Last Night’s Party: OK, Cavalli Was Worth The Wait

PARIS–In general, I’m a pretty impatient person. Which means if I role up to a party and there’s a massive queue, I typically just walk away.

But I really wanted to attend tonight’s Roberto Cavalli 40th anniversary celebration at École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts. Probably because it’s the first day of Paris Fashion Week and I still have the energy to do more than write. Also, Cavalli knows how to throw a proper party. I knew it would be good. At least the food would be good.

So around 10pm, I left my hotel and headed over. As I walked up to the gate, I instantly knew that arriving an hour and a half after start time was a bad idea. Yet I was able to easily weasel my way to the velvet rope. They weren’t allowing anyone in at that moment, but I assumed it would be soon enough.

An hour later, I was still waiting. As I mentioned before, this is not my thing. But you know, it was kind of interesting. I saw about a gazillion celebrities, models, and top editors wander around the premises–Francesca Sozzani looking lovely and happy next to Italian actress Valeria Golino, Carolyn Murphy, Anja Rubik–all the while listening to crazy party goers try to get through the gate. People will say some crazy shit to get into a party. They will yell and scream. They will violently push. As impatient as I am, I just can’t do that. But something–a masochistic part of my subconscious–kept me just behind that rope.

Then, luckily, a very kind, patient publicist pulled me out of the crowd. I was in.

And I must say, it was strangely satisfying. Probably because, as I entered the ballroom, I heard the few moments of Kylie Minogue singing “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” as everyone drank champagne out of red goblets. (Apparently Minogue was paid an exorbitant amount of money to perform. Although I’m not surprised. In Europe, Kylie is as famous as Madonna.)

There were tall banquets filled with berries, grapes, petits fours, and other sweeties. Everyone grabbing for the desserts seemed to be clad in Cavalli–there was lots of leopard print and gold sequins going around.

I ran into Bryan Boy, who looked fetching in a sequined Kenzo cardigan lined in fur at the bottom. Soon enough, Mr. Cavalli himself was onstage with Heidi Klum, thanking everyone for attending. Out came a massive 10 foot white and gold cake alive with candles.

Cavalli was followed by a DJ whose name I can’t remember. (Karlie Kloss’ friend was quite offended by the fact that I didn’t know who he was. “He’s very well known!” she explained to me. However, she was British, and the Brits love their DJs, so I will forgive her for judging me.)

“I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas, which was my cue to say goodbye. But not before seeing Tyra Banks saunter out the door. “We love you Tyra!” Mr. Boy yelled after her with giddy affection. We do indeed. And we love Cavalli. Because who else is fabulous enough to making waiting in line for an hour worthwhile?

Lipstick Diaries x Costumes Inc Halloween giveaway- 2 winners!

That time of the year is almost upon us, have you found your costume yet? Well have no fear, we’ve got you covered, along with the great people over at Costumes Inc. We had a great response to last year’s giveaway, so we thought we’d treat you with another one! Costumes Inc has an amazing collection of costumes for every age, every size, and even pets! Contest is open to US residents only!

For this years contest, we’ll be giving away to one lucky winner, one $100 gift certificate to splurge, and $50 for the runner up- yes, that’s two winners!

How to enter:

1) Please leave a comment and tell us which costume you like at Costumes Inc

2) Please “Like” Costumes Inc on Facebook

3) Please “Like” The Lipstick Diaries on Facebook

Contest will run until October 13th, and one winner and one runner up will be contacted via e-mail, so please make sure you spell your e-mail correctly!

Good luck!!!!

Extreme vs Natural Make Up: Who looks better?

Jennifer Lopez

What exactly does “extreme make-up” look like? And I’m not talking about playboy or porn star model make-up, I think that’s the top of the top. I’m talking extreme shadow, extreme liner, and extreme blush, etc. Celebrities known to wear extreme make-up include Kim Kardashian,and Eva Longoria. Sometimes, extreme make-up is exactly what some women look better in. And some celebrities just look prettier naturally with less make-up. What is natural make-up? Little to no shadow, natural mascara, light blush and a nude or light pink lipstick.

