Hilary Riva OBE

The British Fashion Council would like to thank Hilary Riva
for the time and support she has given to the organisation and the
fashion industry over the past five years. Hilary was appointed Chief
Executive of the British Fashion Council in December 2005. Tasked with
the role of making the British Fashion Council an organisation that is
able to create a sustainable future for London Fashion Week, Hilary, in
partnership with both the BFC Chairman (previously Sir Stuart Rose and
currently Harold Tillman CBE) created a vision, strategy and a solid
structure for the British Fashion Council, increased revenues and
sponsorship from commercial partners and worked with the Mayor of London
and the London Development Agency to deliver a funding package to
support emerging designer businesses in London. Hilary appointed a new
management team in 2009 and has since worked as a non-executive
director. Hilary has stepped down to make room for a new non-executive
director to work with the team under a new governance structure.



Harold Tillman CBE, Chairman of the British Fashion Council commented
“Hilary has played a pivotal role in turning the British Fashion Council
into a dynamic, forward thinking organisation. She appointed a highly
creative management team that she has the confidence in to take the
organisation forward. We all thank Hilary for her vision and dedication
over the past five years, we truly would not be in the position we are
today without her”.



For press enquiries regarding the British Fashion Council please contact:

Gemma Ebelis or Kitty McGee

gemma@britishfashioncouncil.com / kitty@britishfashioncouncil.com

+44 (0) 20 7759 1986"

Do You Shop for Multiples Like Kourtney Kardashian?

Splash News Online, BuzzFoto, Splash News Online

When Kourtney Kardashian falls in love with a handbag, she doesn’t just wear it until it falls apart — she buys it in three different colors! While visiting New York City earlier this month, the star accented her new urban chic look with not one, but three, Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity satchels, in a variety of hues and textures. On October 9, Kourtney paired her on-trend leopard pony hair tote with a high fashion fedora, cozy turtleneck and high-waisted navy skirt. Three days later she was spotted in an outfit of similar proportions, shopping in a glinting tulip skirt, form-fitting mock turtleneck and a scarlet version of the bag. Then, a week later she was snapped seeking cobblestone relief with the help of on-and-off beau Scott Disick and what else—a black, ribbed version of her favorite accessory! Ranging from $1,995 – $2,695 a pop, the Sweet Charity is certainly a serious style splurge — you can nab your own at christianlouboutin.com. Tell us: When you find something you love, do you buy it in multiples? – Justine Harman

Jessica Szohr is Willing to Suffer for a ‘Good Shoe’

John Lindquist for ASOS

Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen might get the most attention for their over-the-top style on the hit show Gossip Girl, but resident hipster Vanessa Abrams is no shrinking violet either when it comes to fashion. It turns out, however, that Jessica Szohr doesn’t share her character’s eclectic taste. “At heart I’m just a simple jeans and T-shirt kind of girl,” Jessica tells ASOS. “I used to not wear heels at all, but the last four years have changed that. I’m big on comfort now but I will sacrifice it once in a while for a good shoe.” And although her own style is at the opposite end of the spectrum from Vanessa’s love of color, pattern and over-the-top accessories, “since I’ve been playing her I’ve taken more risk in what I wear.” Jessica is even putting her own unique spin on fragrance. “I spray perfume on the back of my neck. I don’t know if it’s when you go in to hug someone but everyone always comments on it no matter what perfume I have on –- whether it’s my favorite Stella McCartney or a $3 bottle from the drug store.” Now there’s a high-low style tip that everyone can use! To read more of Jessica’s cover interview, go to ASOS.com and check out the behind-the-scenes from her shoot below. – Hana Choi

Abercrombie and Fitch Protested For Emitting Fierce Fumes

The majority of you said you were tired of stores pumping perfumes into the air - particularly Abercrombie and Fitch. Now, Teens Turning Green, a student-led group advocating the elimination of harmful substances, isn't going to take it anymore.

Today at Abercrombie's flagship location on 5th Avenue in New York, the organization plans to stage a protest, claiming that the combination of Abercrombie's Fierce scent being emitted into the air from track lighting is putting customers in danger's way. 'We as teens feel it is unacceptable that Abercrombie and Fitch customers are unknowingly being exposed to harmful chemicals by simply walking into the stores,' said Jessica Assaf of Teens Turning Green.

As you might imagine, The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics is weighing in, claiming that the scent is formulated with 11 'secret chemicals,' not to mention allergy-causing ingredients, and a chemical that's thought to be disruptive to male reproductive health.

In a statement on Abercrombie's Facebook page, the brand responded by saying, 'The machines [used to distribute the fragrance] emit a water-based, safe fragrance that complies with local, state, and federal laws. The formulation contains no harmful volatile organic compounds or any chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or any other reproductive harm.' There are two sides to every story, but which side are you on?

