A group of model BFFs all came back to New York from Brazil without the ten pounds they each gained over Christmas, but with something else instead:

Pink eye.

Girls are being triple-checked by makeup artists since eyes are the heavy focus this season, extra Q tips are getting bought in bulk, and there's major paranoia all around -

But it's Fashion Week, so what else is new?

But of course, the wall-to-wall display of male models at the party highlighted more than just the clothes.

Everyone seemed to have a favorite, from designer Michael Kors to Vogue babe Sylvana Soto-Ward.

But which team were the models playing?

We asked a former boy mannequin, who's now an agent, to dish. He counted down the line, and proclaimed twelve (out of almost forty) of the boys as "totally and definitely gay."

The only thing sadder than our disappointment in diminished crushes was this idea:

Those boys couldn't fully enjoy the luscious Rachel Bilson, as decked in a bikini and straddling GQ's latest (and excellent) cover.

Le sigh.

Now, we're even more shocked. Why? It turns out that the magazine in question is not one of the less exciting books like everyone expected - it's fashion giant ELLE.

WWD reports that Creative Director Joe Zee and Fashion News Director Anne Slowey are close to closing the deal to play the judges on the new show. The contestants will compete for a position at ELLE working under Zee.

Oh, and the working title for the soon-to-be TV addiction? Wait for it... "Fashionista".

We kid you not.

--JAZZI McGILBERT

ELLEgirl has relaunched their site as of this morning - it's peppier, pinker and generally prettier, definitely worth a few clicks throughout the day.

We especially suggest the "Pretty Girl" section if you want to learn about stuff like the history of glitter.

Or, you could be more like us, and just go straight to figuring out how "How to Date a Male Model".

In case you're not familiar with the site think of it as a good mix of the last shreds of Sassy and a cuter version of big-girl ELLE. So lovable.

Click on!

"And this being the world of Fashion Week, Ken does need labels, the crucial ones being Jil Sander, Thom Browne, Prada, Dior Homme and, most of all, that master of statusy understatement, Martin Margiela. Even Mr. Margiela’s ultradiscreet trademark, four little white pick stitches on sweaters, shirts and bags, is instantly discernible to the style cognoscenti while invisible to others, like a whistle only dogs can hear." - David Colman, on men's fashion, in the New York Times.

Got Him: At Pala, our favorite new restaurant.

Stalked Him: Because we loved the mix of patterns on his scarf and his shirt.

Shot Him: How often do you see a boy whose jeans actually fit?!

He Says: "I feel like I wear the same thing every day."

We Say: That's okay; so does Karl.

PS: Sarah's parents got her that scarf in South America. It's sort of The Muppets Do Couture, huh?

But we also know that for a lot of other people, Fashion Week is about one thing in particular: Pictures.

You see it at shows/parties all the time - people posing awkwardly, trying to catch photographers' attention in the hopes of ending up on Style.com. Some people even make a career out of it (you know who you are).

So we had a little chat with Scott Gries, veteran photographer for Getty Images, on how to maximize your chances of ending up on WireImage (because we all know that once you're on that site, there's really no going back.)

Just in case our readers are planning on hitting up some events dressed to the nines with a friend meant to act as a "publicist". Or, you know, if you're "just wondering"...

WHICH posh, pregnant editor is selling off all her designer swag on eBay? And it's good stuff...

Now it seems Lindsay's fleeing, too: After several well-documented nights in Manhattan, the 21-year-old is flying back to Los Angeles for three days, but don't worry, she'll be back:

Lindsay touches back down in the Empire State on Sunday, just in time for Halston's show on Monday, February 4th. Since she needs to get on Harvey's good side, and since her stylist Rachel Zoe is involved in the project, we bet she'll make a big appearance (though quite possibly, Gwyneth will upstage her).

The Preppy Handbook is relaunching this Spring, and for a little bit of buzz, they've got a Fashion Week event going on:

Next Wednesday at Caravan in Soho, a mash of designers are weaving together to celebrate popped collars, dry martinis, and ribbon belts.

The group includes Fred Perry and Lorick, the line on Gossip Girl that's supposed to be from Blair Waldorf's mom, Eleanor.

The Gossip Girl cast is supposed to show up for the occasion, and so is our favorite Fashionista contributor, Josh Madden - he's helping to style the presentation!