I’d like for our readers to leave a comment with who they think looks better in what.

Who looks better in extreme make-up? And who looks better with a more subtle natural look? PS I’m not asking “whose prettier”!

Taylor Momsen

Hit the jump for more..

Anne Hathaway

Rachel Bilson

Hayden Panettiere

Nicole Richie

Beyonce

Eva Longoria

Jessica Simpson

Shakira

Jessica Biel

Photos via Too Fab

Frozen Aisle Alert: PlantPure Offers Tasty Entrees for Vegetarians, Vegans

PlantPure, formerly NewLeaf, offers a variety of vegan frozen meals.

We’ve long searched the frozen food aisle for entrees that are vegetarian, healthy, convenient, environmentally friendly and flavorful. So we were delighted to find all our requirements met by PlantPure, available at Whole Foods, where choices include Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Romesco Sauce, Java Barbeque Tempeh with Quinoa, and Tuscan Pesto Pasta with Alfredo Sauce, priced at $4.99 per 12-ounce meal. This fall, Tangerine Stir Fry on Forbidden Rice will be added to the all-vegan lineup, with four more entrees to follow.

PlantPure has an interesting pedigree to boot. Co-founder Nelson Campbell is the son of T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., the Cornell researcher who helped instigate the China Study in the ’70s; he also wrote a book about the experience called The China Study (BenBella Books, 2004). The exhaustive research was among the first to get experts to sit up and take notice of plant-based diets, showing the link between nutrition and reduced incidence of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Vegetarian and vegan diets also have been shown to be more eco-friendly, using fewer land and water resources.

Campbell and Frank Davis started the company in 2009 as NewLeaf, but changed the name to PlantPure to better reflect their goal of promoting healthy plant-based diets. During the transition, you still may find some entrees with the old moniker in the freezer section. Don’t have a Whole Foods store near you? Just go to PlantPure’s website and order for home delivery. The online store also offers a variety of freeze-dried entrees ($47.70 per box of six), such as Country Style Tomato Rotini and Portabella Mushroom Stroganoff.

Made by Prada, Wearable luxury, Longchamp shines, Building a digital flagship, Japanese patterns

A "Made In Scotland" Prada skirt | Source: NY Times

Throwing Down the Gauntlet (IHT)

“‘Made in Italy’ — who cares? It’s not a brand strength if you have to defend your work’ says Ms. Prada…’Mine is a political statement and it comes from a personal appreciation of originality.’”

Milan fashion shines in wearable luxury (Reuters)

“Italian fashion designers created shimmering, fluid looks for their 2011 spring/summer collections, mixing fringes and lengths to seduce women as conscious of their bodies as of their money.”

Longchamp Predicts 2010 Sales Jump (Plush)

“Longchamp, one of France’s leading handbag makers, will beat its own expectations for 2010 thanks to a strong influx of tourist shoppers, strength in Asia and a rebound in the United States.”

How To: Build a Digital Flagship (Fashion’s Collective)

“For brands, rather than establish microsites for campaigns, like we would physical pop-up shop locations, creating a digital flagship allows the website to be the main hub for all brand communications.”

Making magic with Japanese patterns (Telegraph)

“If you are an ace dressmaker, looking for a whole new dimension in your cutting and sewing, make sure you get yourself a copy of Pattern Magic… a thoroughly inspiring and fascinating new book about Japanese pattern cutting.”

Olivier Theyskens speaks out about his Love of Cats, the Creative Process, and the Role of Drama in his Life

Oliver Theyskens | Photo: Monika Bielskyte for SOME/THINGS

PARIS, FRANCE — Olivier Theyskens caused a veritable fashionista frenzy in New York earlier this month when he launched a capsule collection for American contemporary brand Theory, which is known for its accessible prices and well-fitting trousers, but not necessarily for its fashion aesthetic or production quality. It was a surprise move for Mr. Theyskens, a designer who has been criticised in the past as being out of touch with the commercial side of the business during his time at Rochas and Nina Ricci.

