Last night, at a party in honor of Francois Nars’ new book and the 15th Anniversary of Nars, I finally spoke to Daphne Guinness.

I’d been standing there staring at her Alexander McQueen shoes and her awe-inspiring beehive and barely looked away long enough to realize that Marc’s kilt is actually just a pair of shorts with a panel in front, a skort, if you will, when I just reached out and said, “Excuse me,” I had to know how much her shoes weighed.

“They’re quite light actually,” she answered.

“Is the top part hollow,” I asked.

“Hmm…I can’t be quite sure. They’re lighter than…um, lighter than…”

“The ones from the runway?”

“Oh no! These are the ones from the runway.”

“Right. Duh.”

“They’re less weighty than the Nina Ricci’s. Does that help?”

“Yes totally!” I thanked her, though of course I have no idea how much the Nina Ricci’s weigh and she’s actually the only person in the world who’s worn both shoes in real not-on-the-runway life. But you can’t help but worship a woman who measures her life in Ricci.

Lars Nilsson, one of the earlier holders of the now-cursed Nina Ricci job, has landed himself a new position, one as un-Ricci as possible.

He’s launching a menswear collection with Mabro, an Italian manufacturer.

The Swedish designer’s actually made his way through a host of cursed houses; he worked at Bill Blass until going to Ricci in 2003 and then, in late 2007, landed at Gianfranco Ferre, taking over for Mr Ferre himself. But he surprised everyone by leaving less than a year later. If we were him, we’d be fed up with womenswear, too.

According to Nilsson, Mr. Nils, the menswear line, will make “chic sportswear with tailoring. It’s a modern and accessible luxury brand, which will be manufactured entirely in Tuscany, Italy.”

It’ll debut at Pitti Uomo in January.

There was a time years back when many thought leggings were going to be a one season wonder. Well, that moment has come and gone and even most naysayers long ago embraced them. We’re actually really liking these dancer-like incarnations of mostly sheer, sometimes short, and always scrunched for Spring/Summer 2010—especially the sheer pinks and neutrals for a bit of light layering.

What about you? Are you game for another season or totally over them by now?

My Favorite Martian: Daria returned to the runways this morning at Balmain. And apparently, the alien-like beauty of Tanya D. will grace us with its presence once again very soon. We missed your boundless energy backstage in New York, Miss T! {Fashin}

LSD’s Burial Outfit?: Apparently it may be a Julian Louie dress. And yes, that’s vaguely morbid. But we still love the commentary on the Vogue-ette’s Fashion Week choices. {StyleFile}

Copping To It: The Nina Ricci relaunch tonight in Paris will be a low-key affair. Our desire to see what Peter does, still anything but low-key. {FWD}

Not that we wouldn’t be jealous on a regular day, especially one that’s drizzly and rainy in New York, but today we’re even more so.

First, Nina Ricci is selling off the last of Olivier Theyskens’ final collection for the house, along with clothes and accessories from past collections too—for prices as low as 40 euros. That’s just crazy and quite possibly worth a flight to Paris, in our opinion!

In other Parisian news, Galeries Lafayette is opening a 34,500 square foot shoe department. We can’t even begin to wrap our brains around how big that is, but we can’t wait for our next trip to the city. There’ll be over 150 brands, along with an in-house cobbler and a a pedicure station.

Vive la France.

Kate Moss’ black long-sleeved dress for Topshop was named Dress of the Year by the Bath Fashion Museum.

The UK museum has the world’s biggest collection of historical fashion and announced Kate’s award while unveling past winners, too. Marni, 2003, Prada, 2006 and a Giles Deacon from 2007 - all of which will be exhibited through September

The honor’s usually bestowed upon designers like John Galliano and Jean Paul Gaultier which means that even design awards are getting recession friendly. One of the judges explained, “2008 is likely to be seen by our children as a watershed moment - the end of a glittering party…Circumstances demand we become wiser now,” which we get.

And yet this is still fashion, and despite our endless love for all things Kate and most things Topshop, there’s no way that’s the dress of this year.

Not when people make dresses like this, and like this, or like this.

And with the end of the Fashion Epic, comes the news we all already knew:

Olivier Theyskens has officially exited Nina Ricci, as of March 10th, to be replaced by Louis Vuitton designer Peter Copping.

This means a totally new designer for the stories house for Spring 2010, and a major opening at LVMH, unless Marc’s already found Peter’s replacement.

Of course, everyone’s wondering (hoping) if Olivier will take this opportunity to revive his namesake label. But we’re betting it’ll be months before we hear from him again, because we’re pretty sure a vacation’s in order once you’ve been gossiped over around the world.

Did the Times just confirm Peter Copping’s appointment to Nina Ricci?

The speculation surrounding Olivier Theysken’s departure from Nina Ricci has been accepted as fact, even though no official announcement from Puig Group, Nina Ricci’s parent company, has been made. But what every front row gossip wasn’t totally sure about was who exactly would take Olivier’s place.

