Lynn, no! …And who will Mickey whisper and giggle with in February?

ps. We don’t feel as bad for Lynn as we do for the Village Voice - someone amazing will scoop her up in under a week (Katie, are you listening?!) As for the Voice, well…

In our second installment of year-end thinking, we ask you, which models do you think will be famous in 2009?

Britt’s picks:

Lara Stone: So maybe she’s been around for a bit, but she’s just now sort of everywhere. Is it weird that I hope Carine’s Loving-Lara issue puts her on Hollywood’s radar?

Gemma Ward: You probably think she’s famous already, but one more movie role and even my mom can add her to the list of current girls she knows - currently composed of just Stam and Agyness.

Natalie’s:

Arlenis: For the obvious reason of her becoming one of the new faces for Lancome and one of the VS girls, which means you won’t be able to click or turn a page without seeing her face very soon.

Lily Cole: Again, you might think she’s famous, but I think even my non-fashion friends will know Lily’s face once The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and Phantasmagoria hit the big screen in the next year.

So, who’d we miss?

Fact: We love Net-a-Porter.

Fact: Even more, we love a good sale.

Fact: Net-a-Porter consistently comes up with great ideas for their beloved shoppers, and here’s another one:

This February, Natalie Massenet, the site’s founder, will introduce everyone to TheOutNet.com, which will exist as an outlet for Net-a-Porter.

Translation? All those old items you see on Net-a-Porter every week that still, for whatever reason, never go below 30% off, will be moved to TheOutNet for a less public price slashing. So basically, it’ll be like the Barneys warehouse sale, except everyday, and probably a lot better.

But Miss Massenet, could we please get this site before Fashion Week?

To: tips@fashionista.com

From: curly@q.com

Hi Fashionista,

I posted this as a comment, but perhaps you can make it a post on the site?

I’m not sure if you’ve covered this before, but I was wondering if you have any recommendations for a good eyelash curler? I desperately need a new one. I’ve used Sheseido and Shu Uemura in the past, but are there superior brands I’m overlooking?

Your help is appreciated.

Thanks!

Well, we haven’t used a curler that wasn’t Shu in many years, so honestly, we don’t know, but we’re guessing our readers do! So act merry, and go to it - please.

You may already know that two of the most anticipated ads for Spring 09 have finally been revealed - Chanel’s, with mystery girl Heidi Mount posing in Karl’s Vermont home, and Daisy Lowe on a white bed for Marc by Marc.

And what do these two things have in common?

A certain austerity we think we might start seeing in other campaigns, too…

(Slideshow after the jump!)

Fact: Fashionista hearts Cintia Dicker, the gorgeous flame-haired model at left.

Fact: So does Glamour, who’s given Cintia her own shoot in their February “Man Issue,” just a few months after her own spread in their October.

We have no idea why she’s such a good fit for an issue on men, but it hits newsstands January 6th, so we’ll all figure it out together on Tuesday.

Model resolution, 2009: More Cintia in more magazines - please!

Full spread, after the jump!

In a recent interview with Thakoon Panichgul on Style.com, we learn a few things:

1. He really wants to dress Christy Turlington

2. His line for Target is supposed to be like “Resort”

3. And most importantly: The Thakoon Addition line, which should launch before the summer, is not a diffusion line, but more of a place for Thakoon to “store ideas”.

Translation: It’s the just-as-good stuff he thinks up while designing his runway narrative, and so it’ll cost just as much as his regular line, and will be sold only where Thakoon is already sold.

So those of us still looking for a $200 Thakoon dress will have to wait for the T by Thakoon line, should it ever happen.

If you got the expected $50 gift card to Sephora from your brother this holiday season, may be make a makeup suggestion?

Too Faced just launched their newest line, the Smurfette Collection, which we know is all we need to say to convince you.

The collection includes a mood-activated lip gloss (goes from Smurfy blue to pink, if you’re up to it), face powder, eye shadow palettes, and liquid liner.

So far, it’s only available online, which we think fits in quite nicely with post-holiday grazing anyway.

Well, at least the New York Public Library thinks you are.

Starting on the 1st of January, there’ll be an online auction (through the 31st) to benefit the 87 branches of the NYPL and their teen programs. And what will everyone bid on? Tiaras designed by the likes of Vera Wang, Tommy Hilfiger, Nicole Miller, Bobbi Brown, Lauren Conrad, and Austin Scarlett from Project Runway (among others), in honor of the Princess Diaries.

If you believe none of this, please visit the official site.

LC’s, which we knew we had to pull from the gallery for you, is at left.

Happy clicking.

We somehow missed this yesterday, so we’re assuming you did, too:

Is Christina Aguilera designing a line for Topshop?

This is the rumor coming from the Daily Mirror, so take as much salt as needed with this one.

Though we have to say, it would at least be fun to watch unfold: Xtina ripped jeans, ala Margiela? Or old-timey halter dresses to wear to the Etta James/Beyonce movie?

It’s sad that for the sake of non-recession fodder, we kind of hope this one’s true…

For a Christmas gift, Britt gave me one of the PostSecret books, the print version of the secrets-only site we’ve mentioned a couple times.

So while sitting on a Key West porch this morning, I reached the end of the book, near which was the following secret:

“I wrote my will today,

Not because it was the sensible thing to do -

But because I am worried about what would happen to my purse collection.”

[Sorry - I don’t bring my scanner along on vacation, but if you’re curious about the picture, it’s of a woman holding a black purse.]

And so this got me wondering - do you have any fashion-related secrets? If so, please share in the comments section so I (and others) can get my fill since the book is done and I still want to know more about everybody.

And if they’re extra good, I’ll even leave mine in there anonymously, too. Brownie points if you can pick it out!

Pop quiz:

If you’ve been to a Target since yesterday, did you see any of the Hayden-Harnett bags?

Because some people are reporting the bags aren’t out in Target stores yet, which is especially weird since it’s now the 29th, and the bags should have been out for grabbing starting yesterday.

So if you have any idea as to what’s going on, you know what to do.

In the meantime, the whole line’s on Target.com.

In need of model news?

Check out this interview with Ali Michael and Karlie Kloss, so you too can know that Karlie loves her “gram’s ginger snaps”, and that Ali can’t get anyone in her family to try her “vegan treats”.

Happy holiday weekend!

On sale… NOW!

xoxo

“What happened to protecting the brand with no sales?” - Brett, while browsing the men’s clearance section on Abercrombie (via e-mail).

To: Tips@ Fashionista .com

From: Jordan @Catalano .com

Heads up.

I figure you’ve probably already seen it, but Beyonce’s new video “Diva” is basically a recreation of Gareth Pugh’s SS09 show. It’s also SAWEEEEET.

I don’t care how impractical they are, how bad do you want those metal fringe sunglasses?

J

In addition to their ongoing Fall sales, all Spring 09 clothes on Yoox.com are an extra 25% off with the code “YOOXMAS” - until midnight tonight, my sugar plums.

Fact: More and more people are shopping online.

Fact: Yet, plenty of people don’t shop online, because they really want to try everything on before giving up their Amex.

Solution: Norma Kamali’s site has just introduced perhaps the most brilliant addition to the online shopping experience since Net-a-Porter finally gave a wink and nod to shame shopping - the Try Before You Buy option.

Basically, instead of paying upfront for your online shopping gambles, you click for the Try option, get your clothes at home, then you have 48 hours to decide what you want to keep and what you want to give back. Shipping is taken care of for you (perhaps the biggest perk), and you only pay for what you keep.

Technically, this is better than shopping at an actual store - in addition to trying the clothes on your body, you also get to try it with everything in your wardrobe and in front of a mirror you actually trust, which is probably the best way to decide whether to charge the $4000 gown at left.

Can you tell we’re gushing?

According to WWD, the Ugg boot may be saving the holidays.

Apparently, “everybody” is still looking for them, and some stores are even reporting higher sales of the shoe marshmallow as compared to this time last year.

But my first thought was, “Really? Because I never see them.” Actually, that’s not true. I saw a pair yesterday, ending an outfit which consisted of a ripped denim miniskirt and layered tanks from Abercrombie, at the Key West airport.

So my question: Is this a regional thing? Because even though I still see Uggs in the city sometimes, they’re usually beat-up, stained, and relegated to Whole Foods shopping in the snow.

So please, if you’ve purchased a new pair of Uggs this year, tell us about it. Because we’re doing a highly scientific study here, in which we try to figure out where these purchases are coming from.

Answers in the comments section, if you’re curious, too.

We all already know that Alexander McQueen’s range for Target (this Spring!) was inspired by Leila Moss, lead singer of the Duke Spirit, who served as muse.

But now I can reveal through a backstage conversation that Leila has again been named a muse - this time for Sienna and Savannah Miller’s Twenty8Twelve Fall collection, which of course debuts at London Fashion Week this February.

