The best waterproof mascara award goes to Yves Saint Laurent's "Volume Effet Faux Cils." Not only does this mascara make it look like you're wearing falsies, but it actually stays on.. and by that we mean it might take you a few minutes to wash off.

The best waterproof concealer is, well... Amazing! This concealer is like a magic eraser, ridding your face of any imperfections.

Make Up For Ever's Aqua Cream is a keeper. This ultra pigmented, waterproof eyeshadow will stay on your lids through sweat or shine.

Don't let the word "liquid" scare you because this liquid liner can't be beat. Urban Decay's 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner will stay on your lids through showers, swimming adventures salty tears.

Perfect for going swimming in the summer heat, Hourglass Cosmetics' Superficial Waterproof Bronzer withstands high humidity and moisture.

Benefit's Posietint is a two-in-one lip stain and blush. This waterproof, poppy-pink colored tint is the perfect solution to keeping your face looking as fresh as a daisy all day long.

M·A·C's Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation is both water-resistant and protective against the suns rays. It's a win-win.

These two collections are, as described by a YSL spokeswoman, “transitional” and will be shown some time in late June/early July. Slimane will then make his official debut during Paris Fashion Week when he parades his spring 2013 women’s collection down the runway. [WWD, sub req'd]

Gucci filed suit in 2009, alleging that Guess and its footwear licensee Marc Fisher Footwear had used “studied imitations of Gucci trademarks” — including the block letter “G,” a combination of red-and-green stripes and diamond-logo motifs – and “knocked off” more than $200 million in product.

Judge Scheindlin found that Fisher’s use of the red-and-green stripes was identical to Gucci and therefore likely to cause “trademark dilution,” i.e. cheapen Gucci’s image. The judge, however, denied Gucci’s counterfeiting claims, stating “courts have uniformly restricted trademark counterfeiting claims to those situations where entire products have been copied stitch-for-stitch.”

Gucci was awarded $4.7 million in combined damages from Guess and Marc Fisher for their use of the Quatro G pattern. Gucci was also granted an injunction against Guess, barring them from using the Quatro G pattern, the green-red-green stripe and certain other square G marks.

Whether this ruling will have any bearing on the  trademark infringement case involving Christian Louboutin‘s red sole debacle with that other PPR brand Yves Saint Laurent is yet to be seen. But for Guess CEO, Paul Marciano, the Gucci v. Guess case should’ve been resolved by the two companies and not the court.

In a statement issued yesterday, Marciano hinted that the battle might not be over as Gucci is “currently court-forum shopping to find a friendly court but Guess will vigorously defend our rights in every jurisdiction.” [WWD, sub req'd]

Decked in delicately jeweled and lace garments, Crystal Renn (Ford Models) stars in Vogue Japan‘s editorial “Under the Twilight Sky” from the June 2012 issue. Shot by Camilla Akrans, Renn tells a tale of romance and intrigue in looks from designers like Dolce and Gabanna, Hakaan, Balmain and Yves Saint Laurent styled by fashion editor Sissy Vian. Scarlet red lips against a natural face accented with strong brows by MUA Sil Bruinsma (Streeters) along with a retro hairstyle, reminiscent of Betty Paige, by stylist Alain Pichon (Streeters) are the perfect touches to each mystifying look.

See the original story on LOOKBOOKS.com.

A look by Parsons student Alexandra Nam

Current seniors in Parsons BFA Fashion Design program will compete to win internships at one of PPR’s 16 luxury brands, which include Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Stella McCartney and Gucci. The two winners — one in ready-to-wear and one in accessories — will also be featured on The Fancy, a combination magazine/shopping guide/social network, and showcased at Barneys New York‘s Madison Ave store in September.

Centered on PPR’s “Empowering Imagination” theme, the competition is designed to stimulate new ideas at PPR’s stable of brands.

Today, a panel of judges including model Dree Hemingway, Vogue‘s Candy Pratts Price and Barneys creative director Dennis Freedman, will whittle down the top 20 candidates to five finalists based on their thesis collections and how well they exemplify the theme. The five finalists will then have their collections featured on The Fancy in mid-June with the winning look and accessory voted on by the public.

“Partnering with PPR and The Fancy,” said Simon Collins, dean of the School of Fashion at Parsons, “will provide our students with an international perspective, thus positioning them as design thinkers poised to lead fashion globally.”

The winners, announced at the end of June, will receive an expense-paid internship up to $10,000 at the PPR label of their choice.[WWD, sub req'd]

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Alexandra Nam

Lagerfeld, left, and Saint Laurent, center

Way before the advent of the Project Runways (and its alleged All-Stars), the The Fashion Shows and the Fashion Stars, there was one illustrious design competition that actually set out to do what those shows only dream of doing: producing a design superstar. In 1955, the Australian Wool Industry‘s International Wool Secretariat prize produced two, Lagerfed and Saint Laurent. Lagerfeld won in the coats category, Saint Laurent in the dresses category, and the rest is history.

A thousand years later, AWI wants to make wool hip again(?) and in the process give a  few lucky designers a couple thousand bucks. AWI will hold regional design contests in China, Australia, India, Italy, the UK and France, with each finalist receiving cash money towards their next collection and a chance to participate in the international final.

The international finalist will be crowned in March 2013 and will receive $100,000 to underwrite their next fashion show, and their collections will be sold in Harvey Nichols in the UK, Lane Crawford in China, Eickhoff in Germany and Bergdorf Goodman in the US.