Peter Copping seemed the most likely contender, especially after he supposedly put in his resignation at Louis Vuitton at the beginning of the year, after having met with Mario Grauso, Puig’s president. But now, Eric Wilson’s gone ahead and stated that Olivier will be “replaced by Peter Copping,” which pretty much sets it in stone - obviously, Eric knows something nobody else does (at least not officially).

So who’s taking Peter’s spot as women’s studio director at Louis Vuitton? And how long before Olivier comes out with his own label?

On Friday night, I stared at my suitcase trying to figure out what I could wear that would work for a hipster dinner in the 10th arrondissement followed by a black tie event in the 1st. I ended up with a weird mix of Marc Jacobs & Abercrombie - but one of Sophia Kokosalaki’s Fall 09 dresses might have been better.

Last season’s Grecian warrior princess knocked a couple of years off her age, shortened her skirt and threw on a sick jacket - cropped, plated in metals, sequins - that was like fashion armor.

A handful of dresses were constructed from sheer black fabric draped over nude jersey and silk - they reminded me of Alexander Wang. And the beribboned details brought to mind both Behnaz and Nina Ricci. Or it’s just that time of the season where everything starts to look alike.

The sturdy shoes caused a stir in rows one through five and I decided Olga Sherer’s one of my favorite runway models.

Also, Karlie’s deathwalk still makes me giggle.

1. Everyone here wears fur. Seriously, it’s incorporated into almost every outfit.

2. The only champagne I’ve seen was an empty bottle on the Boulevard Saint-Germain last night. 1-0 London.

3. I’ve been captivated by the politics of seating this season. In Paris, the Carines and Anna Della Russos sit in front, naturally, but I’ve seen Derek Blasberg and Glenn O’Brien sit second row while Kate Lanphear’s in the third.

4. Not fashion related, but they have pancakes at Starbucks. (I had to, it’s the only place I’m not embarrassed to order a coffee to take away).

5. A friend saw Charlotte Gainsbourg in the Shell (yes, gas station) mini-mart. She was browsing crackers.

6. The photo pits are huge.

7. There was a Fashion Week Daily reporter at Nina Ricci - but if they’re here where is the Parisian Daily???

I held on tight to my Nina Ricci invitation all day.

Hard invitations are gold in Paris - no invite, no luck - and I wasn’t going to miss Olivier Theyskens’ last Nina Ricci collection for anything.

Unfortunately, my cab driver, or the traffic ahead of us, didn’t care that I had to get there, and so, at 7:27 I bolted out of the car and ran, desperately looking for a familiar face or anyone significantly underdressed for the Paris cold. Finally, I stumbled past a very serious security gate and into my seat with seconds to spare.

Paparazzi descended upon the front row, a hippie-headbanded Milla Jovovich was sandwiched in between Carine and Lou Doillon (side note: Earlier today, an editor suggested that I remind them of Charlotte Gainsbourg to which I almost actually said, “I die” out loud. Time to stop quoting Rachel Zoe in my head and time for said editor to get glasses), with Leigh Lezark and Emannuelle Alt on each end. Five camera flashes and the lights went out, a model started walking and the music clicked on - in that order.

The clothes were gorgeous, of course, but the shoes were literally breathtaking. The ball of the foot rested on at least a five inch platform while the heel ascended another few inches, without an actual heel which made it look like the girls were floating on air. Gowns came with giant sheer black ruffles, hot pink and turquoise glitter and beaded floral trains. The red jacket and long skirt caused the audience to spontaneously combust in applause mid-collection (something I’ve never seen, Natalie once at ThreeAsfour) though front-row grins lingered for the duration of the show.

Though I’d corrected at least three people throughout the day, “But it’s not confirmed that he’s leaving! He might make it!,” there was no questioning Olivier’s wave good-bye and the enthusiastic but sad standing ovation.

Even though you may not be very familiar with the name Peter Copping, according to WWD, you will be very soon.

The women’s studio director of Louis Vuitton, who’s been with the company since 1997, is said to have already tendered his resignation, which compounds speculation of his joining the Puig Group (Nina Ricci’s parent company) after having met with Puig President Mario Grauso earlier this month.

Obviously, everyone’s thinking Peter’s been tapped to replace Olivier, who is allegedly done at Nina Ricci after his Fall 09 show, leaving Peter in the spotlight (of course, most of the design credit at Louis Vuitton goes to Marc, not the many people who work directly under him) and Olivier unemployed.

If this is all true (which we’re betting no one will know for sure until at least March), the moves would leave not only Olivier looking for yet another high-profile job (and since Rochas is currently taken by Versace veteran Marco Zanini, we can’t expect the revival everybody wants) but also a pretty huge gap at Louis Vuitton.

We’re guessing Kanye’s dusting off his resume right about now.

We’re getting breathless e-mails asking what, exactly, is the deal with this Grazia item reporting an already battered rumor - that Nina Ricci is looking to replace Olivier Theyskens with an unnamed successor - from the front row at Spring 09 couture this week.