With her amazing band and voice, we wonder: Is this the beginning of a new superstar fashion icon that’s defying an era?

I personally think she can do no wrong. Kate who?

—BR(IT) BOY

Remember that unauthorized Anna Wintour biography that everybody read but never talked about aloud?

Well, its author, Jerry Oppenheimer, is at it again. This time’s victim? Barbie.

To coincide with the doll’s 50th anniversary, and subsequent takeover of fashion, Oppenheimer’s taken Barbie to task, revealing that a “‘70s swinger and wife swapper with all kinds of addictions” brought the iconic doll into the world.

The book is called Toy Monster, and it hits shelves this February, just in time for Fashion Week.

We suggest holding it in front of you to ward off Barbie promotion people at the tent entrance.

***And this concludes both our 12 Days of Fashion Holiday, and our regular publishing schedule for 2008. Everything will be back to normal starting Monday, January 5th, but check in during the extra-long break - we’ll be publishing randomly almost every day.

Happy Holidays!

xoxo Fashionista

To: Tips@Fashionista.com

From: Nice@Bedhead.com

Hello Fashionista,

I’ve always gotten compliments about how even after a long night of partying, my hair always looks amazing the morning after. So, I wanted to pass along a tip of mine for the holiday season! Especially if you curl/wave your hair for a night out, before you go to bed, spray a texturizing hairspray (or any ultra hold hairspray) all over your head to the point where you think you have sprayed too much. (I use Pantene Pro V Ultimate Texture Hairspray, cheap, tried and true.) The next morning, your curls will still be in place and you will be left with a very natural and sexy bed head. Revive your hair by recurling a few key pieces and you’ll be ready to go! This really comes in handy when you have to work or go to class the next morning…

Hope you can pass this on! This is my saving grace during the heavy hangover holiday season!

Besos!

V

In keeping with sacred internet tradition, we give you the first of Fashionista’s end-of-year lists: Who Should Have Judged Project Runway?

Britt:

1. Isaac Mizrahi: Because, duh.

2. Behati Prinsloo: Because having a model challenge would be genius and Behati’s witty, smart, young and if they need a more commercial angle, she’s the face of Pink. Actually, they should have Behati and Coco do it together. I hardly watch the show anymore, but I’d find a TV for them.

3. Chris Benz: Because he might be the closest thing our generation has to Isaac Mizrahi (I know, but Zac guest judged during Season 4).

Natalie:

1. Isaac Mizrahi: Because this man should have a camera and a stenographer following him at all times.

2. Madonna: Because no one could tear young hopefuls down as thoroughly as Madge, and isn’t that what reality fashion television is all about?

3. Meredith Melling-Burke: Because as arguably one of the most powerful market editors on the planet, she could actually give the contestants useful criticism/information. And she’s really pretty, too (good TV).

And yours?

Yeah yeah, I know I’m not supposed to judge politicians based on beauty. But bear with me for a moment while I judge one by her beauty choices.

Here in New York, we’re being bombarded with pretty pictures of Caroline Kennedy, who’s trying to convince Governor David Paterson to appoint her to Hillary Clinton’s old Senate seat. Up until this year, JFK’s daughter dodged the limelight, and she’s still frustrating reporters who want to ask her tough questions face to face. But while she may look and act the part lately, I’m not writing Ms. Kennedy off as an aloof princess just yet.

Turns out, according to a biography by Christopher Andersen, teenaged Caroline put up with constant nastiness from her mother. “You’re not having dessert,” Jackie O said at the Ritz in Manhattan once, loud enough for eavesdroppers to hear. “You’ll be so fat nobody will marry you.” Caroline negotiated her way to some cherry Jell-o, though without the whipped cream. At another point her mother was overheard “‘screaming’ at her daughter for not taking the matter [of weight loss] more seriously.” Then Jackie wrangled four months of diet pills out of a doctor for Caroline - who was still in high school. So how did Caroline react to her mother’s fat-mongering? She shaved off an eyebrow.

I wish Ms. Kennedy would give us more to go on in judging her readiness to be senator (not that we matter; the governor is the only person with a vote for now). But in the meantime, I’ll posit that she’s more than just some woman with “views similar to those of other New York Democrats.” She’s also someone who survived - as a teenager - not just a mother’s obsession with her weight (a lot of women have pulled that off) but a press corps’. And in lean economic times, she might be someone who can negotiate cherry Jell-o for New York.

—GLENNA GOLDIS

“Sales associates are peppering shoppers with questions about their holiday plans, taking their pictures, walking step-for-step with them through a store and, on a recent afternoon in Juicy Couture’s store in the West Village, even getting down on hands and knees to embrace a customer’s chihuahua.” - On the new in-store treatment, from WWD.

This might be the first interesting thing we’ve read about the recession since it started to take over the country’s news flow:

Some design companies, like Lutz & Patmos, have started hiring factors - people who assess boutiques’ credit worthiness so that designers can decide whether they’re willing to accept an order from a particular vendor in order to avoid last-minute order cancellations, a rising problem in the current economic state. These factors will also act as sort of collections agencies, to make sure that retail buyers pay their bills to designers on time.

So, good news: Higher job demand for people who want to be factors, and better order security for designers.

Bad news: It sounds like it’s going to be tough to get cool, smaller designers into your boutique - especially if you’re a cool, small boutique.

Eight months ago, when Lanvin and Acne Denim announced a collaboration based entirely around denim, we thought, “Huh?” But then we remembered that those bright poufs Alber designed for Spring 08 were made of polyester, and decided to file the collaboration under “Maybe” in our heads.

As of now, the results are in on Acne’s site (look by look slideshow after the jump), and we’re kind of half-pleased, half-disappointed.

An example: Though we could see the dress at left on someone like Charlotte York (yes, we went there), the girl would also have to have the bank account to match. The dress is $810, putting it in the middle of the range’s price spectrum. And it’s made of denim.

Is it just us, or does that seem like too much money for a dress that might only live up to its wonder if you get to walk around saying, “Yes, it’s Lanvin”? Because it’s not like it has the same show-stopping quality as those polyester clouds so synonymous with Alber.

Or maybe, we’re being cheap?

If this morning’s story on Mischa Barton’s new headband range for Stacey Lapidus ranked exceptionally low on your radar, here’s one that might round up your fashion diet a little better:

Andrea Lieberman, the stylist celebrities like Gwen Stefani and Gwyneth Paltrow can thank for their fashion cred, is set to design her own first line, A.L.C.

No word on exactly when the line hits stores, but Andrea says you can expect a line full of a “girl’s favorite things”, and that she considers the $500 mark “investment” territory, unlike just about every other high-end designer of today.

So hooray for an actual fashion person announcing a new line, and for understanding the economy, too.

I just returned from a ten-day trip in Egypt, before which I peppered Britt with questions about jewelry, scarves and how to get a seller at the Khan down to 20% off whatever price he initially quoted me. Because she has to, she told me everything she knows, but here’s something she forgot to mention: The Galabeyah.

Essentially an Egyptian version of the caftan, you see them everywhere in downtown Cairo, and especially once you start heading south on the Nile. At first, I thought to myself, “Hm, ok.” But by day five, I desperately needed to do my laundry, and so I thought it would make for some interesting pictures if I paired one with my bright red Chucks while my jeans tumbled in the wash.

So I bargained for an indigo-colored one with just a bit of light blue embroidery at the neck, and wore it around for an entire day. The effect, I promise you, was transformative.

Not only was I hassled much less while walking market streets, but the heat didn’t bother me, I felt like I could eat anything I wanted, and I even considered just sleeping in it and waking to another day without changing my clothes (at my travel companion’s behest, I reconsidered).

But here’s something I didn’t see coming: I brought it home. And not only that, I fully intend on wearing it in New York come July. I know what you’re thinking - they’re shapeless, they do nothing for you, if you’re not model-tall you’ll look like you’re just wandering the streets in your childhood nightgown (in fact, you might look like that anyway).

But I say: Add some lapis and silver jewelry, a voluminous braid, bright sandals and sunglasses, and you’ve got a look that (I think) would make an Olsen go “Hmm”.

You say: ?

Details of that post-Fashion Week collaboration between Barbie and Jeremy Scott are finally out via NYLON, in case you forgot that Barbie’s getting her own show this coming Fashion Week (which is being heavily sponsored by Mattel), in celebration of the doll’s 50th birthday.

Jeremy’s portion of the Barbie runway show (which will also include doll-inspired designs by Alexander Wang, Vera Wang, and more) will be available for purchase at Colette starting March 12th.

So if you’ve always dreamed of Barbie’s clothes being big enough for you to fit into, you’re weirdly in luck.

Relatedly, will it be awkward for the CFDA to set up their health booth amidst the Barbie sponsorship orgy?

We hope you weren’t planning on cracking open your January Vogue until your holiday plane ride, because we really want to talk about it.