The US judging will take place on July 9 in New York with a panel of judges that includes CFDA CEO Steven Kolb, Narciso Rodriguez and T: The New York Times Style Magazine EIC Sally Singer. The international judging will he held in September during London Fashion Week where Diane von Fursteberg and Vogue Italia editrix Franca Sozzani will be among the judges. Designers are required to submit sketches of a six-piece merino wool capsule collection with one outfit fully produced.

Kolb has said that the CFDA has already received some 25 applications, not just from emerging designers but also brands “who could use a boost.” Although we’re not talking about the Calvin Kleins but rather small business owners. So to paraphrase another famous fashion competition,  ”Designers, start your engines…and may the best merino…WIN!” [WWD, sub req'd]

Lagerfeld, left, and Saint Laurent, center

Bey and the Biebs will compete in that category with the legit luxe label lineup of Bottega Veneta, Tom Ford‘s “Violet Blonde“ and Prada‘s “Candy Eau de Parfum Spray.”

The finalists in the Luxe Men category are “Armani Code Sport,” “Gucci Guilty Pour Homme,” “John Varvatos USA,” “L’Homme Libre” by Yves Saint Laurent and my personal fragrance fave, “Un Jadrin Sur le Toit” by Hermès.

Nominees in the Media Campaign – Women category include Marc Jacobs “Daisy” — but surprisingly not the controversial “Oh Lola!” — “Burberry Body,” Chanel‘s “Coco Mademoiselle,” Dior‘s “J’adore” and interestingly, if that’s the word, “Wonderstruck Taylor Swift.”

Thierry Mugler‘s “A*Men” campaign featuring amputee track star Oscar Pistorius will compete against “Armani Code Sport,” “Gucci Guilty Pour Homme,” “CK One Shock for Him” and “Eau de Lacoste L.12.12″ for Media Campaign – Men.

Nominees joining last year’s inductee, Elizabeth Taylor‘s “White Diamonds,” in the Fragrance Hall of Fame, include Elizabeth Arden‘s “Red Door” and Hermès’ “24 Faubourg” in the women’s category and “Acqua di Gio,” “A*Men” and Issey Miyake‘s ”L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme” in the men’s.

Winners will be announced at the always glitzy Fifi awards presentation on May 21 at Alice Tulley Hall. [WWD]

Guys, would you wear just half a sneaker?

Creatures of the Wind Spring 2012 look by NARS

It's no secret mint is a huge color for spring, so show some love with this highly pigmented cream shadow. Add a little to lips and cheeks if you're feeling super brave.

Start out using one shade to get a feel for this soft, romantic eye palette, or try a few for a playfully dramatic look.

Get your mermaid on with this cool blue, long-lasting liner. A for sure statement maker, line top and bottom lashes and simply finish with mascara.

Channel the YSL Spring 2012 runway with shades from the Candy palette, worn by models in the show.

This lovely muted yellow will make all eye colors pop, enhancing green and blue peepers and reflecting luminous gold hues in brown.

This quick-drying liquid liner pen has a unique chisel tip for perfect precision every time. And what pink could be more perfect for spring than Donutella?

Create your own secret rose garden with pearly, shimmering purple and pink shadows that will make eyes pop in the springtime sunlight.

Gisele Bündchen A Goodwill Ambassador for the UN's Environmental Program since 2009, Mrs. Brady not only talks the talk but also walks the walk. Her insanely popular line of flip-flops, Ipanema Gisele Bündchen, supports the Fight Against Climate Change Central Strategy and the super launched the Clean Water Project in her hometown of Horizontina, Brazil.

Cate Blanchett Blanchett is equally known for her impeccable style as for her impeccable acting, but in addition she's worked as the co-artistic director for the Sydney Theater Company which she helped install 1900 solar panels at The Wharf Theater.

Stella McCartney Stella comes from a long line of eco-friendliness -- I still remember Paul and Linda McCartney extolling the virtues of vegetarianism on The Simpsons -- but she's taken her commitment to the environment seriously when it comes to her business with organic clothing, carbon neutral shopping bags and a studio powered by wind.

Natalie Portman A vegetarian since she was a kid, Natalie Portman is as green as they come. Even when gallivanting around Rwanda saving gorillas with Jack Hanna, Portman always looks frustratingly gorgeous.

Julia Roberts Pretty woman -- cleaning up the street. Julia's a huge proponent of recycling, organic shopping bags, disposable diapers, composting and just about everything else you can do to go green.

Salma Hayek As the wife of François-Henri Pinault, the chairman and CEO of PPR which counts among its stable of luxury brands Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen, Hayek lives a fashionable life. But she also lives a sustainable life by driving a fuel-efficient hybrid and outfitting her home with solar panels.

Alicia Silverstone Silverstone's style credentials are forever sealed thanks to Clueless-- though calling her a style icon is admittedly a stretch -- but her staunch environmentalism, including a book and a website dedicated to "kind" living, makes up for her lack of red carpet appearances.

Gwyneth Paltrow Paltrow may get her red carpet style from a team of professionals, but she got her green roots from mom/my personal hero Blythe Danner who had Gwyneth hugging trees and composting trash for as long as she could walk.

Emma Watson Watson has come into her sartorial own since leaving Hogwarts and that's included creating a green capsule collection for Alberta Ferretti.

Penélope Cruz Pepe is among a fleet of celebrities who tool around to shows during awards season in alternative fuel vehicles with the help of Global Green USA. One assumes these cars are large enough for a diaphanous gown and a towering updo.

“I’m very happy, ” Berge said of Slimane’s appointment. “Hedi Slimane has an enormous amount of talent, something that has been missing at the house of Yves Saint Laurent.”

