The battle between Queens-bred lady rappers Nicki Minaj and Lil’ Kim has been raging almost since Minaj hit the scene. And the bigger Minaj gets, so too, does Lil’ Kim’s ire. Kim has been throwing jabs at Minaj for a while, peeved that Minaj hadn’t payed the Queen Bee enough “homage.” To be sure, much of Minaj’s early style–namely the Barbie fascination and the colored wigs– was clearly inspired by Kim. Minaj even cribbed Kim’s Hardcore LP cover in one of the images she used on her Sucka Free mixtape.
For the most part, Minaj has kept quiet in response to Kim’s repeated baiting of her in the press, but recently she reached her limit.
As you know probably already know, Lanvin x H&M teamed up with UNICEF to auction off 25 couture versions of Alber Elbaz‘s sell-out collection. Those were the pieces that walked the runway last Thursday at the Pierre, and Fashionista is the sponsor of the floral ruffle number. Now Lanvin x H&M has released a video of the runway show, and you can click on each dress to bid. Remember, all the proceeds benefit UNICEF. And enjoy!
Both BryanBoy and model Andrej Pejic have a penchant for wearing women’s clothing and this pair of seamless wraparound shades. Who rocks this look better?
[flashvideo file=http://cache.fashionista.com/video/Prada_Private_Sunglasses-desktop.m4v /] Prada wants you to have it your way. They recently started offering their classic boating shoe made to order–clients can choose from 16 color variations and four different materials to customize their own pair. And last week Prada announced the launch of “Prada Private”–customizable eyewear. Clients will be able to choose from three colors for the frames (black, white or tortoise shell), and can insert letters and other symbols like hearts and stars along the arm of each frame. This handy animation shows you how it works. PradaPrivate eyewear will be available starting December 2 at Sunglass Hut.
According to Unbeige, Lagerfeld is developing a mass collection for Macy’s, which will include everything from jeans to party dresses. A source confirms as much to Fashionista.
Lagerfeld will be the third designer in a series to do a diffusion line for the department store. The first was, Kinder Aggugini, the second will be Matthew Williamson. Lagerfeld’s looks are slated to arrive in stores in the fall of 2011.
Willow Smith in anonymous knock off design (L), Mother of London's original creation (R)
After we posted a photo of Willow Smith decked out for the American Music Awards asking readers to name the strange buckled arm sheath she was wearing, a few commenters noted that the piece–one reader told us it was most like a saber fencing plastron so we’ll go with that (though crumper and horseshoe were runners up)–was a knock off of a piece by Mother of London. A pretty flagrant knock off, as it turns out. And fashion folks are real angry about it. We were pointed to a thread on Facebook lead off by photographer “Zemotion” who wrote “I’m so raging right now…Mildred’s been around for EVER way before I started photography and this is one of her most signature designs. It’s just downright disgusting to see this happening to such an amazing designer. And NO her permission was NOT asked for and it is NOT flattering.” Read more »
Jacob the Jeweler is suing Courtney Love: Celebrities failing to return borrowed goods to designers is a pretty common occurrence, but rarely are those celebrities sued. Granted, it probably isn’t usually $114,000 worth of jewelry. Love‘s excuse? She lost ‘em. {Huffington Post}
Karl’s Calendar: Another fashion-y calendar will soon be released for 2011. It was shot by Karl Lagerfeld and stars Isabeli Fontana, Heidi Mount, Natasha Poly and others. One photo leaked from the Greek and Roman mythology-inspired shoot and it appears to be clothing optional. {Fashionologie}
Oprah Books a Model: Lea T., transgendered model and muse to Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci, is scheduled to film a segment on Oprah to air in February. We’re not sure what the segment is about, but we’ll be setting our DVRs. {Elle.com}
We hate to see our beloved indie labels disappear. Earlier this year, it was Brooklyn-based Octopi. Now it’s New York’s Pepper and Pistol, which has put out eight gorgeous collections over the last four years. Designers Silvia Hillmann and Katrin Wiens sent this email last night:
Hello All,
After 4 years/ 8 seasons, Pepper+Pistol is closing its doors. We say good-bye and thank you all for your support!
We will be moving on to new ventures, so please do stay in touch.
We look forward to continuing to work with you.
Greetings,
K & S
We look forward to seeing what they do next. Until then, here are some of our favorite looks from past collections:
J.Crew will be acquired by two investment firms for $3 billion, according to a document released moments ago by the preppy-chic retailer. (We first reported on this Monday night–click here for some background.)
This will allow CEO Mickey Drexler and co. to fix what’s wrong with the business–and build on what’s right–without having to deal with public shareholders.
“It is a clear endorsement of J.Crew and of the hard work and commitment of each and every one of our associates,” Drexler said of the agreement. “As I have always said, we are in this for the long term and we do what we do day in and day out so we can deliver the best possible products to our customers.”
We think, overall, this is a risky-but-smart move. Retail is a cyclical business–you just simply cannot be on top forever. Even though going private often means gaining debt, it also means being able to avoid a black hole. (See: Gap.)
Good luck to Mickey and the J.Crew team. (PS, We love Madewell and want more of it. Please.)
In this video series, exclusive to Fashionista, Victoria’s Secret models reveal what their lives were like pre-Angeldom. This segment features high-fashion favorite Chanel Iman:
Both 
Six-Month-Old Harper Beckham Already Has a Blog Dedicated to Her Style
Victoria's Secret Launches a High End Line: See the Full Collection
Now Boarding: A First Look at Chanel's Haute Couture Show on a Jumbo Jet
Effie Trinket Wears Alexander McQueen in the Hunger Games, Plus More Fashion and Beauty Reveals
Alessandra Ambrosio Walks the Runway 5 Months Pregnant for Colcci 