If you’ve already flipped through the issue, then you’ve probably studied their The 10 Best Dressed 2008 list, and had the same huh’s, um’s, and what’s as us.

So let’s go in order:

1. Blake Lively: We get that she’s next month’s cover girl and the bodacious blonde of this generation’s 90210, but when we think of her clothes, we generally think… actually, we don’t.

2. Anne Hathaway: The January cover girl, so, enough said.

3. Laura Jarrett: Who?

4. M.I.A.: Ok, this one’s a go, especially since she claims that leggings are her “staple” in the text box, and that didn’t make us roll our eyes.

5. Elettra Wiedemann: Agreed. We’ve seen this girl in liquid gold pants with no makeup before, and we don’t mean that negatively.

6. Alexa Chung: Perhaps, but we wonder if she would be on this list if she wasn’t British.

7. Bianca Brandolini: Fine. On a side note, what was the minimum dollars needed in your bank account for this list?

8. Sonja van Bebber: See #7.

9. Dasha Zhukova: Can’t say we really think about Dasha at all, but the text and pictures were certainly convincing, so ok.

10. Raquel Zimmermann: Agreed, Raquel always looks amazing, but might this have to do more with the body rather than the clothes?

Curiously missing: Marion Cotillard (anyone who can make couture look like she picked it up off the floor a minute before leaving deserves a mention), Cate Blanchett (she can do no wrong), Ashley Olsen (yes, we said it), Bonnie Morrison (just check out her Sartorialist flip book if you need further convincing), along with so many others.

Thoughts?

To: Tips@Fashionista.com

From: Grass@Shopper.com

Hey F,

The Macy’s in Herald Square is open 24 hours from now until Wednesday at 6 pm.

I went last night and the store was EMPTY.

Great way to finish Christmas shopping.

xo,
A

Recent fashion news has often gone like this: Doom, gloom, a little more doom, some gloom deep-fried in doomsday, with a hologram of a Louboutin on top.

So we were a little surprised when we came across the Preen page on Net-a-Porter (ok, it’s in our Favorites) to see that the Power Dress now comes in two more versions - red, undoubtedly the Christmas / New Year’s / Valentine’s Day dress of choice for those with year-end bonuses of $1300 on hand, and a completely symmetrical version of the basic black.

The newest stock tally: Red is already sold out in large, and the original black is currently unavailable in x-small, medium and large.

Which begs the question, who’s buying this dress? You? Because with this fashion phenom clearly not going on sale anytime this year (or ever, which is our bet), it’s defying all recession / holiday sale logic, and coming out a winner.

Which must count as good news, somewhere out there.

“My issue when I was growing up was always my weight. I would see Beyoncé or J-Lo in music videos and I would ask, ‘Why can’t I be like them?’ They have a curviness, a sexiness. Coming from a black [Jamaican] community, curves are celebrated and being the skinny black girl when I was growing up was hard.” - Jourdan Dunn, to the Guardian.

To: Tips@Fashionista.com

From: Yikes@goodatfolding.com

Dear Fashionista,

I work in sales for French Connection, and wanted to pass along another sign of the times for the official count:

The other night, we marked down most of the items in the store to some of the lowest markdown prices in company history. And if that weren’t enough, employees no longer get their discount on the new sale items. This has never happened before. The word from corporate is that this is because the economy is in the can.

Happy recession and lots of love,

H

We realize that the Six Scents fragrances came out about a month ago, but we’re revisiting them because they’re on sale on Oak’s website and because we think they’re kind of the ultimate go to holiday gift.

Here’s why:

1.Only 2000 bottles were made which means it’s officially the best limited edition thing you can give under $100.

2. Each scent is a product of a collaboration between two designers which means it’s definitely the only thing you can score by Gareth Pugh for under $100.

3. You can pick from names like “Illicit Sex” and “Teen Spirit”.

4. Each scent comes with a limited edition box. We’d like Gareth and Emile’s Skull design, thanks mom.

5. Sales benefit AIDS awareness.

So if you need a personal gift for someone you actually care about or if you’re just in the mood to treat yourself to something nice - it’s Friday, there’s a blizzard and we think you deserve it.

—HAYLEY PHELAN

We’ve obviously been spending a serious amount of time shopping online.

Margiela and Miu Miu cost less than Michael Kors these days and that, we love.

These booties top our list of discoveries. Booties are our favorite winter shoe - they’re far more practical than pumps, warmth wise, they aren’t as serious as boots and they’re fancy enough to wear out to dinner. Basically, these Miu Miu’s are perfect and not even a little bit boring.

Then we found these same exact booties, minus the real suede, minus the option for purple and plus the unsightly addition of studs.

While studs can be great (thanks Alexander Wang), these look more like an inexpensive attempt to combine this season’s signature Gucci studs and Miu Miu’s simple design without the quality that makes each special in the first place.

So we say, if you’re going to rip something off, stick to one Italian designer at a time and stay away, far away from fake suede.

— ALEXANDRA BEN-GURION

An internet analyst just launched a site dedicated to online price matching.

It’s called lightningsales.com and it scans the internet for the same product at different prices so that consumers can compare everything in one place instead of searching for the lowest price.

But it’s for electronics and we’re more interested in shoes than car stereos.

So, we’re getting you started with a few comparisons to highlight which sites are making the biggest online price cuts. (Because we’ve noticed online prices are generally higher than in-store prices anyway.)

For example, this season’s sequin stiletto Miu Miu Mary Janes are $349 at Barneys, $432 at Net-a-Porter and the non sequin version is $455 at Bergdorf Goodman.

Phillip Lim’s layered cashmere sweater dress is $299 at Barneys, only a dollar more at Bergdorf but still $450 on Net-a-Porter.

The Stella McCartney patent wedges Mary Kate wore in Elle UK in September? $479 at Barneys, $687 at Net-a-Porter and still a ridiculous $802 at Bergdorf.

So far, Barneys seems to be the best bet and we’d say stay far away from Net-a-Porter until they realize it’s silly to sell Phillip Lim Spring 07 for hundreds of dollars.

We could play this game all day, but we’re pretty sure they’re shooting Gossip Girl on our street and snow will not stand in the way of seeing Chuck.

“Barneys has just bested Saks by increasing their markdowns to 75% off.” —Racked.

Fred Flare named this skirt “The Miuccia” because:

a) They wanted to honor the designer in some way and roller skates just wouldn’t be appropriate.

b) They know she’s into color blocking and think this could be a great winter alternative to her luxe Italian fabrics.

c) When one thinks of skirts, thinking of Miuccia’s inevitable.

d) They want customers to feel like they’re buying into something special and they’d probably get sued if they named it the Prada.

We shipped Natalie off on an Egyptian vacation last week and though I’ve spent a fair portion of my life there, she only wanted to know about shopping.

So I told her, “Bargain. Almost everything costs less than half of what you’re told and everything is negotiable - absolutely no exceptions.”

But that’s in the Khan el-Khalili, not in the West Village where according to this article in Bloomberg shoppers have actually started negotiating printed prices.

While major department stores and even mass boutiques like Scoop and Intermix can afford severe markdowns, the smaller stores carrying the same brands just can’t. Which means shoppers are either bypassing them entirely, asking them to match department store prices or lying about how much the same pair of shoes cost down the block to guilt the sales team into lowering prices.

One boutique owner says a woman offered to pay $400 in cash for a $700 bag. Another salesperson says that once negotiating becomes customary no one will want to pay full price again and another is just “really amazed” that people are ballsy enough to ask in the first place.

While I’m always game to bargain at outdoor markets, whether in Cairo or Paris, I could never negotiate my way into a pair of Louboutins.

Are you trying? And more importantly, is it working?

If, for some reason, you’ve never wanted to be a model, Coco Rocha and Behati Prinsloo are going to change your mind.

Because once you watch this, you’ll want to do anything to hang out with them for a day, an hour even.

They’ve culled together their favorite pictures from last season and made a slideshow punctuated with hysterical video moments showcasing Behati’s penchant for lip synching. And these aren’t style.com pictures - they’re fingers up the nose, food on your face, i’m-just-a-19-year-old-girl-having-fun pictures framed by ridiculously gorgeous runway clothes.

Here are the times of the live action sequences in case you want to skip through the photos: the start, 2:21, 4:25, 6:17 (our personal favorite), 9:38 and 10:19.

Happy Friday!

Hedi Slimane’s photography resume (we imagine he has a separate one for design) is growing exponentially.

He just shot Prada’s Spring 09 ad campaign - for the boys of course.

The black and white images feature Louis and Claude Simonon, sons of The Clash’s Paul Simonon, looking more moody than punk. A statement from Prada said they focused on capturing the first time models in a state of “reflection and introspection”.

Meanwhile Steven Meisel shot at least eight girls including Toni Garnn for the women’s wear campaign.