Bergé made, and clearly continues to make, no secret of his dislike for Stefano Pilati while Saint Laurent was rolling over in his grave before he was even dead during Tom Ford‘s reign. Yet Slimane, who worked at YSL Rive Gauche Pour Homme from 1996 to 2000, has been welcomed back to the fold with open arms.

“Hedi is the only one belonging to the Saint Laurent family, my family, so you can imagine how happy and excited I am,” Catroux told WWD. “It will be easy for him as he has the same sensibility and aesthetic, and like Yves, he understands his times perfectly. I always dress as a boy, but I am sure he will find a new way to make girls magic again. Hedi will continue the spirit of Yves. He is the YSL of today, so everything is as it should be.”

Perhaps seeking inspiration from the spirit of Yves,  Slimane is reportedly working at the same studio as Mon. Saint Laurent before his first eponymous ready-to-wear collection in 1962. [WWD, sub req'd]

Knightley discusses her two new films with David Cronenberg, who recently directed the 27-year-old in last year’s A Dangerous Method. First there’s June’s Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, co-starring fellow fashion plate Steve Carell, and an adaptation of Anna Karenina, in which she plays Tolstoy’s legendary literary heroine — out just in time for awards season in December.

Seriously, just throw that girl in a period piece and watch the Oscars fly.

Photos: Interview

Woodbury Commons, that Xanadu of discount shopping in upstate New York, will see the world’s first and only Tom Ford outlet this summer when it opens July 15, featuring both his men’s and women’s collections and accessories. Reed Krakoff will also open an outlet store there, joining the ranks of Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Yves Saint Laurent and Roberto Cavalli.

So start planning those day trips now, kids, because who can’t use some python knee-high boots, neon furs and dramatic Oscar gowns? [Huff Po]

Gucci claims Guess and its footwear licensee Marc Fisher Footwear has been knocking off its logo and designs for years and is seeking $221 million in damages. Louis Ederer, lawyer for the Italian luxury giant, barraged Marciano with questions and referenced emails dating back to 1995  between Guess buyers and Marc Fisher employees. He also brought up a history of cease and desist letters from Coach, Yves Saint Laurent, Jimmy Choo and Adidas claiming Marc Fisher was knocking off their designs.

Through it all Marciano insisted that Guess simply took inspiration from different brands, including Gucci, for its logos, patterns and designs. When Ederer brought up emails from Marc Fisher indicating that the company was sending Gucci fabric samples to Guess fabric suppliers, Marciano claimed he had no knowledge of the correspondence. However, upon seeing the similarities between Guess and Gucci sneakers, he was “embarrassed.”

Ederer blasted Guess for not following up with Marc Fisher about the shoes saying, “The truth is that Guess has been knocking off Gucci for years.” To which Marciano responded, “No…fashion is about trend, mood and inspiration. You interpret your own way with your own brand.”

To illustrate his point, Marciano referenced the courtroom’s carpeting and claimed that his design team would reinterpret it and throw it on a handbag, to some mild courtroom chuckling.

After Ederer finished badgering the witness, Guess’ lawyer Daniel Petrocelli took over, asking Marciano to describe the company’s relationship with Gucci. Marciano insisted they never had any problems till a cease and desist letter in 2007 and that “if this is something Gucci was genuinely concerned with, they would have acted within days, everywhere,” instead of twiddling their thumbs since 1995. [WWD, sub req'd]

The Katniss Side Braid

There is no question The Hunger Games has garnered a lot of attention with the movie release, Capitol Fashion and the infamous side braid of Katniss Everdeen. This style kept Katniss cool even in the hottest situations, including a forest fire.

- Abercrombie & Fitch got in touch with its not-so-inner homosexual with this Bruce Weber-directed homage to hot boys groping each other wrestling. Seriously, when is A&F going to stop circling the gay porno airport and bring that sucker into a well-lubricated landing? Video after le jump. [Huff Po]

- And speaking of perverts disguised as clothing companies, Dov Charney re-signed his contract with American Apparel for another three years with a base salary of $800,00o. I knew I shoulda gotten into the sex slave game when I had the chance. Lazy me. [The Cut]

- I see someone’s been reading my dream journal since André Leon Talley is finally getting his own reality show on Bravo. ALT will be yelling at and openly insulting  ”four up-and-coming fashion design teams as they produce the defining collection of their careers.” [Styleite]

- Jason Segal and Michelle Williams are apparently now starring in How I Met My Oscar-Nominated Girlfriend. [Refinery29]

- Stefano Pilati came out from the shadows of scandal after being let go by Yves Saint Laurent a month ago to discuss his career in fashion and his plans for the future. Burning down YSL was surprisingly not a part of said plans. [Fashionologie]

Illustrating this theme, the mag profiles three particular individuals at different stages of their career: “the Breakout” Joseph Altuzarra, “the Artiste” Georgina Chapman of Marchesa and “the Dreamer” Alber Elbaz.

Elbaz, known for being the most adorable of high fashion designers, is surprisingly candid in his interview and reveals there are claws behind that bowtie. To wit, my favorite quote: “I always say I cannot work with bitches; they block my creativity.” And I don’t think he’s talking about the dog variety.

Elbaz even discusses being looked over for the creative director position at Yves Saint Laurent, despite being handpicked by the late designer himself, for Tom Ford: “As I say to people, I was never just Alber from Saint Laurent, and I an not Alber from Lanvin.  I am Alber, period.  That’s why I might have been hurt, but I was not dead.  It didn’t kill me.”