The new capsule collection — dubbed Theyskens’ Theory — put that criticism to rest, for once and for all. Suzy Menkes, the fashion critic for the International Herald Tribune, wrote that “if Theory succeeds in raising the quality, while keeping an acceptable price for the workmanship, Mr. Theyskens may be able to express himself even better than when he was at couture’s giddy heights.” Menkes’ colleague and counterpart at the New York Times, Cathy Horyn, said the clothes were “remarkable because they reflect Mr. Theyskens’s signature drainpipe style, but also look like Theory’s urban wardrobe.” And Style.com’s Nicole Phelps concluded that Theory CEO Andrew Rosen “made Olivier Theyskens fans into some very happy girls,” with high-quality fabrics from Italy and Japan, manufactured into desirable garments in America and China, keeping most of the garments well below $1,000.

But don’t let this newfound pragmatism fool you into thinking that Theyskens is out of touch with his more creative, esoteric side. I had the privilege of sitting alongside Mr Theyskens on the graduate jury at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts last year, and witnessed first hand his passion for the raw creativity on display at one of the finest fashion schools in the world. And today, The Business of Fashion can exclusively bring to you an excerpt of an extensive, candid interview with Theyskens by Stephen Todd, kindly provided to us by SOME/THINGS magazine, which was featured in BoF last year.

Photographed by the magazine’s founder Monika Bielskyte in an intimate one-on-one photo shoot, Theyskens reveals himself to be an alluring subject for the camera, distinctly different from the somewhat ethereal images we have seen of him in the past, and shares his love of cats, the creative process, and the role of drama in his life.

Stephen Todd: In a previous conversation, when I mentioned to you that you’d fallen asleep curled up in a ball on a tiny couch at Jacky’s (co-founder of Shirtology & one of Olivier’s best friends) place, you said you were like a kitten!

Olivier Theyskens: I’m very cat! I love all animals, but cats are particularly beautiful. A cat is everything more than we are: more supple, more streamlined, more independent, faster, more agile. Everything! I have a chat sauvage, a once feral cat, that I had to leave in Belgium because she is in her habitat there. She’s incredible: blacker than black, with enormous whiskers, truly extraordinary. She’s a fantastic hunter, a real feline creature.

ST: I find it interesting that you give yourself so easily to being photographed. I always think of you as someone who keeps a distance, solitary. You’ve never struck me as the kind of guy who allows easy access to himself.

OT: Solitary? I can be, and I certainly have been during different periods of my life. But I can also be extremely social, although I’m very conscious not to allow myself to grow tired of that. Tired of people. I can see people non-stop and then, all of a sudden, have an almost visceral need to be alone. Often that corresponds with a great flood of creativity, when I feel this incredible need to isolate myself and think, and dream and draw. But then, after a few days of that, I feel the need again to be social, to see friends, or colleagues to chat, to reflect on what I’ve done, to input their points of view.

I really admire people who have that incredible discipline to draw all alone every morning. But that’s not me. I’m too sporadic in my desires. That said, when I began in fashion, I believed as a designer you had to draw all alone, to be isolated in your creative space, à la Yves Saint Laurent. But it’s not true. Not even for Saint Laurent, he had Loulou and all these other little satellites revolving around him, showing him fabric, accessories, saying ‘What do you think of this, of that?’ and that, would it look good… So, in fact, despite the myth, he never really worked completely alone. Sure, sometimes he found himself alone in the room, him and his solitude. He had a kind of mini Court of Versailles nonetheless. And the thing with having a little court is that from time to time you feel the impulse to escape, the need to be alone in order to breathe.

ST: Your aesthetic has a distinctly dramatic side. What role does drama have in your life?

OT: I’ve always liked drama, that’s for sure. But on the podium, not in my QUOTIDIaN! I always like it when behind first appearances there is an undertow of drama, a potential for an explosion of emotion or an extravagant gesture that will make everybody stop and pay attention. If you need to have strength in life, it’s because something out there could harm you. Or at least make you feel fragile, vulnerable, so you have to be constantly on the look-out.