Whether Miuccia chose the former Dior Homme designer for the boys because of his fame and influence on men’s fashion or because of his photo skills, we’ll never know.

If he got to shoot the women, too, then we’d know she was just as much a fan of Hedi’s work behind the camera as Karl was of his work on the runway.

Le Book has been holding their Conversation Series for a little over a year.

Each time they host an international event, they bring together two important people from within the fashion industry, one creative, one business, to interview each other and dicuss how they came to be who they are now.

The second round’s just gone live on their site.

You can watch Jefferson Hack and Nadja Swarovski discuss her family’s crystal reign or Andre Balazs define luxury to WSJ’s editor Tina Gaudoin.

Or, if you prefer, you can watch Vogue contributor Loic Prigent interview Balenciaga’s president, Isabelle Guichot.

Beats reality TV.

Chanel Iman’s throwing a party and she wants you to come.

The white party is this Saturday at Santos Party House and ticket sales will benefit Gay Men’s Health Crisis. If the fact that Chanel’s hosting isn’t enough, Debbie Harry will be perfoming, so you know a good amount of fashion stars will be present (Marc Jacobs especially).

You can buy tickets at the cash-only door but we have a feeling these babies will go quickly; you’re best off buying them online.

So if you want to party with Chanel and help GMHC buy your tickets stat, so you can focus on finding the perfect white outfit for the snowy weekend.

See you there!

—HAYLEY PHELAN

Agyness Deyn was 2007’s Lower East Side Staple.

You couldn’t really spend a day below Houston and east of Broadway without spotting her platinum pixie head until she started dating the Stroke and spending more time in LA.

Then she said she was trying to break into movies and we figured she’d eventually land a “punky ex-girlfriend” or “strung out party chick” role but instead she’s opted for the artsy path which, given her fashion predilections, isn’t so surprising.

Up first?

Erzulie, the goddess of love, in Gordon Hull’s T Magazine commissioned film, Dance of the Golden Axe. She blows fairy dust onto soldiers who chop down a forest of Christmas trees.

Next stop, romantic comedy?

There’s a secret Chris Benz sale happening right now until 5pm - or until it’s all gone.

Make your way to the Tribeca Grand and tell them we sent you.

Once there, you’ll find racks of Chris clothes at wholesale prices and less.

The best part?

They aren’t samples - because Chris archives his sample as a good designer should - but “beautiful” and “pristine” pieces waiting for you to take them home and cherish them.

Wish we were there.

Alice Temperley’s the latest designer to cancel her Fall 09 runway show and the first outside of New York.

The British designer, who just returned to London Fashion Week after years in New York, has been planning this for over a year.

She, along with various directors, artists and photographers, will stage a series of installations in New York, London and Paris in collaboration with MILK Studios and Starworks. They’ll be half digital, half live and distributed to the media and customers just as soon as editors and buyers get a peek. The concept debuts February 18th during New York Fashion Week.

“The four seasonal installations will allow us to communicate our brand message and aesthetic to a larger international audience while supporting both economic and environmental challenges,” says Lars, Alice’s husband and the company’s CEO.

He’s right - each season the idea of sending ten editors and five buyers from the same magazine or store all over the world for a month sounds more and more antiquated and becomes less and less necessary.

With our love divided equally between the internet and trips to Paris, it’s hard to say just which side we’re on.

A very lucky member of the Nylon Guys site took a trip uptown to Louis Vuitton’s showroom.

Apparently, they call it “The Magic Room.”

And in this magic room is a Louis Vuitton cheese case. The red velvet lined case has space for a giant wedge of cheese, knives, spoons and a bowl of sorts.

In case you’re lactose intolerant, or, gasp, you don’t really need a box for your cheese, they’ve also produced a Mah Jong case because it’s just the thing to get you through your days of recession unemployment.

Somewhere, Kanye West is so excited.

If you’re in the market for some Hayden Harnett, whether because we love it, Behati loves it or you’re just plain curious, here’s your chance to win an entire outfit for you and your best friend - for free.

And we do mean outfit: a pair of boots, a wallet, a cuff bracelet, a handbag, a dress, a coat and a scarf.

The Brooklyn based label’s just launched a youtube video contest. They’ve been actively uploading their own videos for almost a year and they’d like you to respond.

So if you already own your fair share of the brand break out your video camera and tell, or better yet, show them why you love it. And if you’re an HH virgin, tell them why you want-need-have-to-have a piece of Hayden Harnett right now.

The video with the most views wins.

Go to it. In the meantime, we’ll see you at Target.

Ines de la Fressange carries this lettered black Roger Vivier bag everywhere.

We thought it was custom made, after all she’s Bruno Frisoni’s muse and Vivier’s brand ambassador. And technically it is custom made. The catch is, you have to design it yourself because according to de la Fressange, “Real luxury is a unique item that is yours and yours only.”

So you pick your colors and your letters and your font and then they’ll put it all together for you and you get your very own Cut Up Bag for the small price of $1,875 even though the plain black version of the bag costs around $1100 without all of your extra work.

It’s kind of like when Fendi made the white canvas baguette and handed you a box of markers for $5,500 and said, “But you get to be the artist!” even though a Fendi designed baguette would probably set you back more like $2000 or $3000.

Which means the more work you’re expected to do, the more your fancy bag will cost.

But what we want to know is, if you’re going to splurge on an insanely expensive DIY it bag, would you rather the designer put together your creative vision (which kind of defeats the purpose) or would you prefer going to town on your own, a la Fendi?

WWD’s confirming last month’s wild rumor that Pamela Anderson’s the face of Vivienne Westwood for Spring 09.

The former Jane columnist, or Baywatch star, whichever, stars alongside Dame Viv and her husband Andreas Kronthaler in her Malibu trailer.

Juergen Teller’s shot the ads, no surprise there, in which Pam rocks all four of Vivienne’s labels - Red, Gold, Anglomania and MAN.

Apparently, Viv was as surpised as I was to see Pam sitting front row in a smashing gold dress at September’s Red Label show during London fashion week. She was so blown away, in fact, that when it came time to pick the models for the spring campaign she eschewed them altogether in favor of Pam.

We’d have picked a second round of Dita, but we’ll be patient, we swear.

A glooming peace this morning with it brings, Bill Blass Couture is finally done and Kira Plastinina’s closing up US shop.

Bill Blass Couture - the Peter-Som designed, runway bound line - has been at fashion gossip’s core since Peter Som initially stepped down in July only to be re-instated at Anna Wintour’s demand and then leave again in October. Throughout the creative controversy, Blass’ parent brand, NexCen, struggled to find a buyer for the not profitable line. And now, finally, they’ve confirmed that unless a very rich risk-taker swoops in a buys the line before January 1st they’ll give up.

“Bill Blass is facing the same challenges as other consumer and retail companies in the current weak macroenvironment,” NexCen’s managing director told WWD.

Maybe, or maybe they’ve just held on long enough to blame the brand’s failure on greater economic issues than on their own internal mishandling.

Meanwhile, Kira Plastinina, the 16-year old Russian designer whose hot pink stores invaded America less than a year ago will close at least ten of the twelve within the next two weeks.

On the bright side, no one pulled out of Bryant Park today!

Aside from the candy canes and the ice skating and the bright colorful lights everywhere and excessive amounts of sweets, holiday cards are our favorite - because getting mail is always fun.

So far, Giles Deacon’s is our favorite. Though if we’re being honest, they haven’t even been sent out yet, we just got a sneak peek. And while we half expected a PacMan disguised as Frosty, we’re not shocked that Giles equates the holidays with a Swarovski crystal eyeball.

Chris Benz’ cute postcard features twisted red wire hangers and the British twins behind Felder Felder, Daniela and Annette, sent out a holiday sketch of dresses we wish we had for our holiday party tonight.

Now cards that included dresses - that would make for ridiculously happy holidays.

I was fortunate enough to be on a plane leaving the country when Joe Corre sent over my eponymous lingerie last May.

The strappy leather number made me blush and the fall lookbook gave my mom a heart attack until I learned to embrace the honor because really, it’s too good to not throw into first date conversation.

Anyway, despite my coming to terms with strips of leather bearing my name, I never in a million years thought anyone was buying the thing.

But apparently it’s selling quite well - so well that they’ve expanded the Britt range to include a couple of thongs and some stand alone suspenders.

So, if you need something special for New Year’s…click away.

“As symbolic gestures of hostility go, shoe tossing is rather incomprehensible. Why throw something that needs to be retrieved? You cannot beat a hasty retreat without your shoes. Better to, as they do at Tom Jones concerts, toss less essential items like panties or brassieres. Other possibilities: cracked dentures, out-of-fashion hats, and expired toupees.” —Simon Doonan answers Vanity Fair’s question: Which kind of shoe is best for throwing?

Everyone was up in arms over Bebe’s Louis Vuitton rip-off last month.