The issue also features an interview with Giorgio Armani who reveals his dashed hopes of being Paul Newman, as well as a conversation with Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld on Chanel‘s upcoming Little Black Jacket book that is predictably amazing:

CR: “The first Chanel jacket that I saw – that I knew was Chanel – was on TV.  It was on Mrs. Kennedy – the pink one.”
KL:  “In 1963.  It was a fake, a line-by-line copy by Cassini.  She did have real Chanels, [but] her sister ordered them.  We have all the proof.”

Only Karl Lagerfeld would have the balls to read Jackie O. Catch this and other fun fashion tidbits when Style.com/Print #2 comes out April 2.

The garment: Yves Saint Laurent “Mondrian” day dress from the autumn 1965 collection

The inspiration: Piet Mondrian‘s famous grid and primary color paintings, like Composition with Yellow, Red, and Blue, 1927 shown above

The history: As the sack dress evolved into the more figure-flattering shift in the 1960s, YSL saw this new shape as the perfect canvas for color blocking. Looking to contemporary artists who fit in with the 1960′s mod vibe, Mondrian’s colorfully linear work was a perfect match for the silhouette.

American Two Shot is a chill new boutique opening in Soho in the next week or two (we’ll keep you posted – - as they say on their site, “It’s chic to wait.“). And so we wait to shop cool men’s and women’s clothing, art, books, coffee and friends. Friends with whom we’d likely like to trick out a school bus, drive cross country and bend a few laws. Or at least discuss beautiful things with over an iced latte. Needless to say, we’re psyched for the new shopping haunt @ 135 Grand St.

Confirming a week-old rumor — ancient history in the age of the status update — that the designer cum photographer would return to the house that Saint Laurent built nearly twelve years after departing for Dior Homme, YSL today announced Slimane’s appointment as its new creative director.

Slimane’s return is described as an attempt by PPR to “ramp up” YSL’s development in order to compete with Chanel and Christian Dior.

As a Frenchman and someone industry insiders feel “understands YSL better than anyone else,” Slimane is expected to be received better than the long-beleaguered Stefano Pilati.  Saint Laurent, when he was still living, openly derided the designer while his business and life partner, Pierre Bergé refused to even acknowledge Pilati’s existence.

Despite his standing as the preeminent menswear designer of the past decade, this will be Slimane’s first foray into womenswear — aside from some feminine suiting he did for the likes of Nicole Kidman and Madonna. Slimane’s designs under YSL will debut with the house’s resort collection this June.

The extent of Slimane’s control over the brand is as yet unknown but famous for his exacting standards, there’s bound to be some upheaval in the coming months. [WWD, sub req'd]

- Yves Saint Laurent is set to confirm on Wednesday what everyone’s already known for some time now, that is, that Hedi Slimane will take over Stefano Pilati‘s recenlty vacated creative director role. [NYT]

- The video for Brandy and Monica‘s new single finally descended from the heavens, “It All Belongs to Me”, or as I like to call it, “Fierce, Sassy Bitches Blowin’ Shit Up.” [Perez Hilton]

- Marc Jacobs not paying his models is causing a stink, and the company’s snide tweet isn’t helping matters. [Jezebel]

- Alicia Keys and Edward Enninful were caught holding hands at the Givenchy show prompting rumors of an affair between the space around Alicia Keys’ and Edward Enninful’s hands. [Fashionista]

- 66-year-old Debbie Harry was mistaken for 25-year-old Lindsay Lohan by paparazzi, leaving Debbie Harry feeling like she should have made better life choices.  [Page Six]

1. Alexander Wang Sweatshop Controversy. Well, this pretty much came out of nowhere but when a young designer at a crucial moment in his career gets hit with as serious as an allegation as using sweatshops to produce his clothes, the ramifications could be enormous.

2. Shake-Ups at Jil Sander and Yves Saint Laurent.  Would it be a Paris Fashion Week without someone leaving somewhere under a cloud of suspicion? Stefano Pilati finally submitted to the frequent rumors of his demise with Hedi Slimane set to replace him, but what of poor Raf Simons, who's now unceremoniously on his keester after years of loyal service?

3. Christian Dior's ever-revolving door of candidates. Yeah, this is still happening, but with Bill Gaytten finally getting a handle on this creative director thing -- the Christian Dior Fall 2012 collection wasn't awful...it was actually rather pretty, if nothing revelatory, and you know how much it pains me to say that -- there might be no need for Maxime Simoens or Haider Ackermann or whoever's the designer dujour.

4. Kanye West returns. God bless his heart. Like any artist with a pair, Kanye West isn't letting the negative reviews of his last collection get to him and he's returning today with his second offering. No one ever said fashion was an easy game to get into and Ye's got a long road ahead of him, but we all gotta crawl before we can walk. Unless you're Jourdan Dunn who tweeted that Kanye's shoes for the show tonight were "sexy as fuck but you can't walk in them!" Oh, and fellow model Leomie Anderson said Mr. West "cussed" at a girl for not being able to walk in the precarious pumps. Of course, Anderson threw some shade behind West, tweeting "her walk isn't top notch in kitten heels." #shitmodelssay

No one has confirmed anything yet, of course, but both Simoens and Leonard are expected to part in mutual agreement. As for Dior, the speculative go-to destination for any and every designer for the past year, “sources” indicate that Simoens has been in talks with the storied luxury house, though the 27-year-old has repeatedly denied that he has had any contact with them.

Sounds like an admission of guilt if I ever heard one. [WWD, sub req'd]

While Pilati’s tenure at YSL has seen its share of ups and downs, he still managed to turn the house around after a series of financial losses. However, his collections were often met with mixed reviews, with Mon. Saint Laurent saying himself, “Some of what he does is good. Some of it is not so good.”