It’s that tensile feeling that I find both compelling & repelling. There is nothing that inspires me less than someone who is completely happy in the face of life, who goes about life completely content with all that is thrown in their path. The person who just floats along, with no idea where they’re going, no engagement with the world. Let’s just say, she would not be my muse! I appreciate people who are conscious, awake, who are alive to what’s going on around them. Who, when they see something cruel, cry. I find that really important. For me, beauty could never function in conjunction with a stance that is beyond reality.

The complete interview with Olivier Theyskens appears in ISSUE003 of SOME/THINGS, available in select fashion stores and art galleries in 20 countries around the world. The magazine will be hosting a launch party to close out Paris Fashion Week on 6 October 2010. For further information, please contact events@someslashthings.com.

Futuristic fashion shows, The Brioni woman, Digital Vuitton, Paris’ dilemma, Roitfeld talks Vogue

Is a Runway Show Really Necessary? (NY Times)

“In [the film's] bravura, its beauty and its possibility of going viral to hundreds of million of people… this grand slam in the virtual world poses a question that is increasingly being asked by both designers and executives: Is a fashion show really necessary?”

Imagining the Brioni Woman (WSJ)

“Mr. Dell’Acqua’s task is to inject his romantic, feminine-but-not-frilly aesthetic into a label whose womenswear has in the past seemed severe… The designer is taking a surprising approach for a brand associated with chairmen of the board.”

Louis Vuitton ramps up social media, mobile engagement efforts (Luxury Daily)

“Luxury icon Louis Vuitton is accelerating efforts to engage its legion of fans through social media such as Facebook and via streaming video on mobile phones.”

Paris fashion week faces a dilemma (Guardian)

“Paris fashion week… faces a dilemma: eestick with the minimalist aesthetic championed last season, and risk looking outdated. Or embrace the exuberant 1970s trend that has swept New York, London and Milan fashion weeks, and look derivative.”

Q. and A. With Carine Roitfeld (On the Runway)

“Vogue is a very specific world. You are Vogue, or not Vogue. There are some editors and writers who can be very good, and still not Vogue… It is, first, having the sense of luxury. It’s a sense of craziness, a bit. It’s a sense of beauty.”

Milan Fashion Week Spring 2011: The Nine Best Looks

The fashion that came off the runways in Milan this week was bright and bold and beautiful. From the DayGlo and Baroque and Latin flair at Prada, to the neon color blocking and couture silhouettes at Jil Sander, to the wedding-white lace confections at Dolce & Gabbana, Milan’s designers made an impressive showing this season.

It was my first time seeing the collections in Milan, so while I have less basis for comparison, all the heavy-hitting critics–Horyn, Menkes, Alexander–seemed to be in agreement that this season was one of the strongest showings from Milan in some time.

Here are my top nine looks.

Ferragamo Enters the Color Wars

Does this look moon-colored?

When writing about fashion, describing color is one of the places where folks tend to get really creative.

J.Crew’s always had a lock on the best color names, putting Crayola’s 64 box to shame. Right now, they’ve got tees in “frosty mint,” “spicy russet,” “violet dust,” “bright seaport,” “bronzed twig,” and “dried petunia.”

But the team at Ferragamo are angling for the most creative color descriptions I’ve come across. I described the color palette of Ferragamo’s refined Bohemian spring 2011 collection as “beachy” and “neutral.” I was way off.

Here’s their take:
“A mosaic of atmospheres that find a perfect balance in the colours of a sophisticated palette: Sage, Grass, Macaroon, Burnt Sienna, Jade to the extreme of Moon or the dazzle of Lemonade. An exploration of colour that reaches the unmistakable tones of Malachite, the intensity of Orient Blue and the reassuring warmth of Brick.”

What color is Moon? Or Macaroon? Is it a plain macaroon or a chocolate one? Now I’m hungry.

What’s the best color name you’ve come across?

Brad Bids Farewell to Rachel Zoe

It’s the end of an era. Brad Goreski, Rachel’s one and only, has made the decision to leave Team Rachel Zoe, effective October 1. The split was amicable, according to People. Brad explained, “I love Rachel and she’s taught me everything I know. But there’s a point where either I do it now or I’ll never know what it’s like to spread my wings and soar.”