They’ve officially entered the realm of designer shoe rip-offs, though they’re not very good at it. Their “France” shoe was an embarrassment to the Louis version - unless adding and subtracting details and changing the proportions is their attempt to thwart us.

Either way, it’s easy to see where they got the inspiration for their caged heel. You can’t buy the platform, peep-toe stiletto online yet, but we found it here and in stores.

The original, the Spring Summer YSL, is so much cooler not because it’s YSL, but because the caged heel so perfectly mirrors the leather cage pattern over the foot. Not to mention it lacks the front platform that kind of pushes the shoe from sexy to hooker.

If Bebe wants into the world of rip-offs, they’re going to have to do better than this.

To: tips@fashionista.com
From: anonymous@clotheshorse.com

Hi guys,

I’d like to take a moment out of my busy retail schedule to rant about See by Chloe’s decline.

I used to love, love See for its quirkiness and fresh take on the Chloe aesthetic, but now it feels more Forever 21 than runway worthy. I first noted the difference at the Chloe sample sale when the See racks were home to very different products. I started inspecting everything and about half had Made In Italy labels while the other half had Made in China stamped on the tag - totally different factories, totally different quality and all for the exact same price.

I thought maybe it was just the samples so I checked out the See section on Bergdorf’s 5th floor last weekend and it looks like everything’s made in China now. If anyone owns past See pieces and takes the time to compare to current season’s pieces, you can’t ignore the difference in quality, design & feel.

Anyway, has anyone else noticed?

xo,
So Mad I Can’t SEE Straight

Yesterday, during step one hundred of Britt-Cleans-Out-Her-Closet week, I found a giant bag full of tote bags.

I felt like Mary Poppins pulling them out - the never ending stream included bags from Bumble, from Charlotte Ronson and Alexandre Herchcovitch, one from Preen and another from Eley Kishimoto - the tangible fruits of my Fashion Week labors.

But I’d trade them all in for this one from Christopher Deane.

I’ve always been a sucker for the traditional I Heart logo and this thick, cotton, made in the USA tote looks sturdier than any of the paper thin bags I’ve garnered from the runways.

The only trouble is that I have to decide what exactly I heart. And while today I might write The Grinch or Kate Moss, tomorrow I might want to write Candy Canes or Doutzen.

What will you heart?

Gen Art needs a couple of fashion show specific interns to assist in their Chelsea offices for the next couple of months.

Starting in January, they need people to scout designers, manage press clippings, help plan events, execute fashion shows and perform general office duties.

To do those things you should have at least a 3.0 GPA, be proficient in Excel, be detail oriented, an excellent multi-tasker and available at least two days a week (plus a couple of evenings here and there to go to the events you helped plan). You should also, obviously, be really into fashion and desperate to learn about event planning within the industry. And if you’re at all familiar with Photoshop you get bonus points.

Send your resume and cover letter to fashionstaff@genart.org with FASHION INTERNSHIP in the subject line.

And we’ll see you in February.

The International Film School Festival wants to see your short films.

They, in collaboration with CraneTV, launched their competition at the end of November, but you have until the end of February to enter a one to five minute short film in any one of the following categories: culture, art and design, fashion, green, lifestyle, ideas and travel.

So, technically, it can be about anything. The only guidelines they’ve set forth: We reward creativity and encourage you to offer fresh insider perspectives into your topic of choice. We would like to feel inspired and enriched by your contribution.

However, we’d obviously encourage diving into the world of fashion. Especially since Karl Lagerfeld’s on the jury and we’re told, “Projects with our jurors may materialize from this.”

If you’re feeling inspired or have some spare time on your hands, make your movie, upload it here and then send it our way. You might win money and equipment and your movie will be broadcast on international TV.

And if you’re not feeling inspired, watch Karl’s silent Chanel video at left - it may help.

The past month has seen two major New York store openings.

Vera Wang opened up shop in Soho while Miu Miu added a third New York City location on 57th St, both of which seemed to laugh in the face of economic catastrophe.

It’s a good thing Vera Wang opened that store - she needs it to show her Fall 2009 collection. After a week of rumors regarding her bowing out of Bryant Park, she’s made the official announcement. The designer won’t stoop so low as a presentation, instead she’ll set up a runway in her Mercer Street store. The smaller venue means a significantly smaller audience and the intimate, party-like feel that comes with an off-site show.

Meanwhile, Miu Miu closed their Madison and 69th Street store. The uptown space, only open since 2002, was emptied and shut with absolutely no fanfare yesterday according to The Daily.

The good news is, things will be decidedly less hectic on 42nd and 6th come February.

The bad news is, if this trend continues, Barbie will be the only one left with a Bryant Park show.

Some girls know they’ve made it when they land a Vogue cover. For some, the moment is marked with Victoria’s Secret wings and for others, a major cosmetics campaign.

But Julia Stegner’s done all of that, at the ripe old modeling age of 24.

So now the German model will be the International Face of Mercedes Benz. Job requirements include public appearances at Mercedes’ sponsored Fashion Weeks across the globe and starring in the new ad campaign shot by Michelangelo di Battista. Julia wears a red Anne Valerie Hash gown which morphs into a red carpet and in turn wears Mercedes’ latest car.

“Mercedes-Benz and fashion - they really fit together well. I think Mercedes-Benz cars are chic - just like fashion. So I’m delighted to be the international fashion brand-ambassador for Mercedes-Benz,” said Julia.

If only every car ad featured a Vogue cover girl…

The end of the year is always full of wacky lists, but this one tops them all.

Company Editor Victoria White, Pearl Lowe, Amiee Berman and Brit PR king Ian Johnson have named the twenty coolest women under thirty in Britain and Lily Cole’s topped the list.

In fact, there are seven models on the list, including Alice Dellal, Alexa Chung, and Daisy Lowe, who came in six places above Agyness Deyn.

Apparently, the judges made an effort to steer clear of the “uber-successful” ladies like Lily Allen, Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller which led to Lily being “the unanimous winner”.

“Everyone on our list has done something incredible with their lives, whether it’s combining a modeling career with university studies, or transforming a hobby into a luxury range.”

Um, ok, sure. But unanimous, really?

We’d have bet money Pearl voted for her daughter.

—BR(IT) BOY

In 2006, when The Devil Wears Prada came out, everyone thought Vogue would suck it up and put Anne Hathaway on its cover.

No such luck - though Anna Wintour did wear Prada to the premier which is almost better.

Now, three years later, Anne graces the first cover of 2009.

Here’s a behind the scenes peek at the shoot - styled by Tonne Goodman, make-up’d by Gucci Westman and shot by Mario Testino. Anne aptly declares, “If you can’t look gorgeous with this team then you can’t look gorgeous period.”

The Rodarte dress doesn’t hurt either.

Busy tonight?

If not, and maybe even if you are, swing by Elise Overland’s trunk show at Arcade on Melrose.

Why?

— She’ll be selling her Spring 09 collection as well as actual samples - as in pieces that weren’t produced, aren’t for sale, will be yours and only yours.

— Elise Overland is awesome.

— You know you want the leather leggings Anne Hathaway’s wearing at left.

— There will be cocktails.

— Rachel Zoe will be there. So when you obsess over a dress you can ask her opinion, just please refrain from direct quotations.

If you plan on stopping by, RSVP to melissa@lgbpr.com. Tell her we sent you.

Housing Works must be making a killing on their fashion related auctions.

Just a month after their Marc hosted auction and one week post-vintage YSL blowout, they’ve announced a major Steven Alan sale.

The designer’s donated one thousand pieces of his own line, as well as the other brands he sells in his Manhattan store including Sea, Lulu and Willa, to the New York City charity whose profits go toward housing the homeless. There will be sweaters, coats, dresses, shirts and shorts for men and women - all priced at 70% below retail.

The sale starts, and probably ends, on Saturday December 27 at 11am at their West 17th Street location.

So whether you’re celebrating Christmas a couple of days late, looking for a post-holiday bargain or just a Steven Alan junkie like us, we’d suggest checking it out.

“Four mobile homes, two cube trucks and several vans and cars is quite a different set-up from my usual “on the street” shooting style but when it came time to take the shots everything was as normal as any other day (except for the hair and makeup people) (oh, and the stylist) (oh yeah, and the caterer) (and the dancing Russian bears I requested - I’ve gotta have some crazy requests right?).” —Scott Schuman on his DKNY Jeans shoot. You can see two of the campaign images here.

—PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMY KOST

British fashion photographer Tim Walker’s just confirmed that he’ll branch out into film in 2009.

He’s the man behind most of Vogue UK’s fairytale-like editorials and a major contributor on Nick Knight’s ShowStudio. You know this almost iconic image of Lily Cole and the December 08 spread starring Karen Elson and Tim Burton.

His short film will debut this spring with a follow up feature length film slated for Fall 2009. No word yet on plot lines and characters but we do expect fantasy and would love for Gemma to land a role.