YSL won’t spill the beans on Pilati’s replacement till after their show during Paris Fashion Week, but Slimane is expected to return after a near two decade absence. Before designing his signature Slimane-slim suits for Dior Homme, Hedi worked for YSL in the 90s. Although he has never officially designed women’s clothes, Slimane was courted to take over Jil Sander before settling on Dior, then gave it all up to  pursue photography in 2007. [WWD, sub req'd]

- YSL‘s Stefano Pilati thinks John Galliano pretty much ruined drugs for everyone. [Styleite]

- Well, this happened. Anna Wintour in the subway. Note the look of complete and utter fear on her usually emotionless face. [The Cut]

- You could help Oscar de la Renta design his resort collection. [WSJ]

- Beyoncé is reportedly planning two albums next year. Because nine months of pregnancy left her with far too much time on her hands. [LA Times]

- 95-year-old club kid Zelda Kaplan passed away today. Luckily, she was sitting front row at a fashion show, perhaps the most fitting and fabulous way to go. R.I.P. Miss Girl. [NY Post]

First things first, let’s talk about what DVF was wearing. According to WWD, von Furstenberg “swooped into the courtroom wearing gold-rimmed aviators and a long black sparkly knit sweater over an off-white turtleneck and black skirt.” Legal. Ease.

Anyhoo, back in August, Judge Victor Marrero, a Manhattan Southern District judge, denied Louboutin a preliminary injunction that would have stopped YSL from selling its monochromatic red pump from its 2011 resort collection, and further questioned the validity of Louboutin’s trademarked red sole. Marrero ruled that no designer could have a monopoly on any one color.

Louboutin’s lawyer — who also happens to be DVF’s lawyer — Harley Lewin claimed that Marrero misjudged the case by assuming Louboutin meant every shade of red and not the Chinese red he had trademarked in 2008. YSL’s lawyer, a David Bernstein, argued that YSL’s monochromatic pumps are integral to the brand’s DNA, adding, “We don’t want to find out we can’t make red shoes.”

While the judges openly criticized Marrero’s opinion and the findings on which it was based, there’s no guarantee they’ll overturn his verdict. If they do, however, it’s back to court for both parties. I’m hoping for another trial if only for another DVF cameo. What will she wear?! Perhaps a YSL le smoking and a Louboutin strapless…you know, for kicks. [WWD]

[WWD]

Coats by Yves Saint Laurent
Boots at Torrid

Clockwise from top left:

Red Valentino Wool Socks, $185

Yves Saint Laurent  Cotton-Gabardine Trench Coat, $2,990

ModCloth Lightning Camera Action Earrings, $15.99

Beauty Without Cruelty Waterproof Mascara, $23.99

Stella McCartney Eco Python Falabella Chain Shoulder Bag, $1,128

Alexander McQueen Skull Umbrella, $565

Torrid Red Patent Rain Boots, $56.50

Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Royal, $22

- Anna Dello Russo changes, at most, five times a day. Sometimes in the car, sometimes under André Leon Talley‘s great capes… [NYT]

- A new exhibit at the Denver Art Museum pays tribute to the legendary career of Yves Saint Laurent. [Fashionologie]

- Beyoncé‘s bootylicious Dereon derrière is the inspiration behind a breed of housefly that has a “glamorous golden rear end.” [Refinery 29]

- Meanwhile, newborn scion/old school playa Blue Ivy is the inspiration behind a strain of weed. Hova must be so proud. [Prefix]

- Umit Benan‘s fall 2012 show included, among other things, a naked male model taking a shower. And suddenly I care about Milan men’s fashion week. [The Cut]

- Angelina Jolie reportedly told husband Brad Pitt upon arriving at the Golden Globes: “You’re prettier than me.” #angiejolieproblems [The Cut]

- “You think gay people love Gaga? You should hear when a Robyn song comes on at a gay bar. Then it is fucking over.” Truer words have never been spoken. I’ve burned down several dancefloors to “Dancing On My Own” and have been practicing my backwards roll for “Call Your Girlfriend.” These and other alleged truths, courtesy of “The Secrets Gay Men Don’t Want Straight People to Know.” [Gawker]

- Fellow Greendale fans, rejoice! Community is returning after all. However, a fourth season is still up in the air. Because god knows we need more Whitney in our lives. [E!]

- Justin Bieber got a tattoo of his lord and savior Jesus Christ on his calf. Shortly after getting inked, the Biebs downed a 40, smashed it on the sidewalk, hopped in his low-rider and got high in the parking lot of a Taco Bell with his other cholo buds. [Huff Po]

- Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton may be having an 80s-themed 30th birthday party. Meaning Will can once again bust out his sweet dance moves to the delight of sassy black girls everywhere. [The Cut]

- Absolutely Fabulous finally returns this Sunday on the BBC. Get excited, Sweetie Dahling. [Vogue]

- Brad Goreski and Rachel Zoe still aren’t on great terms it seems, despite Brad’s olive branch to the Baby Skyler. Zoe made it perfectly clear, via a retweet that has since disappeared (so SUPER perfectly clear) that she wants It’s a Brad, Brad World to fall on its bespectacled face. [WWD]

- In addition to all things crotchless, American Apparel is now specializing in vintage scarves, including Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein and Kenzo. [Racked]

- And why not shouldn’t AA class it up a bit? According to CEO/repeat sex offender Dov Charney, American’s getting “its groove back.” thanks to a recent influx of  consumer dollars. [Fashionista]

- Bridesmaids is snatching up trophies and nominations left and right, and while it seem ripe for a sequel, star and writer Kristen Wiig is not interested. But a sequel might happen, nonetheless, focusing on breakout star Melissa McCarthy‘s brash and ballsy character. Two words of advice: Evan Almighty. [NYT]