We feel you Brad, and we have to say we’re not entirely surprised. There was a lot of foreshadowing in last week’s episode of The Rachel Zoe Project. Speaking of which, how will that show go on without Brad or Taylor? And, um, how will Rachel live? She laments, “No one’s ever going to be Brad to me.”

No one will ever be Brad to us either Rachel, but we’re excited to see what he can do on his own. And we hope he has plenty of time to spend with his dogs and boyfriend. Plus, maybe this will be good for Rachel and Rodger, who had to have been at least a little jealous of Brad.

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Juicy Couture Hires American Eagle’s Head Designer

If you love Juicy Couture’s velour track suits–no judging, we promise–but find $196 price tag a bit jarring, good news:

Liz Claiborne, the company that now owns Juicy Couture and kicked out founders Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy about a year ago, has hired American Eagle’s chief design officer LeAnn Nealz to head up the brand, reports WWD.

It can be deduced that her role will not only be to update the brand’s image, but also to make it even more mass than it already is. Which hopefully means slightly lower prices.

Prior to American Eagle, Nealz worked at Gap, Banana Republic, Nine West, Theory, and ck Jeans. So her experience is in mass market retail. Much like Deborah Lloyd, who has successfully maintained the DNA of the Kate Spade brand (also owned by Liz Claiborne) while keeping the prices moderate and expanding its reach, Nealz’s job will be to freshen up the Juicy look, while making it easier for more people to buy more pieces.

Designer Erin Fetherston, who’s been working with the brand since the spring, will end her creative consultancy at the end of 2011.

Fashion News Roundup: Bing Partners With The Row, Florio to IMG, and Donna Karan’s New Online Digs

From Zoe to The Row: Every time one of those weird Bing “commercials” came on during the Rachel Zoe Project, we couldn’t help but think, “Why is Microsoft trying so hard to make Bing happen and why are they targeting Rachel Zoe’s audience?” Now, they’re tapping into another fashion brand–The Row. In an exclusive partnership, Bing.com will air coverage of their SS2011 collection in two “short films.” A teaser is up now. According to a press release, this collab makes sense because, “Bing and The Row share a commitment to visual beauty which combine for a unique partnership.” Okay, Bing. {Bing.com}

Tom Florio to IMG: Tom Florio left his publishing position at Condé Nast over three months ago and we’ve all been wondering what his next job would be. Turns out, IMG created one for him. The company announced today Florio’s appointment as senior advisor for fashion to the office of the chairman, effective October 1. {Daily Front Row}

Awkward Next Top Model: On Monday night’s live finale of Australia’s Next Top Model, host Sarah Murdoch announced the wrong winner, only to find out through her earpiece and correct herself after Kelsey made her heartfelt acceptance speech. Awkward. However, all is not lost for Kelsey. Because of the mistake and closeness of the votes, both her and Amanda (the real winner) won the grand prize which is $25,000, a trip to NYC and a Harper’s Bazaar cover. {DDG Daily}

New York Minute: Donna Karan (and DKNY) just relaunched their e-commerce site and it’s kind of amazing. In addition to a seamless shopping experience, there’s tons of original content including behind the scenes footage, user-generated content, the “DKNY Times,” “Donna’s Journal” and a contest where you can enter to win a $10,000 Donna Karan wardrobe. {Donna Karan/DKNY}

The Adventures of Karl and Courtney: This short animated film hilariously and brilliantly depicts Courtney Love’s “style evolution.” Love commissioned filmmaker Michael Mouris to make the film, which includes cameos by Karl Lagerfeld, André Leon Talley and a magically gifted Birkin Bag. It’s entitled “The Dark Night of the Soul.” {Huffington Post}

Paris Fashion Week Spring 2011: The People and Parties You Don’t Want to Miss

PARIS–So I’ve landed in fashion’s beloved city, and I’m seeing Dries van Noten, Gareth Pugh, and Rochas later on today, but amidst the 90-plus shows are a gazillion good parties. Here’s a sampling of what’s on. If you’re in town, these are what you don’t want to miss:

Roberto Cavalli’s 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Party: Tonight
The Cavalli maison is turning 40, and celebrating with a grand party at Ecole des Beaux-Arts. There will be “special performances,” which we’re betting will include Leonna Lewis and Taylor Swift, who both sat front row at the designer’s Milan show.