But honestly, we’re surprised it’s even come up again. Not only is Olivier’s Fall 09 show in mere weeks, but he just announced a major accessories line with Nina Ricci not even two weeks ago, and Mario Grauso, the president of Nina Ricci’s parent company Puig Fashion, recently made a point of reaffirming his love for Olivier after rumors of disharmony persisted for months.

Unless of course, all these facts are worth nothing, and Olivier is about to face a Facchinetti-style ousting this March (even though his contract with Nina Ricci isn’t up for renegotiation until this October.)

Guess we’ll have to wait until the dust (and front row boredom) settles.

From a conversation last night:

“Did you know there’s dissent in the Gossip Girl wardrobe closet?

The main costume designer is clashing with the other stylists and producers on set because they think he’s making Blake look like a “trashy whore” and they’re convinced he was responsible for her awful Golden Globes dress.

Very funny.”

Yikes. We have to say, we kind of agree, but wouldn’t (and yes, it pains us to say this) Olivier be responsible for that particular look?

Just saying…

“When the economy changes, it’s not like you want to start eating bad-tasting chocolate.” - Olivier Theyskens, after showing his pre-fall collection (which includes a newly expanded accessories line - think bags between $1800 and $2500, and one for $25000), to WWD.

The other day, my mother told me about this book called The Necklace, which follows the story of thirteen women who buy a diamond necklace to share - they couldn’t afford it individually - and find that their perception of value and luxury changes drastically.

The concept is provocative; enjoying the glamour and fun of a diamond necklace at a drastically lower price, and bonding in the process. Sign me up.

I think it would be amazing to go in with your best friends on something like Goyard Luggage, or a Rick Owens fur, or a Nina Ricci gown. In short, something super expensive that you wouldn’t use everyday, and thus wouldn’t miss.

But Natalie went straight to the practicality factor: What if one person loses it? Or breaks it? Or you all want to use it at the same time?

But realistically, just like a timeshare, if someone did lose the item then I suppose they would be responsible to pay everyone back, just like if you borrowed anything from your friend and broke it. Here at least, you have the innate trust that it belongs to you all.

Plus, there’s the fun factor, as Britt called it, a sort of “sisterhood of the traveling necklace”. But she also thinks it complicates what should be a very simple process - getting dressed - with issues like timing, calling, e-mailing, texting, etc, which adds too much time to something that may already take some people half the morning.

This all seems very green, and fun and exciting to me (not to mention a potentially genius solution to everyone’s dwindling shopping funds), but what about you guys?

Could you deal with part ownership of a bracelet the same way you could for a private jet?

—BRETT KANE

This weekend, The Los Angeles Times discusses a budding brew between Sarah Jessica Parker and Nina Ricci.

As you all know, SJP wore a Theyskens gown to the NYC premiere of Sex and the City - the same gown that Lauren Santo Domingo wore to the Met Ball about a month ago; the same gown that Lindsay Lohan trashed up in Harper’s Bazaar before that.

SJP is peeved because Nina Ricci told her the dress was exclusively hers, and she tells Cathy Horyn at The Times that “there is a relationship between the entertainment industry and fashion. We’ve watched sales dwindle and we’ve watched people be less inclined to spend money on clothes.”

LA blogger Monica Corcoran’s reaction?

“[My blog] loves the passive-aggressive threat appliqued to Parker’s statement…. Parker’s comment about dwindling sales seems to suggest that only red carpet exposure will save a label. Um, do you really think SATC fans ran out to buy this silver gown after seeing it at the premiere?”

It’s pretty funny, albeit a little harsh - obviously, SJP would want some crazy new dress for the biggest movie event of her life, and she’s incredulous that a fashion house lied to her about it - but it’s not the best part of the story.

That goes to what the LA Times labeled their photo of Lohan in the Nina Ricci dress. Download the photo from the site, and notice it’s name:

ADDICT IN A PRETTY DRESS.jpg

Hey Monica, can we buy you a drink?

Victoria’s Secret is apparently grooming Namibian Behati Prinsloo to be “the next Gisele”.

The nineteen year old’s already posed for Nina Ricci, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Gap and H&M.

She signed on to model for the lingerie company at the end of February, but we think she’s really too cool looking to just be a Pink girl anyway.

We’re more excited to see her debut in the new, and actually first, Virgins video this summer rather than on mall billboards and catalog covers.

Not to mention we can’t think of anything weirder than rocking out with New York’s favorite underground/non-underground band while simultaneously hawking low-rise sweatpants with ‘pink’ plastered across the butt.

Guess our summers are usually more low key.

Lauren Davis and Reese Witherspoon may be Olivier Theyskens’ biggest fans, but all other Yankee babes might need to step back:

We hear the notoriously snobby Nina Ricci press crew is revoking seats from American magazines, giving their viewing privileges to glossies in Russia and Japan instead.

The swap is creating something of a crush for magazines that aren’t Vogue, forcing editors to squabble rather loudly in certain hotel lobbies about who’s status is more important, an accessories director or a senior market editor.

It would be easy enough to say Fuck It if the clothes were overrated, but sadly, they’re gorgeous, so the fights might actually be worth it…