- Queen Elizabeth will give the late Elizabeth Taylor a run for the bodacious bauble money when she puts some of her most important jewels on display in August as part of a celebration honoring the monarch’s 60 years on the throne. [WWD]

- Steven Tyler in a speedo. Proceed at your own risk. [Just Jared]

- Yves Saint Laurent has hired 11 law professors from across the country to lay the legal smackdown on Christian Louboutin and his trademark infringement case. [Telegraph]

- Nicki Minaj‘s line of nail polish for OPI includes such names as “Pink Friday,” “Metallic 4 Life,” “Superbass,” and my personal fave, “Did It on ‘Em.” I don’t know what layaway look like — Bitch, I can’t even spell welfare! [SheFinds]

- Mariah Carey tweeted a picture of her and house-husband Nick Cannon in the hospital after he suffered ”mild kidney failure.”  [ABC]

- The Kardashians are starting a magazine about their favorite subject: the Kardashians. As if keeping up with them wasn’t pointless enough. However, their lawsuit against Star magazine might get in the way. American Media, the company Kim and co. are working with on this egregious  use of perfectly good trees, owns Star, which accused the First Family of Public Whoring of using slave labor in sweatshops. [Styleite]

- Whatever you’re doing, stop it right now and go here to birth your very own My Little Pony. Mine’s the baddest pony on the block. [via Refinery 29]

- Multimedia artist Colette Maison Lumiere thinks Lady Gaga, specifically Mother Monster’s Barneys Workshop, copied her work and made a little video to elaborate on it. [The Cut]

- “I think one of the most flattering things I’ve ever heard—you know, I almost fell out of my chair when someone called to tell me about it—Alexis Bittar’s PR girl has a tattoo of me on her wrist. It’s a very good portrait! I haven’t seen it in person, but apparently it looks just like me.” —  90-year-old sasstronaut Iris Apfel on the kids thinking she’s cool, or hot or “whatever the expression is.” [Fashionista]

The knighthood, bestowed by president Nicolas Sarkozy, recognizes Hayek for her “services to the French Republic,” notably, her work as ”director and producer (and) active member of charitable foundations for 23 years.” The fact that Hayek’s old man is Francois-Henri Pinault, a close friend of Sarkozy and the head of PPR thus the owner of pretty much everything including Gucci, Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent, I’m sure had nothing to do with it. Nor does the fact that Hayek’s father-in-law, Francois Pinault is simultaneously being named a Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour.

But the French are croaking their disapproval nonetheless, calling Hayek’s appointment a joke, “an insult to France” and as a result Napoleon Bonaparte, who instituted the honor in 1802 in an attempt to replace the nobility, is “turning in his grave.” One honoree has even refused to accept the award. Henri Torre, the crotchety 78-year-old  former minister and member of Sarkozy’s ruling party sassed, “Too many people have been nominated who do not deserve to be honoured” and claimed that the award had been tainted with “croneyism” by “naming any old people.”

It’s one thing to say that the Mexican actress is undeserving of being made a French knight, but calling her old is really stepping over the line, France. [Telegraph,Vogue UK]

Graciously Yours,

Lady Jessica, Indie of Fashion.

Whether you're the Queen of the silver screen in Hollywood or King of New York, your highness will be high in these limited edition Christian Louboutin Highness-160 patchwork pumps. On the unseen left shoe, New York City is emblazoned in whatever material Monsieur Louboutin sought fit. He made only 20 and has signed them individually.

You can't be a Queen, or at least not a proper Princess without a bit of Alexander McQueen. With a curved heel and fine leather strapping, you're out for a regal afternoon high tea.

It seems I can't turn a corner without seeing a Guiseppe Zanotti shoe I'm in love with. If I didn't believe in brand fairness, you'd see approximately 7 of the 10 of the shoes on this list by Zanotti, and I'm sure Her Highness Lady Gaga would agree, especially custom, with next season Calvin Klein.

Double Duchess colors stripe a salute to your highness. Charlotte Olympia keeps you at Greek goddess status.

Make your feet fascinate with feathers. Diego Dolcini gets you ready for a royal wedding.

The neon hue will get you high on tip top colour. (Yes it's British, your Highness.)

For the modern princess, we have a sky high heel that will get down to the knuts and bolts of it. Spikes off the top that sparkle like diamonds top off these ZiGiNY heels.

Now for the mod young Duchess, give her a mary jane with some sturdy support. Named the "Sky High Society Heel", it means you're walking in the light.

Named the Trib Too High Heel by the Yves Saint Laurent tribe, be towering in ivory, majestically.

Your royal wedding might just take place above lace Valentino. The entire world will watch and sob/cheer you on as you kiss Prince Charming, your highness.

Rudolph the Red Soled Reindeer.

Had a platform made of cork.

And if you ever spike it.

You would even fringe it suede.

All of the textured leather.

Used to laugh in python heels.

And if you make it velvet. You would even use a bow.

Then one trademark Christian thought, YSL had infringed. "Laurent, with your sole so bright, that's my red, you have no right." All of the jury listened, As Loubie shouted out, I sue! Do you? But then he lost the lawsuit. He cannot claim the red soled shoe.

Photo: Another Mag

Simons has been with Jil Sander since 2005 and his contract was recently extended for an unknown duration, meaning Dior will most likely have to buy him out of it. Should that prove easily said and done, Simons still won’t be able to produce a ready-to-wear collection by March, let alone a couture collection by January; therefore Bill Gaytten and the Dior atelier would continue to handle design duties in the mean time.