Vogue Paris’ 90th Anniversary Gala: September 30
Carine’s tome is turning 90, so expect this to be the best-looking party of the week. Oh, and it’s a costume ball. So wear a mask.

H&M Champs Elysees: October 4
After struggling for years to secure a spot on the high-end shopping street, the fast fashion giant has opened a new flagship on the Champs Elysees, which means it’s time party.

Printemps & V Magazine: October 5
If you were too tired, like me, to see Courtney Love play at Don Hill‘s during New York Fashion Week, now’s your chance. She’ll be performing at this “Printemps Loves New York” party, hosted by V Magazine and the French department store.

There’s plenty of other stuff going on, but these are the ones you simply cannot miss. Au revoir, for now!

Street Style: Nanou’s Splash of Red

Name: Nanou

Occupation: Model

Agency: Next

Where are you from originally? Belgium

What was the last movie you saw? Ed Wood

What is the most prominent color in your wardrobe? Black

What’s your favorite food? I love seafood.

If you were to get a tattoo today, what would it be? The word “end” on my wrist…but I would never get a tattoo.

Where are your pants from? They are vintage.

**All photos by Ashley Jahncke.

Would You Rather…? The Speed Racer Edition

Would you rather race in Marni’s SS11 sporty ensembles or ride in Miu Miu’s AW08 jockey-inspired looks?

Sammi Sweetheart Wants to Get Into Fashion, Design Hair Extensions

Jenni “JWoww” Farley has always been the stand-out fashionista of the Jersey Shore girls, what with her barely there crop tops draped over her gravity-defying boobs and her new demure clothing line, Filthy Couture.

But now Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola is saying she wants to get involved.

“I’d love to get into fashion and designing hair extensions and hair products,” Gioncola told Gurl.com.

Hair extensions seems like a natural fit for Giancola. She’s always flat ironing her mane or fussing with it, even though it always seems like a perfectly gleaming column to me. Whatever she’s using now blends in pretty seamlessly with her real hair, so I trust that she’ll try to put out a quality product. As for a clothing line? Not sure how it will be that different from J-Woww’s line. Maybe more hot pants, less bra tops? And if Sammi is encroaching on J-Woww’s territory, does that mean another cat fight?

And all this is not to diminish Snooki’s style, which I love. Whenever she decides to launch a line of rhinestone encrusted sunglasses or a hairspray line, I’m behind it 100 percent.

Racked Dealfeed: Scoop, Ava Maria and Club Monaco

Scoop

Deal: Up to 80% off spring/summer merchandise
When/Where: Wednesday, September 29 through Monday, October 11. Weds September 29 9am—7pm, Mon—Wed 11am—7pm, Thurs—Sat 11am—8pm, Sun 11am—6pm. 875 Washington St at 14th Street (212-633-6539)

AvaMaria

Deal: Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes starting at $80, DVF dresses starting at $80, Catherine Malandrino dresses starting at $108, and more
When/Where: Wednesday, September 29 through Friday, October 1. Daily 11:30am—7:30pm. 107 Crosby St at Prince St (212-966-0909)

Club Monaco

Deal: Low prices on true samples for men and women
When/Where: Tuesday, September 28 through Thursday, September 30. Tues—Weds 9am—noon and 1pm—5pm, Thurs 9am—noon. 601 W. 26th St between 11th and 12 Aves, eighth floor, suite 800 (no phone)

Urban Outfitters
Deal: Enter code TEENVOGUE at checkout to save 20% off your order and get free shipping
Ends: October 31, 2010

Dolce & Gabbana Are “Well Done Chickens,” Open New Store to Showcase Spring Chickens

Over Milan fashion week, in addition to putting on two runway shows, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana also opened a new store on the Via della Spiga (Milan’s Fifth Ave.) called Spiga2. It’s a unique concept store: The designers hand picked from the collections of 25 young designers to feature alongside their own accessories.

