Natalie Portman wears a jealousy-inducing amount of Chanel on the cover of the current V.

Not content to pay homage to the brand through editorial, the magazine enlisted the help of filmmaker Stephen Smith to make a short film dedicated to the house of Chanel.

Natalie Portman’s not in it, instead it features a stop-motion collage of Chanel imagery, including some killer striped booties and a tweed hatbox bag, that make for the liveliest wish list we’ve ever seen in action.

Happy early birthday to me is what I thought when I opened up this email with V’s latest beauty extravaganza.

My former beauty editor heart definitely starts beating a little faster when a single story contains work by so many of my most favorite hairstylists, makeup artists, and photographers. And the models aren’t too shabby either!

Seriously check out just some of the people who gave their interpretations of what the definition of beauty will be in the next decade: Gucci Westman, Aaron de Mey, Didier Malige, James Kaliardos, Val Garland, Richard Burbridge, Miles Aldridge, Jimmy Paul, Julien d’Ys, Mario Sorrenti. The list goes on and on and their work is completely outstanding.

We’re kind of obsessing over these shots of Natalia from the upcoming issue of V, shot by Hedi Slimane and styled by Nicola Formichetti (who also did that awesome Gaga video we put up the other day.)

One, because we never tire of Ms.Vodianova. Two, because we love pretty much everything that Hedi shoots. Three, the gold eye makeup. And four, we’re suckers for music references mixed with couture.

Here’s what we’ve come up with so far: the last shot is oh-so very Madonna “Like A Virgin” both the video and the classic VMA performance. In the middle spread, we’re feeling a little Brit Brit nude bodysuit circa that rockin’ “Oops I Did It Again” at the 2000 VMAs while we’re getting Grace Jones vibes from the one on the right.

But we’re a bit stymied as to the opening spread shot. What do you think??? (Oh and be warned there’s a little bit of nipple action.)

Bend it Like the Other Beckham: Heidi Mount plays Posh Spice in this on-line only editorial from V. Though “chasing her kids all day,” really? {V}

Not So Fast: Gen Art, the nonprofit organization known for supporting emerging designers (including at points Zac Posen, Sari Gueron and Phillip Lim) is having serious financial trouble. This tipster says, “Gen Art deserves to die.” {Gawker}

Biba-licious: Biba’s up there with Halston as one of the brands we can’t quite keep track of. It’s just been announced that online retailer Marisot will launch Biba for fall using inspiration from past collection. Um, okay. {VogueUK}

Made Over & Under: Trinny and Susannah, the British makeover artists extraordinaire, are coming to America. Actually, they’re already here, taking Eric Wilson shopping and plucking poor souls out of Times Square and into Zara, including one woman who’d never heard of Elle MacPherson. {NYTimes}

We had a little thing in my family when I was younger that when someone was wrong, he/she had to repeat this sentence three times in rapid succession, “You were right and I was wrong.”

Now, I’m not willing to completely concede on the face paint front by any means, but I do have to admit that Drew Barrymore may have been on to a trend (albeit one I’m not necessarily into) with her painted cheeks and forehead at Bonnaroo.

This spread from a story in the newest issue of V Magazine (shot by Willy Vanderperre) shows Iris sporting the darker, edgier version, in comparision to Drew’s hippie fairy.

Regardless of my feelings on the matter, it seems that I may have to accept this as a trend for a bit longer than expected. But then again, it might just grow on me, in which case I’ll totally do the “You were right…” speech, even if you all can’t hear me.

Last year, V named Amanda Laine their model search winner.

Since then, the Canadian’s walked everything from Alex Wang to McQueen, Miu Miu to Vuitton. She’s been in V (obviously), Interview, POP, Numero, W, Bazaar and more. Needless to say, Stephen Gan’s eye for runway potential has a one up on Tyra’s.

So now the mag’s teamed up with Ford Models and thrown Alexander Wang onto their judging panel to find the next superstar. They’ve already received over 6000 online entries, but you have until June 29th to submit your profile on their site.

Finalists will be announced July 3rd and from there the winner gets an editorial in V and a contract with Ford, which is kind of priceless. Gan wants to, “unearth the next classic female beauty with a twist.”

If that’s you, you better get a move on.

We’re always excited when the latest Naomi Campbell gossip isn’t lawsuit-related, so it was great to hear that Karl’s shooting her in Moscow for a V Magazine spread. We love that two of our favorite icons are teaming up in the city that Karl paid homage to with his pre-fall collection in December. But actually, this was Karl’s first time in the city.

Makes us wonder: is it too presumptuous for a designer to base a collection on a place he has never visited? John Galliano is known for making extensive visits to Egypt or Japan to immerse himself in the culture before he goes to the drawing board.