There might be an even bigger hurdle on the horizon, however, as Yves Saint Laurent reportedly has their eye on Simons as well. Stefano Pilati, if rumors are to be believed, is always on the verge of being fired and his contract expires in March. YSL hasn’t indicated whether they will extend Pilati’s deal or not, but considering that his role is a constant source of speculation, it’s hard to put much weight behind this.

Meanwhile, there’s no time frame for Simons’ appointment, and Dior — of course — has neither confirmed or denied these reports. But of all the names bandied about since John Galliano‘s dismissal earlier this year, Raf Simons is one of the strongest and most viable, don’t you think? [WWD]

Joan Juliet Buck wears a unique blend of Yves Saint Laurent men’s perfume and Gerlain Shalimar together. And she always wears her father’s old watch.

Dripping in Bulgari earrings and necklace, Leviev ring, Graff diamond on the wrist, and a Louis Vuitton leather top, there are most likely 8 guards flanking her every corner, and have been photoshopped out.

For more deets on the ladies, see the WSJ.

Photos: Models.com

Look for the official Yves Saint Laurent Opium commercial starring Emily Blunt when it premieres on December 4.

Photos: Out Magazine

Andrej Pejic

Brad Goreski

Tim Gunn

Marios Schwab and Jonathan Saunders

Nicolas Ripoll

Peter Som

Nicola Formichetti

Jack Calhoun, President of Banana Republic

Gareth Pugh

Through the concrete and brick columned hall of the CFDA Incubator, past glass doors with names like Bibhu Mohapatra, House of Waris and Prabal Gurung etched upon them, sits a room on the end that houses the studio of a French expat with a beautiful concept. Alice Ritter works seemingly solitary in a tidy, brightly lit room with a towering cubic bookshelf, a sewing machine and inspiration all around. Her style rings from the authenticity of growing up in the late 70s in France, where Yves Saint Laurent was god and high power glossies were sacred. Having studied economics, she created a fashion lab within her home with her Brooklynite husband to pursue her true art of design. Poring over books and dissecting vintage clothing lead to her creating an aesthetic that is uniquely hers. 

What are your three fashion books you recommend to an aspiring fashion designer?

Oh! This Madeleine Vionnet book I’ve had for a long time, I know it by heart.  Madeleine Vionnet is such an inspiration. It was just so modern what she did, and she invented a new way to drape fabric and to drape the woman’s body. She not as famous as Gabrielle Chanel or Christian Dior. I mean she’s famous amongst fashion people and she’s more influential for me.

This Balenciaga book is beautiful not just because I’m fascinated with Balenciaga, but the book its self is just a beautiful object, the way its printed, paper. Its really good. He was very forward thinking  He was like a sculptor almost.

Fashion Design 1850-1895 is a good one. It’s a classic. It’s a very well curated collection of clothes, and their details. It’s an endless source of inspiration. And a really good way to learn about costume and this sort of fashion.

To read the rest of the interview, click on over to LOOKBOOKS.com!

On Coco Chanel:

“No one wanted to be told by an old lady that miniskirts and jeans weren’t chic. The result was that she lost her power and in the end no one cared about what she did.”

On Yves Saint Laurent:

“He is very middle-of-the-road French-very pied-noir, very provincial.”

On Anna Wintour:

“People I’m really friendly with have faxes. Anna Wintour has one. We speak via fax.”

On Emmanuelle Alt:

“Her style is her big shoulders, long legs, tight jeans, sleeves up to the elbow, one hip out. I personally like her.”

On Carine Roitfeld:

“It would have been difficult to have an ugly daughter.”

On Andy Warhol:

“I shouldn’t say this, but physically he was quite repulsive.”

On Heidi Klum:

“I don’t know Heidi Klum. She was never known in France. Claudia Schiffer also doesn’t know who she is.”

On Kate Moss:

Kate Moss has a lot of courage in the way she throws her life away in a very dangerous way, but that makes her so touching.”

On Jessica Simpson:

“Ecch. I’m not that impressed. I’m not that interested. I’m not that impressed.”

On ex-muse Inès de la Fressange:

“I wish her all the luck in the world, just so long as I don’t have to see her anymore or hear her spoken about.”

On Carla Bruni:

“She was one of the ten supermodels… She has a great education and speaks many languages. She’s perfect for the job of first lady. I even photographed her naked… but they were elegant and she had nothing against it. She couldn’t care less. She’s very cool like that. The photo is beautiful. I can show you the nude of her. I did it for Visionaire in 1998. ”

On Kate Middleton:

“For the royals, apparently the royal blood is not in demand any longer.”

On the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen:

‘”They don’t have a strong enough image. They still have to make the movie that everybody remembers.”

On himself:

“I have no human feelings.” – Uncle Karl, will you adopt me?

On children:

“If I were interested in children, I would be a godfather.” – Well-played, sir. Well-played.

Link Love: Vogue UK / Oh No They Didn’t!  / Photo: Vogue UK

Loulou de la Falaiase was born in 1948 and rose to prominence as an editor of London’s Queen magazine in the Sixties. Her signature style got her noticed by Saint Laurent who hired her in 1972 in a rather vague capacity. de la Falaise ended up designing jewelry for the YSL house, and also had her hand in the brand’s ready-to-wear and couture lines.

“I have known Loulou since we were 20.” Diane von Furstenberg told WWD. “We had a lot of laughs together. She had a powerful spirit, an amazing chic and style. She could turn anything into something. I recall that she was staying in our house in Sardinia with Egon and I the summer Yves offered her to come and work for him. I remember that all she had with her was a tiny cardboard suitcase with a few scarves…but she would transform these scarves into beach covers, dramatic evening outfits and glorious turbans. Loulou really had the touch.”