Dolce & Gabbana are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. But they remember what it was like to be young and starting out. “We are like well-done chickens,” they said, a little lost in translation. And it’s time, they decided, to give back to the spring chickens out there.

It’s an admirable move, and the young designers they’ve selected (including some more well known names who show in New York like Yigal Azrouel and Sophie Theallet), are thrilled.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for newer designers,” says Heather Williams, whose shoe line is featured in the store. “I’ve been in business for two years, and the press in Italy has been fantastic, but a lot of times buyers are apprehensive of foreign brands, so it means a lot to have a big brand validate your retail presence.”

Even though the store has only been open a few days, the design duo said young designers are already coming by the store with their portfolios, hoping to earn a spot in the next line-up.

“We know what it’s like because we started with just two million lire,” said Gabbana. “We hope people copy us.”

‘Law & Order’ Draws Attention to Untested Rape Kits

Jennifer Love Hewitt guest stars as a repeat rape survivor on 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.'

Over the past 12 seasons, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has kept us tuning in for its sensational stories about grisly crimes. The Sept. 29 episode promises to do much more, sending an important message about an under-the-radar issue — that hundreds of thousands of rape kits sit untested in police precincts and crime labs across the country, allowing violent perpetrators to go free while their victims live in fear.

“The assumption is that rape is the crime. There’s actually a bigger crime that takes place afterward, when these women are put through rape-kit examinations,” says Jennifer Love Hewitt, who plays a traumatized survivor in the episode. Rape victims undergo invasive collection of evidence (e.g., bodily fluids and hair) for these kits, “and then nothing ever becomes of them. The women have no idea if the person has been caught or he’s out there, watching them. It’s up to them to see if their kit has been tested, even though it brings up awful memories.”

Because DNA evidence may identify and help convict a perpetrator, it’s vital for victims to report a rape to the police, submit to the exam, and then follow up on it, says Sarah Tofte, director of advocacy and strategic partnerships at the Joyful Heart Foundation, founded by SVU star Mariska Hargitay in 2004 to help sexual-assault and domestic-violence survivors heal and reclaim their lives. “We hear from victims who because their kit wasn’t tested, the perpetrator went on to rape other women,” says Tofte, who adds this frightening FBI statistic: Only 24 percent of reported rape cases result in arrest.

The backlog in testing has a lot to do with that. “It costs an average of $1,200 to test a kit,” explains Tofte. “Crime labs and police don’t often have the resources they need to keep up with the DNA requests they’re getting. Part of it is criminal justice attitudes. We still have a long way to go in terms of taking rape seriously and making sure we aren’t treating victims based on our bias. We have to make sure that rape investigation is a priority for law enforcement and that they’re doing everything they need to do to pursue the cases that are before them.”

Toward that end, on Sept. 29 the Joyful Heart Foundation will launch endthebacklog.org, a website “that will give people all the information they need to be effective advocates to change policies, both at the federal level and the state level,” Tofte says. “There’s going to be data on all the different cities that currently have backlogs and what we need Congress to do and states to do to fix the problem. And giving people advocacy tools to write to their public officials, giving survivors tools to get information about the status of their kits.”

Hargitay, who has testified before Congress, will continue making appearances about the issue, Tofte adds. “Testing a rape kit is about providing justice for the victim, preventing future crimes and making sure you’re catching a rapist and holding him accountable.”

Do you plan to watch tomorrow’s SVU episode?

Photo credit: Will Hart/NBC

Fashion News Roundup: Fashion’s Most Eligible, Armani for Gaga, and the Bra That Won A Nobel Prize

The Emergency Bra: No, the bra does not defy gravity or work as a flotation device. This bra can actually, apparently, save your life by turning into a pair of protective face masks. If you’re completely paranoid about terrorist attacks and the like and carrying around a face mask is just too much of a hassle, why not wear two of them on your boobs? Every day? The bras only come in B and C cups, so, if you’re smaller than a B or larger than a C, which many people are, you are going to die. {Tonic.com}

