave sweat shop, perhaps? [The Cut]

- Vogue Italia‘s EIC, Franca Sozzani wags her bony little finger at pro–anorexia websites for propagating eating disorders in young girls while defending  designers who altruistically “discard those [models] who are visibly suffering from nutritional problems.” Well, as long as they’re discarded…. [Vogue.it]

The main difference between the spreads is the presence of Amber’s son, Auden, thus confirming the American belief that children ruin your life and leave you a husk of a human being. The Italians, the story tells me, romp around their empty home with bigger hair and more dramatic eye make-up, struggling with their addiction to wine and moody cinema.

Steven Klein brings Amber’s desperation to light for U.S. Vogue with the help of stylist Camilla Nickerson, while her ten-year-old son proves the fierce fruit does not fall far from the supermodel tree. Across the pond, Craig McDean lenses Amber solo, benefiting from Edward Enninful‘s routinely amazing styling.

The two spreads are different and strong enough to stand on their own, but with Gisele and Britt Maren appearing in the same dress on the covers of Vogue Paris and Germany, respectively, I can’t help but wonder…

Are there too many Vogues?

I mean, in honesty, I can do with only the following five: Vogue Italia (the best), Vogue Paris (giving Alt a chance), Vogue Nippon (amazing editorials), U.S. Vogue (the glue that holds the family together) and Vogue Russia (because of this).

The others can shutter for all I care. And yes, I am referring to British Vogue — I don’t really care for it, despite Kate Winslet‘s recent stunner of a cover.

Anyway, check out the editorials below, try to see any comparisons and catch the rest of the photos on Lookbooks!

Photos: Fashiontography

- Well this makes for an awkward way to come out of the gate; Emmanuelle Alt’s first cover uses the same Dolce & Gabbana dress as a February Vogue España cover featuring Constance Jablonski and an April Vogue Germany cover with Britt Maren. Do you hear that? That’s the sound of Carine Roitfeld cackling over a 25-year old bottle of Chardonnay from her chateau in the French countryside.[Fashionista]

- Las Vegas is placing all of its bets on quirky Canadian songbird, Celine Dion, amidst massive debt, abandoned casino projects and 13% unemployment. Finally, other people are starting to see Celine as I’ve seen her for a decade of song: a savior. [Associated Press]

- Rick Genest, aka Zombie Boy aka Rico stars in Mugler Mens Fall 2011 campaign shot by Mariano Vivanco. And like Genest himself, the ads strike the right balance between creepy hot and just plain old creepy. [Nicola Formichetti's Blog!!]

- The continued downfall of American civilization as manifested in a human being, Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi, took it to the square circle to introduce to some unlucky female…(?) wrestlers her own patented brand of smackdown. Admittedly, it was thrilling seeing the 36-inch guidette go to town in a leopard-print jacket and wedged boot and hopefully her wardrobe at Wrestlemania XXVII will be as inappropriate/awesome. [Refinery29]

- Well, I think we can all agree that despite the thousands of dead, missing and misplaced people, the threat of nuclear Armageddon and the collapse of Japan’s economy, the biggest tragedy to come out of the Land of the Rising Sun is the cancellation of Japan Fashion Week. Crises like this really put things into perspective. [The Cut]

- ESPN Magazine is stepping up its style game with the hire of their first fashion editor, Samantha Rubin. The reason behind the move: apparently readers want to know what their favorite athletes are wearing and how to wear it. Now we can all learn where to get and how to wear size 15 Air Jordans and XXXXL pinstripe suits. [WWD]

- Lady Gaga has not only raised the bar for shutting shit down, she’s also raised a ton of money for Japan…to the tune of $250 K through sales of her “We Pray for Japan” wristband. Put your paws up…now wrap them in this wristband. [Oh No They Didn't!]

- Rumor has it Carine Roitfeld was banned from Paris Fashion Week after Condé Nast big-wig Jonathan Newhouse fired off a letter asking designers not to invite the ex-editrix as it “might send a confusing message.” In other news, Emmanuelle Alt recently graduated from an at-home signature forgery class. [Hint]

- Speaking of Alt, her first cover of Vogue Paris has hit the interwebs. Gisele looks great as usual, but this could easily be American Vogue and I could easily fall asleep looking at it. [Models.com]

- And speaking of American Vogue covers I hate, ladies and gentlewomen, Rihanna. [Twitter]

- I’m as excited for the Royal Wedding as the next gal, but some people are seriously starting to OD. [Beautylish]

- One of John Galliano‘s “victims” feels kind of bad that he might have ruined the designer’s career and doesn’t think he’s really a racist or anti-Semite. Thanks for your swift action regarding this matter. [Huffington Post]

- Japan really can’t catch a  break today. [BBC]

- And in equally tragic news, Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake have called it a day on their relationship. Personally, I think J-Tims looks better without a beard. [People]

-But as usual, Charlie Sheen provides the light at the end of the tunnel. Reports of the actor/hooker connoisseur’s death have been grossly exaggerated…by a virus spreading through Facebook. Now if this were the only the first time that we caught something contagious after poking Charlie Sheen…. [HuffPo]