Between this and Tom Ford’s movie and Vogue’s Sundance debut, fashion’s officially crossed over.

Last night, I stopped by Helena Christensen’s photography exhibition, Far From, Close.

The launch, at Dactyl Foundation featured an incredibly eclectic group of people waiting in a ten minute line for Trader Joe’s wine.

Behati Prinsloo, wearing the same Hayden-Harnett cuff I treasure, waited in line while her boyfriend/jewelry designer Jamie Strachan huddled with Helena - in black feathers - and Jeff Koons.

Michael Stipe held court in the center of the room while Ally Hilfiger, looking more hipster than Hilfiger in buffalo plaid and motorcycle boots, ran around snapping pictures of everyone, including our own Jeremy (more from him later).

Kelly Cutrone slinked through the crowd in head to toe leather pouring Pellegrino and checking on Helena while Rachel Feinstein, not wearing a stitch of Marc, admired the proof sized prints in the entry way.

Looked like a fashion party, sounded like a fashion party - can you spot the recession friendly change?

Julie Haus would like some interns, please.

You know her name because every time you zone out in Saks or Bloomingdale’s one of her brightly colored party dresses snaps you out of it.

If you’ve been wading through the PR and magazine internships because you actually want hands on design experience, this one’s for you.

Julie needs help producing her Fall 09 collection. So, if you have a basic knowledge of fabric, you pay attention to detail and are generally enthusiastic and available at least two days a week, email your resume and cover letter to mthompson@juliehaus.com.

The internship is unpaid, but they’ll sign off on your school credit and they’d love it if you could start now.

Also, if you know your way around the garment district, this will be a million times easier.

Think you can write your own magazine?

Vice wants to give you a shot.

They’ve titled their latest issue The ______ Issue - as in, you can call it whatever you want.

They know you love a good DIY, they know your submissions will be about fashion and they’re dying to see what you, Fashionista readers, come up with.

The core of the challenge lies in the feature story. The winner, aka the best writer, gets either an internship at the magazine or $1000 - winner’s choice. The top one hundred entries receive a year’s subscription and because it’s Vice, there will be loser prizes, too.

Have you been dying to tell the world your theories on the evolution of Balenciaga? Are you bursting with fashion criticism? Have you spent the year drawing comparisons between Christophe Decarnin and Christopher Kane? Do you think you know the fate of our prehistoric Fashion Week traditions?

Here’s your chance to share - have fun!

(And tell us if you win).

Gareth Pugh is taking on menswear.

The very important and semi-surprising piece of information was kept under wraps until the official announcement of the Paris Men’s Fashion Week schedule yesterday. In the past month, Matthew Wiliamson, Carlos Miele, Christophe Decarnin and Roland Mouret have all announced plans to introduce menswear. Pugh, the least commercial of them all, will close the week with his show at Palais de Tokyo, the same venue in which he showed his women’s collection last September.

Pugh’s incorporated menswear into past collections but never produced a full line. We can’t help but picture a more masculine version of his Spring 09 collection - very tight, futuristic, entirely black and white and hopefully no where near Jay-Z’s next tour.

It’s a risky move - Fendi, Valentino and Marni have all cancelled their men’s shows thanks to the tanking economy and Zac Posen told WWD that he will absolutely not move forward with plans for a secondary line despite wanting to for years.

But Rick Owens, who with his wife Michelle Lamy has a 49% stake in Pugh’s brand and is also showing a full men’s collection in Paris, would rather we just go with it.

“Just come with an open mind,” he says.

No problem. A ticket to Paris, however, not so easily done.

Betsey Johnson won’t be showing at the Bryant Park tents this February.

Betsey, who’s shown her past five collections in the park, is scaling back the presentation of her Fall 2009 collection in light of the recession. She usually shows to more than 1000 buyers and editors in the main tent; this time around she’ll host a more intimate event at a still unnamed location.

Carmen Marc Valvo’s also surrendering his tent space after ten seasons. His audience was already significantly smaller last September and with less press and buyers expected to make the trip to New York for the first Fashion Week of 09 and Bryant Park show costs climbing above $100,000 - it’s just not worth it.

Meanwhile, IMG’s allegedly open to converting tent space into presentation space, like the London Fashion Week tents but rotating, to keep as many designers as possible on site.

We love presentations, but a fun, fantastical Betsey Johnson collection belongs on a major runway.

Giorgio Armani, he who promised to better “edit” the selection of items bearing his name, is partnering with the Molteni Group to produce and distribute kitchens under the name Armani/Dada.

The brand is defined by the words “design, comfort, elegance and functionality” though all we can think about is what would happen if Marcel Duchamp got his hands on an Armani gown.

As for the kitchens themselves, a version of The Bridge model already exists in the Armani/Casa Residents in Dubai. Giorgio himself is “delighted” that “prestigious homes” the world over will finally have the chic Italian counters they deserve.

Wonder which lucky girl gets to lean against the stove for Armani’s SS09 ads?

Once a month, after school, I used to walk across town to get my braces tightened by my dentist.

Dr. Cashion was a folksy man, as in, he didn’t wear gloves when he touched my teeth. I’d wait in the operating chair, listening to his assistant tell knock-knock jokes until Dr. Cashion shuffled my way. I’d inevitably bust out of there forty minutes late and speed-walk back to school, late to orchestra and suffering from my stretched jaw.

My reward for all that pain? A smile as symmetrical as college-ruled paper. Yet, I’ve been wondering lately, with the influx of crooked-teethed stars, whether it was all worth it.

“Straight teeth are bullshit,” said Keira Knightley. Amy Winehouse’s mouth looks like Stonehenge and Kirsten Dunst’s teeth aren’t exactly picture perfect. Of course, best of all is Chuck Bass’ crooked grin. It’s not like these people can’t afford perfection but rather they’re saying, “I threw my retainer in the trash and you’re going to like me regardless.”

The problem with braces isn’t that they’re one more symbol of unnatural beauty, not that they cost thousands of dollars and not that once removed the changed teeth often return to their natural state, but that braces are also, when forced on children, unethical. They make kids’ gums ache for years and cut up their cheeks. “It’s like forced plastic surgery for children,” says my straight-toothed friend Josh - without anaesthesia, of course.

“I was totally obsessed with my two front teeth being straight from ages 12-19,” says my friend Tamzin, who had braces twice. “Then the second time they went back to being crooked, I said, fuck it - it’s not meant to be.”

So embrace your crooked smiles, don’t force your kid to get braces and admit it, you want to make out with Chuck Bass, British teeth and all.

—GLENNA GOLDIS

The British Fashion Council just announced this season’s recipients of their New Gen award.

Topshop, the sponsor behind the award, will back twenty-four up and coming designers with space in the London Fashion Week tents throughout the week. The tents stand on the grounds of the Natural History Museum next to the main runway venue and get serious foot traffic from editors and buyers killing time in between shows.

Eight of the winning designers, including Henry Holland, Danielle Scutt, Louise Goldin, Meadham Kirchhoff and Peter Pilotto, will also get sponsorship for their runway shows. Which means, most importantly, a free venue. Last season’s Topshop space (an underground garage), was home to Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab, delicious food and an atmosphere more suited to partying than working.

Which we’re sure that bunch’ll be fine with.

Stella McCartney’s interviewed Kate Hudson for the January issue of In Style.

Stella asks the actress about the pros and cons of being in a relationship and what it’s like being a single mom - the usual.

But In Style’s Managing Editor told WWD, “Yes, we would certainly pair up celebrities again.”

They think it elicits the most candid interviews which should hold true in this case; the designer and actress are close friends.

But with the exception of Interview (which has been doing this since Andy handed it out on Soho’s corners), it’s like when magazines started ditching models in favor of celebrities. And if this continues like that, well, we can only imagine a magazine written by celebs, starring celebs and about celebs.

And we’d rather not.

To: tips@fashionista.com
From: missingterry@eastvillage.com

Dear Fashionista,

I know you’re dying for details about LOVE.

I wish I could tell you about a fabulous shoot full of models in the English countryside.

I can’t.

But I can tell you that Terry Richardson’s shooting Angelica Huston at the Chateau Marmont for Katie’s new mag this week.

xo,
A West Coast Friend

“I just hope we don’t all fall through the floor!” —Nanette Lepore at her rollicking Saturday night holiday party.

LaPerla’s having something called a Sample Sale starting tomorrow.

But instead of samples there will be heaps of non-sample bras and underwear for 90% off retail prices.

Expect $10 and $20 bras, $5 underwear, $15 nightgowns and $30 swimsuits which sound more like heaven then a mere 90% off.

The sale’s at 260 Fifth Avenue between 28th and 29th Streets from 10am to 7pm from tomorrow until Friday.

But if you’re looking to walk away with things in your size, we’d suggest skipping over there as soon before Friday as possible. They can’t possibly mark the product down further and we pretty much guarantee a mob scene.