Bad Romance: Check out this roundup of “fashion’s most eligible bachelors.” That’s right, 25 available men who work in fashion, many of whom are actually straight. Take your pick! But be careful girls–some of these guys are likely bachelors for a reason. Just sayin’. {Refinery 29}

Matthew Williamson X Bulgari: Matthew Willamson’s new line of handbags for Bulgari is super pretty but won’t come cheap. “Obviously the Bulgari customer, who is a woman who appreciates great quality, glamour and luxury,” says Matthew. {InStyle UK}

Giorgio Armani X Lady Gaga: Reportedly, Armani and Lady Gaga have inked some sort of multimillion dollar deal that will involve Armani making costumes for Gaga’s upcoming tour. {Vogue UK}

Get Dressed: Midtowners caught an eyefull of hard core Desigual fans this morning, who braved rain, cold, and embarassment for two free items from the store. To each his own. {Racked NY}

Campbell’s Career: Naomi Campbell reflects on her 25-year career and shows off her violent side in an interview and editorial for Interview Magazine. {Interview}

We Need, We Want, We Have to Have: The Perfect Leather Jacket

If there’s one thing we want this season, it’s a little leather jacket. From biker to bomber and back, there’s something for every style.

The great thing about a leather topper is that it instantly updates your look, whether you’re pairing it with some trousers, a frilly dress, or denim. In fact, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites for your viewing pleasure…it just so happens that we think you’ll like them, too.

First up is Helmut Lang’s “Dirty Vintage” Denim and Leather Jacket. This piece is quite rock ‘n roll, but gentle enough to wear to the office on a casual day. Pair with black jeans or skinny slacks and a pair of spiky black heels for a look that’s both powerful and polished. Our favorite part? The leather and denim double collar.

For something a bit more dressy that maintains a punk edge, consider Marc Jacobs’ washed lambskin leather moto jacket. It comes in a soft hunter green that pairs beautifully with a pencil skirt and a plain white button down. Of course, it looks equally as good on the weekends with your oldest pair of jeans.

For those of us partial to head-to-toe black, Diane von Furstenberg‘s emerald green cropped motorcycle jacket adds just just the right pop of color. Plus, it looks good with an LBD, another fall wardrobe staple.

Leather blocks the cold, particularly when its padded. ALC’s quilted version does double wind-breaking duty. What’s more, designer/stylist Andrea Lieberman has created a chic little funnel neck, which means it’s ten times as sleek as your typical down puffer.

Sure, these options are fantastic, but sometimes classic is best. Smythe’s lambskin leather moto jacket is as traditional as it comes, but updated in a more modern silhouette.

This content series is brought to you by Nordstrom. Create your wear-to-work wardrobe online at Nordstrom.com.

Sneak Peek: Chanel’s Spring 2011 Invite

Our friends at Chanel gave us a sneak peek of their Spring 2011 invite, which will be sent out to editors all over Paris very soon. The show takes place next Tuesday, October 5, and we’ll be tweeting live from the venue! xo, F

Cavalli Rings in 40 With Hip-Hugging Leather and Fringe

MILAN–Roberto Cavalli celebrated his 40th anniversary in business with a sexy as hell collection for spring. The set was a greenhouse complete with tropical foliage (oversized and in plastic), and the looks were steaming hot to match.

If there’s one body part Cavalli emphasized with this milestone collection, it is the hips. Skin-tight leather pants sat dangerously low, and long chiffon dresses were cut out at the sides, the skirts hitting just at the hip bones for maximum swagger down the runway. Of course, when supermodels like Natalia Vodianova and Laetitia Casta are modeling the clothes (Natalia opened, Laetitia closed), the swagger is guaranteed.

Cavalli kept his color palette neutral and went for it with embellishments in a dazzling display of craftsmanship. His low-slung hip-hugging leather pants were laced up the sides and paired with hand-cut cropped leather tops. An excess of leather fringe hung around the necks of floor-length Bohemian dresses in animal prints and handbags got the fringe treatment too.

American celebs came out to fete Cavalli, too. Taylor Swift, Leona Lewis, Rachel Bilson, and Heidi Klum were all front row.

Click through for more looks.
**All photos from Style.com