Who? Matt Irwin, of Dazed and Confused fame.

What? An exhibition featuring his fashion photography for the mag

Where? Print Space Gallery, 74 Kingsland Rd (London), nearest tube Old St.

When? Private viewing on February 11th at 7:30, then open to the public until February 26

Why? Pictures of Agyness, Alice Dellal, kids in crazy costumes...

"Nina made a face when I asked about Victorya's show," says the spy, referring to Ms. Hong's presentation at the Altman Building during Fashion Week, "But gushed about Alexandra. She said one of her friends had worn a dress by Alexandra at a wedding she went to recently and it was really gorgeous. She said she's really excited to go check out her stuff."

We're still not convinced, but it's nice that Alexandra will have a famous face in the audience, which might help attract even more hype to the former reality star.

Meanwhile, the race is on to pick the winner of Project Runway 4: Christian, Jillian, or the-one-who-must-not-be-named?

This season, it's just the opposite:

With a writer's strike canceling red carpets, a ton of celebrity brands launching, a partly-spoiled Project Runway finale, and a Gucci party calling all their advertising talent (and anyone who wants a shot at their future campaigns), the B-listers who usually get their photos taken nonstop (cough, Mariska Hargitay, cough) may have competition from actual famous people.

Here's who we've seen in town so far... keep a lookout:

Ashley Olsen
Blake Lively
Brooke Shields
Chloe Sevigny
Drew Barrymore
Evan Rachel Wood
Gwyneth
Karen O
Kirsten Dunst
Lucy Liu
Marilyn Manson
Mary Kate Olsen
Milla Jovovich
Natasha Bedingfield
Peaches Geldof
Posh
Rihanna
Sean Combs
Sienna Miller
SJP

Not expected:
Ellen Page
Gwen Stefani (LAMB will have press previews in NY without her)

Happy hunting. xo.

Luella Bartley

Miu Miu

Prada

Also, apparently the Dutch model really can speed skate, which just seems absurd but also strangely sensible:

Actually, if you told us Doutzen held a degree in nuclear physics, we'd probably be like, "Oh yeah..."

On another skating note: Last night, Richie Rich told us, "Don't be sad Heatherette's not having a fashion show. I'm not. Skating is way more fun."

The deal:

1. Maintain Ellegirl's MySpace page

2. Fax stuff, file stuff, research stuff, don't mess up stuff

3. Do the fashion closet limbo

4. Work a minimum of three days a week - hopefully Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays

Email jking@hfmus.com with your resume.

Good Luck!

Fafarazzi, whose Project Runway game we're a little obsessed with, is giving away another one of the signed, talking bobbleheads to whomever has the winning team for next week's new episode.

So if your team is in 5,498th place, or if you never made a team in the first place, it doesn't matter at all. Points are based only on that next Wednesday's episode.

We highly suggest going for this if you're a design student - we know we'd feel so official if Tim bobbled "Make it work!" to us late in the night.

Check him out here...

It's the perfect match for the high waisted jeans/skirts/shorts we're waiting to bust out again come spring. Can you tell we're obsessed?

The top part is just loose enough; it's feminine without being frilly, and modern enough to balance out the retro-ness of a high waisted bottom.

The best part is that we can get the tucked-in look without our shirt coming un-tucked every time we move - stuffing a shirttail into the back of fitted jeans is not exactly pretty.

On the other hand, we will have to worry about someone realizing that we're basically wearing a body suit.

Oh, and the fact that consuming liquid is pretty much not an option while wearing said body suit.

No matter, though - fun over function is our fashion motto.

"I'm still looking for the perfect jeans - I've been searching since ninth grade." - Chloe Sevigny, in her role as Style Advisor on ElleUK.

Separate sources gush that Agyness Deyn, 24, and Suvi Koponen, 19, are getting to open some of the shows that start next week.

But which ones?

You silly girls... we totally can't tell you that.

Yet.

Wink.

(Guesses, anyone?)

Got Her: Right outside our door, on Mott Street near Prince, getting out of a car.

Stalked Her: Because her red coat was billowing behind her, and we had to see the rest.

Shot Her: Because her mix of five colors actually looks cool rather than crazy.