Which CEO took the subway for the first time in twenty years on Friday as his answer to the recession? He had to take three of his buyers with him just to show him the way.

Scarlett Johansson’s rumored to be the new face of Dolce & Gabbana.

She’ll front their Spring 09 campaign, already shot by Mert and Marcus according to Style.com, though for beauty or fashion, no one knows.

Scarlett’s experienced either way. She’s posed for L’Oreal and Louis Vuitton, both of which should prepare her for Stefano and Domenico in case her numerous red carpet Dolce wearing moments weren’t enough.

Tthis puts the celeb count at three this spring with Katie Holmes for Miu Miu and Madonna for Louis Vuitton. The group model shots are at a bajillion and we wonder how either strategy is recession friendly.

Meanwhile, we’re secretly hoping Scarlett makes a cameo on Model.Live, since Cato Van Ee is in D&G’s Spring campaign, too.

She can address the major differences between acting and modeling and tell us how she strikes such a delicate Dolce/Stella balance.

WWD has more details on the Scott Schuman for DKNY Jeans Spring ad campaign.

Apparently, the ads are more Sartorialist than Donna.

Instead of shooting the stars in a group - Chanel Iman, Daisy Lowe, Sean Lennon, DJ Coleman and Kelly Osborne’s boyfriend Luke Worrell - they’ve been shot a la the Sartorialist. Mostly alone and always “spontaneously” as though they’ve been caught out and about on the streets of New York.

It’s Scott’s first major ad campaign, though his images sometimes grace his own site in ad form for Absolut, and the second time he’s aligned himself with a specific brand (Gap). As for DKNY Jeans, the Vice President of marketing says the brand won’t make a single recession minded cutback on advertising, despite the wary actions of their parent brand because as Donna says, “jeans are not about a season, but rather part of your skin”.

At least the major fashion mags are guaranteed one page of advertising.

We’re familiar with almanacs when it comes to farming, astrology, economics, just about anything except fashion really.

But now we have one for our own industry thanks to Laura Bradley, the Editor-in-Chief of The Fashion Almanac.

The Almanac will be published twice a year, conveniently timed to coincide with Fashion Weeks in late September and late February. It will be a slight one hundred pages and sell for for £5.00 ($10) a pop. If you can’t wait for February (because between this and LOVE, we can’t), there’s already content on-line.

The magazine will stay true to its almanac label as “a reference book, composed of various lists, tables, and often brief articles relating to a particular field or many general fields.” So in the case of fashion, this entails an analysis of designer bows, an ‘identification guide’ for various fashion items and an ‘object lesson’ which, in this issue, dissects a Marios Schwab dress. Each article comes with textbook-like illustrations and pictures that make us feel like we’re doing something at least half-way studious when really we’re just learning more about the things we already love.

Now, if only we could get a PhD in magazine-reading.

—HAYLEY PHELAN

If you missed last night’s YSL cocktail party at Housing Works, there’s still hope.

We’ve unearthed a haven of designer paper dolls onAmazon.com. So if you’re on a mission to avoid depressing in store atmospheres, check out the YSL package at left that includes a Mondrian dress, Le Smoking and an original trapeze dress. What could be more perfect than a gift that lets you pretend to be Rachel Zoe while simultaneously indulging in nostalgia?

Prefer Chanel? They have that, too.

Our favorites, aside from the Schiarparelli, are Great Designs of the 90s and Best Actresses of the 1990s.

Because we’ll never tire of seeing Gwyneth in that Ralph Lauren dress.

- ALEXANDRA BEN-GURION

When I interned for a British designer my senior year of college, we planned a major, major, party.

The ridiculously gorgeous event planner showed up wearing a gray YSL sweatshirt with a giant navy blue logo - it was the one time wearing a logo appealed to me.

There’s something so iconic and almost graceful about the YSL logo but there’s something morbid about this t-shirt designed by artist Brian Lichtenberg. It sells on Blood is the New Black - or it did before it sold out.

Lichtenberg’s woven his own RIP label to mirror Yves’ and done both a black on white and white on black version. We get that it’s in tribute to the man but the tribute lacks taste.

Does it sit well with you? And more importantly, would you actually wear it?

Listen up Londoners.

This weekend you must get yourselves to Frock me!, the vintage fashion fair founded by Matthew Adams.

Adams says, “It’s quite simply London’s hottest vintage fashion event, held several times a year at the Chelsea Town Hall in the King’s Road and now also in Brighton at the Sallis Benney Theatre. All the top vintage dealers in the country come to sell.”

So if you’re in desperate need of 1920s Flappers, Fifties glamour or burlesque basques I suggest you make your way there.

And if the thrill of authentic vintage for a just a few pounds isn’t a big enough draw, Miss Moss’ been spotted wandering the fair in the past. Sometimes even her closet isn’t enough inspiration for an entire Topshop line.

You know, just saying.

—Br(it) Boy

Scratch that.

It’s no longer a rumor but now a fact. The Gossips’ Beth Ditto’s already been shot for the inaugural issue of Katie Grand’s LOVE magazine.

We’d kind of expected the magazine to go the model route what with their high fashion cred and ridiculously cool circle of friends but we can’t wait to see what Katie does with Beth on the cover.

Ditto’s graced the pages of POP and Jalouse, not to mention the cover of NME, but we’re expecting something totally new, with lots of Giles, of course.

—PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMY KOST

The CFDA’s partnered with W Hotels to create a limited edition calendar for 2009.

They’re aiming to inspire you with their twelve designer months. Marcus Wainwright of Rag & Bone, Sue Stemp and of course CFDA President Diane Von Furstenberg each snagged their own months. While the calendar itself resembles a sketchbook, complete with a pencil and blank pages in back, the designers picked images that move them to put on their pages instead of their own sketches.

All of proceeds from the $15 calendar go toward the CFDA and helping fledgling American designers, who could really use any help right now, and Fashion Targets Breast Cancer. You can buy it at any W Hotel or on their site.

So you have a gift, an inside look into designers’ creative process, the perfect calendar on which to schedule fashion week madness.

And, it’s all for a good cause.

Fact: We love Cintia Dicker.

Fact: We love that she landed the Sephora holiday campaign, even if we’ve just realized it now.

Fact: We do not love that they’ve airbrushed her freckles off of her face. It’s like erasing Cindy’s mole or virtually eliminating Lara’s curves.

Fact: We know they’re trying to sell make-up, but there is such a thing as too much green eyeshadow and Sephora might’ve reached that point. Does this really make you want to go on a cosmetics spree?

Fact: She still looks gorgeous.

Rumors are swirling that Beth Ditto will grace the first cover of LOVE.

The magazine is slated to launch in February which means Katie Grand might not even know who she’ll put on the cover. But she and her editorial staff threw their first official party in London the other night and Beth was particularly honored.

Her closely cropped bright orange hair only slightly distracted from the fashion scavenger hunt going on during the party, but no one could dig up the answer to the cover question.

We’ve sent Br(it) Boy on the prowl and in the meantime, he says he can confirm an upcoming party and major announcement from Kate Moss.

As for LOVE, we’ll keep our ears open and eyes on the blog.

You, too please.

Phillip Lim’s starting a line for dogs.

While Zac Posen and Doo. Ri get to work on their bridge lines and Carlos Miele and Roland Mouret work out their menswear launch plans, Lim thinks his design skills could be used elsewhere.

So he’s found inspiration in his darling French Bulldog, “his best friend and muse,” Oliver and designed a few sweaters - grey, navy, pink - and collars for the holidays.

But for a man who prices his human clothes so reasonably (in high fashion speak, at least), doggy prices are surprising. They range from $150 to $375 and you can get them in his LA and New York stores.

If we could stretch our way into the navy striped one, $150 would be totally worth it.

Doing anything tonight?

If you feel like trekking to Greenpoint, (or are lucky enough to live there already a la one of us) we suggest heading to Alter at 140 Franklin.

Justin Tranter of Semi-Precious Weapons is hosting a shindig to launch the latest collection of his jewelry line Fetty (most recently seen in Julie and Simon’s Barneys holiday video).

From 7pm to 11pm there will be dancing, there will be drinks and there will be deals.

And there might be, if we’re super lucky, a Gossip Girl in the background. Apparently Justin’s made some new friends…

From 6pm to 9pm tonight, the entire Steve Madden Soho store is 50% off. You didn’t hear it from us.

Rachel Antonoff needs interns.

The second half of Mooka Kinney is working on her own line and she could use your help.

We loved the sundresses and rompers she made with her former partner Alison Lewis, and we want the two things you can see on her website, so we can pretty much guarantee you’ll play a part in some covetable and probably girly designs.

So, if you can sew, if you love fashion, if you’re desperate to learn, desperate for a hands on internship, and still haven’t figured out how you’re spending your spare time this spring, this could be the one for you.