“Loulou was poetry,” said Betty Catroux, another of Saint Laurnet’s iconic ladies. “We were the opposite. She saw everything in pink and I saw everything in black. We shared a life together with such complicity. If I could choose a dream sister, it would be Loulou.”

“She was just so unbelievably stylish. She had a way of putting together things — no matter which designer made them — that made them her own,” said Oscar de la Renta, who praised de la Falaise’s “refined eye” and always felt reassured if the late designer said “I love that.”

de la Falaise is to be buried this Thursday November 10th at Eglise Saint-Roch, 296 Rue Saint Honoré in Paris, the same place Yves Saint Laurent’s funeral was held in 2008. [WWD]

Loulou, Saint Laurent and Betty Catroux

Betty Catroux, YSL and Loulou de la Falaise

Photos: Fucking Young!

Marc Goldfinger in Illesteva Leonard

Goldfinger

Brett Reeves in Ray Ban

Brett

Julien Quevenne in Mykita

Julien

Jakob Wilhelm in Ray Ban

Jakob

Zach Vickers in Tom Ford

Zach

Brahim Lahmiri in YSL

Brahim

Luis Bataha in Ray Ban

Luis

Alexandre Cunha in Mykita

Alexandre

Mads Broberg in Illesteva Leonard

Mads

Harvey Newton in 3.1 Phillip Lim

Harvey

Link Love: Vogue.com

Photo: StyleBistro

A third generation nose, Cavallier-Belletrud has lent his award-winning nostrils to Issey Miyake‘s L’Eau d’Issey, Dior‘s Addict, Stella McCartney‘s Stella, Lancôme‘s Poeme and YSL‘s Cinema. Work on the new LV scent is slated to being in January 2012 so enjoy your rare, nearly extinct, flowers while you can. [Telegraph]

Photo: StyleBistro

“We are enormously pleased that Tiffany has weighed in,” Louboutin’s lawyer told WWD. “Tiffany has not only agreed with our arguments, but it also put forth arguments that strengthened the case and made the point that the [earlier] decision should be reversed.”

But wait, Tiffany hasn’t officially chosen a team, they just want to make sure all those color copy cats know where they stand.

“Tiffany is not taking sides in this dispute,” Tiffany’s lawyer added. “We are only trying to assure that this area of the law is not disturbed by an overbroad decision in the lower court.”

What do you think of these trademark color wars?

LINK LOVE: Vogue UK

Mark Cramer and Coy Barton; “I’m in Steve Madden, he’s in Chinese Laundry,” said Mr. Barton of their shoes.

“I wish society was more acceptable of men wearing heels,” laments Jeff Paice, one of the queens interviewed by the Times, while in a black button down, black trousers and a pair of wedged sandals. Once upon a time, however, men could wear heels without stigma.

In 18th century France, Louis XIV often wore five-inch heels depicting miniature battle scenes. The Sun King decreed that only nobility were allowed to wear heels in red — how’s that for trademark infringement Christian Louboutin — and that no one could have heels higher than his own. Diva. Then in 1791, following the French Revolution, noted lilliputian Napoleon Bonaparte banned high heels to show equality.

Louis XIV in a sensible heel

For Paice, though, the options for a pump-lovin’ man leaves much to be desired. His cohorts, Coy Barton and Mark Cramer, allegedly 24 and 25, couldn’t agree more. ”I literally look at girls and think, you have so many options. You have jumpers, you have skirts, you have dresses, you have pants, you have shorts. Boys have pants and shorts. Or suits and a shirt,” Barton says, both he and Cramer dressed similarly in grey slacks, white dress shirt and tranny heel. But Barton, in his $115 Steve Maddens and Cramer in his $170 Chinese Laundry booties, don’t consider this a form of drag.

To them and to Sean Wagner, the heels are not about creating an illusion, they’re about having fun. “As far as we’re concerned, this is just bringing a look to a club — which is what you are supposed to do,” explains a bearded and bespectacled Wagner, in an eight-inch neon green pair of lace-up ankle boots — or as he refers to them, “my usual hiking shoes.” The 6’2″ Wagner is also a fan of the height the shoes give him. “I’ve bought Louis Vuitton. I’ve bought Gucci. But a lot of designers don’t go high enough for me. I found a company in Arizona that will do 15-inch heels for $3,000.” Let’s see 6’2″ plus 15″ equals…a towering tranny inferno.

Also taking the designer high-heeled road is Gregory Alexander, whose six-inch Balenciaga wooden wedges retail for $2000. That, however, is not the only price he’s paid for his shoe fetish. Last summer, while trying to jump a fence to get into a party, Alexander broke his ankle and was in a cast for four months. ”They told me I should never wear heels again, obviously,” he recounts.

But a broken ankle never keeps a lady down and by the time the NYT caught up with him, Alexander was in his Yves Saint Laurent Imperiale platform stiletto ankle boot — these L.A. gals do love an ankle boot —  skinny black jeans, a shirt and skinny tie and, of course, a motorcycle jacket, Because you gotta keep it butch. [NYT, Random History]

“I’m in Steve Madden, he’s in Chinese Laundry,” said Mr. Barton of their shoes.

Louis XIV in a sensible heel

Lauren Hutton (Nov. 17, 1943) That signature gap has been captivating audiences for four decades. both on and off the runway. Hutton easily transitioned from model to actress with roles in American Gigolo and The Gambler, but never forgot where her roots lay. Lest we forget, our senior citizens can still turn it.

Photo: Life