She Says: "The shoes are Pierre Hardy, the jacket is Gryphon, the bag is YSL, the scarf is Wolford, the dress - I don't remember, the necklace is from Curve, and, oh, the coat, the coat is Matthew Williamson."

We Say: Hand over that coat! You'll still look good without it...

The fashion industry's newer models need mentors to help look after them.

Tillman's first suggestion? Naomi Campbell, explaining that the 90's supermodels (like Cindy Crawford), are the kind of models that the younger girls idolize.

We're not sure what kind of advice Naomi could give to a 15-year old girl.

Lessons in aim? How to look cute during community service?

WHICH designer's clothes got laughed at two nights ago, when they were presented as part of a pre-show to VIP fashion editors? Wonder if the label will try to re-tailor their skinny pieces before the big show...

Reuters reports that the TV-loving once-model has struck a deal with the CW (the same geniuses that brought us Gossip Girl) to host a reality show about breaking into the fashion magazine world.

Each episode will center around weekly challenges, much like Tyra's ANTM, and each challenge win will be recorded in The Book, a mock up of a fake mag that shows Tyra really took The Devil Wears Prada to heart for this.

The grand prize after the entire contest is over and all (some?) of America has watched the contestants practice timed runs to Starbucks and marathon fashion shoots? An Assistant Editor position at an unnamed fashion mag.

We know some poor, clueless kids will line up to be in this show (and yes, we're planning on watching). The more pressing question? Which fashion book will team up with Tyra? Keep in mind that its editors will be the judges, which pretty much vetoes Vogue, Elle and any other magazine that's doing well...

Stay tuned...

The strategy: Dip-dye

What you’ll need: A box of navy blue powder dye - try the sewing kits/cleaning supplies section at Duane Reade; a pair of opaque, white tights (American Apparel); A wastebasket; Large wooden spoon.

Step One: Fill the wastebasket with the hottest water possible. (You might want to line the wastebasket to make clean up easier). Add in the powdered dye and stir a little. Let the dye steep until its good and blue, about five minutes.

Step Two: Get your tights really wet so they can absorb the dye. Then, holding from the top, dip the feet into the blue solution until they're covered up to the knee. Immediately start to pull them out so this section remains the palest blue.

Step Three: Slowly continue to pull the tights out of the solution. This process is designed so the bottoms of the tights are the darkest navy and the tops are white, so hold the knee part in the dye for only a few seconds per dip. Continue dipping tights into the solution until the bottom is a shade darker than you want - this took us about 3 or 4 dips, over 15 minutes.

Step Four: Rinse the tights in the sink with cold water, but only from the top. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. Do not ring the tights out - you’ll get splotches that look more tie-dye than dégradé.

Step Five: Hang tights to dry overnight. We suggest a manicure during this time off since your hands will now resemble a Smurf's.

Step Six: When absolutely bone dry, slip on your new tights and prepare to be inundated with compliments.

Voilà

--BRETT KANE

What's more surprising (or maybe not) are its origins:

Paris' dainty little sandal is a pretty exact copy of the Christian Louboutin sandal more commonly called the "Tibouron 70."

We don't know why it got that name, but we do know this:

Paris has way cuter shoes in her closet to rip off!

Seriously.

Apparently, rumors started that the fashion glossy was folding, but actually, Editor Charlotte Scott and Creative Director Trevor Stones have resigned - but Russh isn't going anywhere.

Instead, it's launching a new issue on February 27th.

Whether it can live up to past issue favorites - like their Julia Restoin Roitfeld interview, their Agyness Deyn cover, or the Abbey Lee editorial that lead to her Testino-shot D&G campaign - isn't something we know... yet...

--JAZZI McGILBERT

The annual event features very famous ladies in blood red gowns by very famous designers. Expect lots of Coca-Cola ads and models sipping Diet Coke instead of the usual tap water.

We're getting sponsored by Coke too - well sort of. Aside from the multiple cans we'll be drinking to buzz through the week, we'll also be wearing this Diet Coke charm bracelet from designer madefromtheheart.

The heart charms are cut from recycled cans (bonus green points!), with foam backing so you don't cut yourself.

It'll match our Lady Grey bone bangles and make a little sound every time we wave our hand - the real reason we stack bracelets anyway.