E-mail the usual to me@rachelantonoff.com.

And if you land it, tell Scarlett Johansson (Reynolds?) we say hi.

Okay, so we know the Chanel 2.55 bag has been ripped off a thousand times on Canal Street, but we never thought a legitimate retailer would go near it.

We should’ve known better.

Topshop’s quilted cross body bag is made of 100% Polyurethane (google it, we did) yet still costs a kind of ridiculous $50. So, it must be especially well stitched, right? You’re not paying for the creative vision, because, seriously, everything from the quilting to the shape to the white and gold chain strap and the front closure screams Chanel.

It’s just two C’s short of being a flagrant rip-off.

Why would Topshop even bother copying such an iconic and recognizable design when they have a bajillion designers at their fingertips? It’s like J.Crew making a Fendi Spybag or H&M trying their hand at the Birkin.

There are some things that you just don’t mess with.

—HAYLEY PHELAN

Hedi Slimane’s just shot a rather lengthy portfolio for Dazed & Confused.

He and Nicola Formichetti, the mag’s creative director, spent four nights roaming London’s streets and recruiting the cool kids - hipsters, club kids, fashion kids, jazz kids - on a nightly basis for morning shoots. They mixed those in with the especially stylish characters they’d been keeping on the backburner for a collection of aspirational black and white photos.

“The aim was to create a definitive record of London youth right now through Hedi’s timeless style,” said Formichetti.

Dazed asked teenagers to send in their answers to the question, “What does it mean to be young and British today?” and the thirty best answers accompany the images.

For once, we wish were still a teen - and for always we wish we were British.

“I had no idea about Louis Vuitton, or what it was… The only reason I did it was because of Marc.” —Richard Prince, in Influence.

—PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMY KOST

We hope you can take an extra long lunch break today.

Start at the bottom on Walker Street for Proenza Schouler Fall 08 samples starting at $85. From there, swing by the Temperley sale on Broome and grab this season’s merchandise for 60% below retail. Don’t forget to make a pit stop at the Ksubi store where even their latest shipment is 40% off.

Then you can hop in a cab to the West Village and grab a handful of severely marked down Rag & Bone for both you and any deserving guy in your life, or the other way around if you’re a boy reading this. Maybe pop your head into Scoop - since they’ve marked down their sale racks - on your way to the Lutz & Patmos sample sale where you’ll snag cashmere for 80% off.

Jump on the subway and head uptown because Bergdorf Goodman just marked their designer collections down 75% in store.

By the end you might have one of everything for the retail price of a single Lutz sweater.

Or you might just be exhausted.

In the midst of all the Lara Stone madness, we realized we’d never heard her speak.

And hearing a model speak is kind of crucial (our love for Coco quadrupled the first time she came to life).

So we did some investigating and here you go. The Dutch model just shot an editorial for ID and someone caught her in hair and make up discussing a fear of cameras and lamenting the digital age of fashion photography.

We listened to every word but couldn’t stop staring at her glowing skin - and we’d swear she’s make-up-less.

RevolveClothing.com might have found the best way to stay afloat this season - sell something no one else has.

They lauched “The List” at midnight last night and they’ll be featuring one-of-a-kind, super exclusive limited edition objects and art.

To start, they’re offering a custom made white Goyard trunk with black and red racing stripes across the top. The trunk is filled with one hundred Assouline photography books on fashion, design and architecture and biographies on houses like Chanel and Lanvin.

Revolve will add equally ridiculous and cool one-offs every few weeks.

Meanwhile, the trunk can be yours for $20,000. In which case we’d suggest removing the books and living inside.

ID Models is “re-locating”.

Tipsters say the agency, which is home to Leelee Sobieski and um, Tara Reid, will close its doors on Friday but Paolo Zampolli, the agency’s founder, says they’re just moving.

“We are just moving into Major,” he says. Like a merger?

“No, no, no just a re-location, but you know, banks are merging. These are the things that happen in this economy.”

So, if it’s not closing it sounds like a merger to us. No models have been dropped yet, and they don’t plan on cutting their roster. Meanwhile, enough people behind the scenes, including agents, have been laid off to spark rumors of the end.

And where there’s smoke…

Waiting with bated breath for the Christie’s YSL auction?

Sorry, it’s still not here.

But Vanity Fair’s acquired some very cool pictures of Yves’ apartment in which you can see a selection of the items that’ll be for sale come January.

His partner, Pierre Berge, isn’t just parting with the extensive art collection but Yves’ general trove of treasures including furniture, mirrors, lamps, a variety of found objects and even their bed from the 1930s which is expected to fetch between $60,000 and $90,000 - there will be 800 lots in total.

The Goya will go to the Louvre, the Warhol will stay with Berge and we’re not sure about Moujik’s fate, but the rest is up for grabs.

See anything you like?

A year ago, you had to quietly map the Marc Jacobs sale in your head:

“Okay, the store merchandise hits at this date, so let’s give it six weeks, then call to see about discounts” was the general logic.

You could also bribe a salesboy to call you exactly when the sale started or, more easily, befriend a fashion editor or become a fashion editor so you’d get the coveted email from the MJ PR team, telling you to go shopping. We’d be lying if we didn’t admit, a little bit, that this is exactly why we went into fashion in the first place. But anyway.

Today on Mercer Street, that old system shattered, replaced by something newer:

A giant sign that says “70% Off.”

And a grateful nation thanks you, Marc Jacobs.

There’s been a lot of “What’s going on?” with Heatherette this year, but we procured the full story from Richie Rich himself at the Screaming Mimi’s dinner last night in Chinatown. Here’s the deal:

The Weisfeld Group, which bought Heatherette for $6 million in 2005, declined to renew Richie and Traver’s contract at the end of their three year tenure. The company - which also owns Fubu - then claimed ownership of Richie and Traver’s names, leading to a state Supreme Court hearing earlier this Fall.

“That’s the real reason we couldn’t launch Celebutante,” says Richie, “Because it was Celebutante by Richie Rich, and the Weisfeld Group wanted to block that.”

Thankfully, Richie won the hearing, and his name will go on a new line of dresses - just called “Richie Rich” - sometime in 2009.

Stay tuned, little glitter junkies…

So yes, Lara Stone will have an entire issue of French Vogue just for her.

But unlike Kate Moss’ “guest edit” stint from ‘06, she won’t have any creative control over the magazine - no styling, no writing, just 100+ pages of Lara rocking out.

When we asked someone at French Vogue why, she just said, “Have you ever met Lara Stone? If you met her, you would know. She’s an amazing person.”

Well okay, then.

We’re not gonna argue with the shooting star of a girl whose hips and breasts are - dare we say it - normal, and if she’s cool as hell?

Even better.

Lara, good luck on your journey.

We were going to do a shopping for others.

Something like,

Dear Uptown Pocahantas,

Love,
Fashionista

And we thought that’d be ok because if Monsieur Louboutin can make a 5 inch platform peep toe with three layers of suede fringe crawling up your calf (it’s actually called a “cut out boot”) we can make up whatever shopping characters we want.

But then we thought we’d just ask you, if you had a spare $1,795.00 would you consider these an investment?

If so, please explain.

If you’re craving of a Top 10 of 2008 list, Time Magazine’s got you covered.

They’ve ranked everything from The Most Awkward Moments to the Top iPhone Applications. Their fashion list, however, is slightly uncomfortable - they name check Vertiginous Heels before Yves Saint Laurent’s death and Valentino’s retirement.

But if you can skip past that list to the Top 10 magazine covers, you’ll notice Interview’s September cover squeezed in between those covering the election, the war and Wall Street’s wreckage.

It’s the first issue of Andy’s mag post re-launch, art directed by Fabien Baron and featuring Kate Moss in a Catwoman mask that Time says, “effectively uses Moss as a prop…and turn[s] the photo into a piece of art.”

The consistently brilliant new Interview’s earned the recognition and we love that a fashion, or style, magazine can hold it’s own with The New Yorker .

And Andy would, of course, be thrilled.

Fact: There’s nothing like jumping on the Herve Bandage Dress revival to say, “I’m a starlet, and you know it.”

Fact: It was only a matter of time before somebody rummaged through Herve’s laundry bin and reappropriated the dress in a slightly inappropriate fashion.

Fact: It was Larsen Gray, with their “Banded” dress, at right.

The funny thing is, girls don’t forego dinner to sling themselves in a bandage dress for the way it looks - the dress is secretly famous for “sucking you up” with a full body Spanx effect, while making other people (men) think you just look like Gisele. So if Larsen Gray’s version’s made of anything other than the magical stretch fabric Herve uses (it is), then the purpose of the dress goes out the window, and you’re just left with a vaguely familiar stripe pattern on 100% cotton.

PS. Does anyone else think it’s a little gutsy for these knock-offs and semi-knock-offs to tout names so evocative of the originals?