Source: Flickr User Rob Young

"

Ellen DeGeneres Dresses Up as Snooki's Pouf For Halloween

Today on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Ellen DeGeneres takes clever to a whole new level with this wacky 'Snooki's pouf' Halloween costume. (Is it me, or is there a little bit of a Gossamer vibe going on here?) Watch as Ellen hilariously describes that the Cabbage Patch-like doll hanging from the base of the pouf - a representation of Snooki - is actually quite lifelike, as the real Snooki is quite diminutive.

Saturday Giveaway! Win a Super Hyper Hydrator With Coconut Water

Need a skin solution to keep you moisturized during those dry Winter months? Our friends at Sephora want to help. Today's lucky giveaway winner will receive a Super Hyper Hydrator with Coconut Water, a moisturizer that will leave your skin soft to the touch and hydrated.

To enter, just take the quiz by 5 p.m. PDT today, and one winner will be selected at random. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just on taking the quiz after you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a PopSugar Community member to enter. So if you're not already one, register now. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Prizes can be shipped to US destinations only. Remember: you must be logged in to the PopSugar Community for your entry to count. For the complete rules, click here. Good luck!

Take the quiz

BoF Daily Digest | Murky outlook, PPR beats estimates, Chanel’s US recovery, M-commerce grows at Rue La La, Theyskens and Rosen Q&A

Bottega Veneta Tech Toys | Source: Bottega Veneta

Luxury market faces spending drought through 2020 (Luxury Daily)

“The tough economy has permanently reined in the purchasing habits of the current generation of affluent consumers and upscale brands should expect more conservative spending until Generation Y enters the luxury market in force in 2020.”

PPR Third-Quarter Sales Beat Estimates (Bloomberg)

“Each of PPR’s luxury brands increased sales at least 10 percent in the quarter… The third quarter increases the company’s confidence of a stronger full-year ‘operating and financial’ performance, he said.”

Chanel sees trade improving, U.S. market recovery (Reuters)

“Chanel’s sales have improved since the summer, and business in the United States is recovering but has yet to return to pre-crisis levels, the French luxury company’s supervisory board president said.”

Mobile sales to hit 20 percent in 2011 at Rue La La (Internet Retailer)

“The mobile site and apps account for 13% of total sales, and at the rate m-commerce is growing at Rue La La, mobile may account for 20% of total sales next year.”

Olivier Theyskens and Theory: Q & A (NY Times)

“Few would have guessed that he would end up in a full-time job at Theory. But in a Q&A… Andrew Rosen, the co-chief executive officer of the label, and Mr. Theyskens said the designer’s collaboration turned out to be a natural fit.”

J.Crew’s Holiday 2010 Collection Launch: Jenna Lyons Talks Gifts, Gingham, and Why She’s Still Set on a Louboutin Collab

Marissa Webb, AMEX's Jessica Igoe, Lyons, Muytjens

It may only be Halloween weekend, but according to the fabulous folks at J.Crew, it’s already beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Yesterday evening, American Express and the classic-cool high street store joined forces to celebrate the launch of the latter’s Holiday 2010 collection at their Fifth Avenue flagship store.

As a line of eager shoppers wrapped around the block outside, J.Crew’s creative team mingled with those inside—and were more than happy to spill the details on their holiday gifting lists. “I think I’ve bought something like 12 gingham shirts at this point,” laughed Jenna Lyons, the brand’s President and Executive Creative Director (and our own longtime girl crush). “And lots of cashmere socks—I mean, who would actually spend $30 on a pair of socks for themselves? They’re the sort of extravagant thing you’d never treat yourself to—which is why they make for a great gift.”

Meanwhile, we couldn’t help but grill J.Crew’s dapper VP of Men’s Design, Frank Muytjens, about what to buy for the guys in one’s life. “I love our Thomas Mason oxford shirts…and the Alden for J.Crew wingtips,” he said. “Every man should own a great pair of wingtip shoes—once they’re broken in, you’ll have them for the rest of your life.”

As the event’s media hour wrapped up, J.Crew’s head honchos took their places on the store’s main staircase to greet their friends and fans—and share more about the new holiday line. “We saw this amazing picture of a decrepit, old mansion,” explained VP of Women’s Design Marissa Webb, “and that raw, rustic, faded-out image inspired this whole collection. It’s about the idea of contrast, of taking a raw space and bringing it to life with shine and color. After all, J.Crew stands by the idea of mixing and matching!” Judging by Marissa and Jenna’s own attire—both wore festive, embellished pieces paired with outdoorsy olive field jackets—it’s clear this store’s team practices what they preach. Added Muytjens, “We love things rooted in history–things with a patina.”

As for the new collection itself, it was chock-full of the classic standbys for which the store’s known—think luxe cashmere knits in an array of autumnal mustards and rusty reds, plenty of sequined skirts and cardigans, and the occasional hit of plaid. And following J.Crew’s successful collaborations with both Essie and Stila, Webb hinted that the company is planning to pair up with other beauty brands in the near future. As far as Lyons is concerned, however, there’s one label she’s truly courting for a J.Crew collaboration. “Christian Louboutin!” she exclaimed. “If he said yes to the idea, I would die and go to heaven.”