Unlike the theatrical clips we've seen from Prada, Chanel and Gucci, Louis Vuitton will launch a string of full blown commercials airing on TV and as movie previews "to reinforce their travel heritage" starting mid-February.

We can already picture it: David Lynch-directed models prancing on screen in the latest LV runway creations in place of "Head on, Apply directly to the forehead." Definitely a more welcome sight in between Gossip Girl reruns.

But we know the real picture will probably be far from high fashion as to blend in with Honda commercials. Antoine Arnault, the brand's head of communications, said they, "don't only want to reach people in the fashion world" and that they're trying to balance between "fashion and corporate values" which we'll agree is probably the best way to make a profit.

Unfortunately, corporate values and fashion aesthetics couldn't be more different. Focusing on the corporate world for greater profit will surely alienate those who spend their money on the most fashionable must-haves.

Or perhaps it already has.

Yes, we really do mean the brand whose swooshy, zippered jackets monopolized outerwear in the 80's and now reside in fraternity house costume closets.

Apparently, they're making a high fashion comeback, starting at Bendel's but soon to be available at boutiques like Fred Segal and Scoop across the country.

Or, if more convenient, at your local Forever 21.

It usually takes the chain at least a month to hang designer rip-offs from their racks, but their imitation Members Only jacket was available at least a week before the real ones hit shelves.

Or maybe we should say twenty-five years after?

Take a shot - which above is the original?

"We at Vogue don't throw ourselves under subway trains, my dear. If we must, we take sleeping pills. -- Edna Woolman Chase, the first editor of Vogue, to one of her assistants, after a failed suicide attempt.

Fashionista.com, December 20th, 2007:

"Red Carpets Replaced by Fashion Week?"

Women's Wear Daily, Today:

"Writer's Strike May Up Fashion Week's Celeb Quotient."

Fun.

-- Why she changed her middle name from "Morgan" to "Dee"

--What exactly happens in luxury rehab

--When she went from being an extraordinarily good actress to an extraordinarily bad tabloid fixture

--Where she'll be during Fashion Week.

That last question will soon be answered, though, as we hear that Ms. Lohan will indeed lend her otherworldly presence to the Tents this season. Among the shows you should scope: Marc Jacobs, Charlotte Ronson, and Jill Stuart - after all, the girl did star in their most recent ad campaign.

But will she be disappointed if the photogs go for Kirsten instead?

The film is a biting parody on New York socialites that sounds a little like Election with logos, and stars Ms. Hearst herself as the meanest girl in the Rose Bar.

Lily plays (what else) a model who parties at various must-be-at events, sort of like how she had her birthday party at the Gramercy this weekend (22!) - and really, who else gets away with having their birthday at the Gramercy?

The movie premiered at Sundance. It doesn't have a buyer yet, but who knows - maybe the people who produced Seamless can scoop it up...

She's been shooting at an ice rink with speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno and Annie Leibowitz - apparently, they've even made the Dutch model her own pair of speed skates!

No word on what else the Victoria's Secret face will be wearing, though Nike and Adidas are big advertisers in the magazine, so of course those are possibilities.

Then again, Vera Wang is both a former figure skater and a former Vogue editor, and often made ice costumes for Olympic champion Michelle Kwan...

And if they really want to surprise everyone, Richie Rich was also once a professional Ice Capader, and sometimes creates his own spandex creations for skating exhibitions.

We're not betting on that last possibility, but whatever - a little glitter never killed anyone.

We love Kate Moss, Agyness Deyn, Gemma Ward, Johnny Depp, Sofia Coppola, Luella Bartley, Phoebe Philo, Irina, you, Henry Holland, The Rolling Stones, and the fashion photographer Nick Knight, whose clients include Burberry, McQueen, and most of British Vogue.

So of course, we're a little excited, because although we've met almost everyone on that above list (still waiting on Phoebe, Johnny, and 1 of the Stones...) we've never even seen Nick Knight in person... until now.

The ShowStudio founder comes to town on Friday, February 1 to debut a film with the menswear designer Bernard Wilhelm. The project presents Wilhelm's Fall '08 collection, and premiers at the Tribeca Grand Hotel.

Its theme, according to Knight, is Men In Tights, which goes anywhere from Robin Hood to Centerstage or Miuccia Prada's recent runway outing of guys in skirts.