Well, Karl did it, and he told WWD, “I like imagination and the way I think things could be, had been or should be — better than reality. You’re never disappointed by your imagination, but you can be very disappointed by reality.”

Reality has been coming up an awful lot in fashion. We raised our eyebrows when Riccardo Tisci said he was aiming for reality with the new Givenchy ads. Karl’s going in the opposite direction: even a real place has been imagined, for him.

So our final take on Karl and Naomi’s Moscow? It’s exactly the sort of fashion fantasy that we’d like to escape to.

—AMANDA JEAN BOYLE

Sneak a Peek: Here’s a peek at Christian Siriano’s actual shoes for Payless. Lots of crinkled patent and some chain details, considerably less dramatic than what hit his runway earlier this year. {Racked}

Mario & Maillots: Just in case it’s not hot enough for you, here’s a look at Mario Testino’s newest editorial for V’s Swimsuit Issue. {VBlog}

Barbie Girl: Because everything should be candy colored come summer, here’s a list of the best pink lipsticks and the girls who wear them well. {WWWD}

“He recently taught me not to offer false flattery, though he’s not aware of the lesson. After this Paris-Moscow show we were all going for sushi and we were waiting for him to finish his interviews. So, finally done with all this talk about the show, he comes over, “Ms. Tallulah…” and, as a reflex, I turn around and say, “The show was fantaaaaasstic, Kaaaarl,” just like everyone else had for hours. He just looked at me like, “You’re an idiot and you have nothing better to say to me.” He literally grunted and walked off. So I learned: don’t blow smoke up people’s arses. I should have spoken about anything else. I should have just said I was really looking forward to some sashimi.” —Tallulah Harlech on Karl Lagerfeld in V.

“I always love working with Mario. It’s like catching up with my brother.” —Kate Moss, on her ex-boyfriend Mario Sorrenti, in V.

To: Tips@Fashionista.com

From: Photo@[at]vmagazine.com

V Magazine is in search of a few great photographers to take party photos. Photographers MUST have a keen knowledge of key industry figures, impeccable taste level and most importantly, a quality digital camera (please no 5.0 megapixels, etc).

We need real photographers with an interest in the industry, tireless professionalism and a high level of availability for any events that may arise. Those selected for an interview MUST bring their camera and portfolio. There is no compensation but you will gain entry into the most exclusive industry parties and receive a V Mag by-line.

Please note, the “from” e-mail is where you should send your info to… Luck!

To: Tips@Fashionista.com

From: Photo[at]vmagazine.com

Hi Fashionista,

Hope all is well! V Magazine’s photo/bookings/casting department is in search of great interns who can help out- school credit can be arranged if necessary. The interns will assist in all aspects of the booking process (photographers, hair, makeup, models) and photo/credits (proofing, organizing, logging files, etc). Very hands on and a great work environment. Please be available at least 2 days a week, the internship is unpaid but there’s plenty of experience to be gained and more than a few fabulous parties :)

Yes, the above e-mail address is real this time, so good luck!

If you think pretty editorials could benefit from a little bit of life, Nick Knight’s on the job.

Because while it’s nice to see images of models frozen mid-jump in this season’s runway looks, it’s even better to see them actually jump - half the beauty is in the movement.

As of today, you can see the final results of SHOWstudio’s “Let There Be Light” project. Knight, in collaboration with Ruth Hogben (one of Nick’s close associates), has directed Lily Donaldson dressed up in the best of Spring 09 - a Margiela jacket, a Jil Sander bodysuit, Lanvin pants, Balenciaga shoes.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at Lily’s photo shoot. Head to SHOWstudio for the final cut and highlights from V’s editorial.

—JULIA HERMANNS

Bad news: the Colette pop-up store at the 54th St Gap closes this Sunday.

Good news: They’ve got one more exclusive, limited-edition trick up their sleeves.

They’re releasing t-shirt versions of the the fourteen model portraits Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin shot for the 55th edition of V, including Abbey Lee, Eniko and Daria, for sale all weekend.

We’re not totally sure we want to walk around with Daria’s face right under ours, but it could still make a good piece for the wall, like a photograph but with texture.

Afterthought: Oh who the hell are we kidding? It would be the funniest possible t-shirt to wear to the gym, so why not?

Does anyone else think it’s weird / funny that the magazine publishing industry’s expanding like it’s 1929?

Not only is Conde Nast sinking untold sums into Katie Grand’s new brain child, but now we’re hearing that the currently bi-annual V Man is going monthly (and Jazzi just pointed out that regular V is now just $10/year.)

Is it simply that nobody cares about the recession? Or is it that V Man figures it’s upmarket enough that people still want more from them? Or is it because of the economy, like the way alcohol and cigarette consumption goes up during times of great stress (we, too, really need magazine pages to turn when we worry about stuff like the world.)

We don’t know, but we do know more V Man means more boys + fashion, so bring it on.