Who's psyched?

If that's true, it means Prince performing at Matthew Williamson and Nicole Kidman starring in an Antony & Alison movie - both stunts from last season - will be pelted to the dust, because really, when was the last time you saw Kate Moss on a runway?

Our only wonder is if it violates her TopShop contract to appear publicly on behalf of another brand, though since Ms. Moss is the face of YSL, Cavalli, and a million other things, we guess it's not a concern.

Kate's not slated to be in New York for our Fashion Week, but that doesn't mean the British models have abandoned us:

Lily Donaldson, Daisy Lowe, Jacquetta Wheeler, and Agyness their Queen are all confirmed for several shows (already!), and if that's not enough, take heart:

We saw Sienna Miller on the street today; we bet she'll be at Rag + Bone.

WWD reports that two items - a shirtdress for day ($1,495) and a silk evening gown ($1,795) - will be available on shoppers' addiction Net-a-Porter within 24 hours after the clothes debut on the runway this coming Monday.

Net-a-Porter is promising same-day delivery if you live in New York or London - everybody else only has to wait one extra day after ordering.

Immediate thoughts:

-Will any front row regulars wear Halston next Friday?

-Will Forever 21 pay their designers heavy overtime?

-If the clothes are supposed to be ready for fast distribution next Wednesday, there has to be a bunch of brand new Halston dresses just sitting around in distribution centers in and around Manhattan, right now.

Anyone have the number of the London Fashion Looters?

Three AsFour is doing a new line for Gap!

The design collective follows in the footsteps of Rodarte, Thakoon, Doo.Ri, and Roland Mouret, all of whom created past collaborations with the retail brand - including a line of crisp white shirts that landed smack on the cover of Vogue, directly after Gap made a million-dollar donation to the CFDA / Vogue Fashion Fund.

You should be able to get the clothes starting this Spring, and they're not the only Gap arrival we're anticipating:

That GapBody collaboration with Marie-Amelie Sauve, of Balenciaga fame, should also be just around the corner...

Yipee!

1. Over 18 years old

2. U.S. based

3. Can design a great dress

4. Want to win an apprenticeship with Adam Lippes

Then get yourself over to Glam so you can enter your sketch as part of their Be Discovered contest.

But you only have until next week - so lock the door, bust out your pencils, and have one of your friends come in periodically to say things like, "Hmmm. Be careful not to alienate the judges - Make it work!"

"Once upon a time, women got married and cut their hair and wore shirtdresses, or donned suits with skirts to the knee to show they were Serious, and stopped revealing lots of skin. Once upon a time, children wore smocked dresses and knee-socks and stripy polka-dot playsuits. Now playsuits are a trend of the season – see Stella McCartney, Donna Karan, Mulberry, even the extremely sophisticated Bottega Veneta – and I am considering wearing a pair of Kurt Geiger’s men’s wear-inspired over-the-knee-socks to a cocktail fundraiser I’m attending in Paris. And believe me, I’m not one of those funky-type grown-ups. Meanwhile, this month’s American Vogue features Kate Hudson and her four-year-old son in matching black-and-white plaid outfits." - Vanessa Friedman, on the closing of the generational gap in terms of fashion, in the Financial Times.

Their tailored white tuxedo vest, with ivory trim and a halter neck, was a painfully tempting purchase.

The salesperson pointed out that it's the one Kate Bosworth wears in this month's Vogue - then he claimed it looks better without a shirt underneath.

"It's so hot!" he squealed.

We sent a skinny friend into the dressing room even though we were sure it'd look awful, but he was right, it actually looked kind of "hot."

Kate Hudson might be the only one who can pull off the look with ripped low-rise jeans, and even she's a stretch. But maybe it could work with something high waisted, or looser fitting?

There's a part of us that knows this look really depends on the girl rocking it, and that at the end of the day, there's something, well, cheap about it. But then again, we tend to always associate traditionally "hot" with cheap anyway.

Would you wear just a vest on top? Or is this trend pushing sexy menswear too far?

Kelvin Tam, the Sydney-based designer behind the brand, just met with some very important stores in New York this past week, and the line should debut on American shelves soon.

Tam, who was until recently an architect, has paired structured proportions with feminine fabrics for his Fall '08 collection, mostly in black an