Fashion News Roundup: Costume Deets From Snooki and ADR, Amy Winehouse Drunkenly Models Her Fred Perry Line and Free Proenza Dresses?

The Pickle Princess of Poughkeepsie: It goes without saying that the streets are going to be full of Snookis this Halloween, but why not one-up all the others and actually replicate Snooki’s Halloween costume? WWD weirdly snagged a sketch of Snooki’s custom-made outfit, which involves a very short green bustier dress with pickle-shaped sequins and a pickle scepter. We can’t really think of a more appropriate costume for Polizzi. {WWD}

ADR Halloween: Anna Dello Russo‘s outfits are of the utmost extravagance 365 days/year, so can you even imagine what her Halloween outfits must be like? She shares her top style references for this weekend’s holiday. They include Lady Gaga, Jeff Koons, Givenchy couture and Fish costumes at the Chelsea Arts Ball in 1927. She explains, “This is a Schiaparelli mood: women as fish. It’s anthropomorphic, part of the culture of fashion.” Ah, of course. {NOWNESS}

Winehouse Models Fred Perry: Amy Winehouse was supposedly a drunk, stumbling mess during the shoot for her new Fred Perry line. The finished (no doubt retouched) images just look weird, no? {Telegraph UK}

Don’t Sweat It: Apparently, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen wore cashmere sweaters during spin class at Soul Cycle in Tribeca. We appreciate wanting to look good while working out, but sweating in dry clean-only just doesn’t make sense. {Hollywood Life}

Tough Questions: London Fashion Week applicants who bill themselves as sustainable designers, will now be put through an 18-question test to determine the authenticity of their sustainability claims. {Ecouterre}

Total Rubbish: Rubbish Magazine 2.5 will be out soon. The magazine has great visuals and includes contributions from Henry Holland, Duro Olowu, Holly Fulton and even Alain de Botton. {Rubbish Magazine}

Fashion Illustrations: The first installment in a series of designer-inspired illustrations is by Cardigan designer Lynne Hiriak. The series focuses on emerging talent and we definitely agree that Cardigan is a label to watch. {JC Report}

Free Proenza? V Magazine is sponsoring MOVE! a PS1 art installation this weekend in which artists are collaborating with designers like Marc Jacobs, Diane Von Furstenburg and Proenza Schouler on some kind of performance piece. More importantly, V‘s Cecilia Dean just tweeted that there are Proenza dresses scattered about the city?? {Racked NY}

Breaking: Prada Introduces Made to Order Service

If you like your Skechers, but love your Prada backpack, then you’re really going to love this news.

Prada‘s classic boating shoe can now be made to order. Clients who decide to take advantage of this service can mix and match to their hearts content and choose from 16 color variations and four different materials: patent leather, fluo patent leather, suede and “Nevada” leather. You can even have your initials inserted onto the dust bag.

So, if merely owning a pair of Prada sneakers isn’t enough to make you feel special, now yours can truly be one of a kind. (PS: expect more bespoke offerings from Prada in the future.)

Cartier Launches Its Latest Love Collection With a Fancy Dinner

Cartier’s Love bracelet is sort of the Birkin bag of jewelry.

It’s a fashion industry favorite, but also one of the brand’s biggest commercial successes. And it has secured a place on the wrists of everyone from the Kardashians to the Roitfelds. So, naturally, if the Love’s simple design and symbolic message are so widely appealing, why should Cartier stop with the bracelet?

Thankfully, they haven’t. Cartier’s been reincarnating the Love design since its genesis in 1969, in necklaces, earrings, rings, and new materials.

“Strong design allows for evolution,” Pierre Raniero, Cartier’s Director of Image, Style, and Heritage explained last night at a dinner to preview the new Love offerings. (The event took place at The Lion, a newish West Village restaurant from The Waverly Inn’s John DeLucie.)

This time, the evolution comes in rose gold, pink sapphire, and black ceramic. And while all of the new pieces feature the signature Love screw design, they each have separate clasps for easy removal. It might not be as romantic as the original Love bracelet, which must be removed with its accompanying screwdriver—but hey, it will make airport security a tad bit easier.

Street Style: Sierra’s Sweet Sixteen

Name: Sierra

How old are you? I just turned 16 yesterday!

What did you do for your birthday? My dad threw me a surprise birthday party and secretly called all of my friends and invited them!!

How would you describe your style? I like sweaters a lot. I don’t really have a set style, it’s always changing, but whatever’s cheap!

What are the most prominent colors in your wardrobe? Grey and black.

What was the last good movie you saw? Rosemary’s Baby

What is your favorite dessert? I love desserts! I’m obsessed with all pies except cherry pie. I love lemon squares and chocolate mousse, but pumpkin pie is my all time favorite! Too bad it’s only around once a year… But, this time of year I get to have my birthday AND pumpkin pie!

What are you wearing? Metropolis boots, Urban Outfitters’ skirt, Beacon’s Closet top, and the sweater is from my dad’s closet.

**All photos by Ashley Jahncke.

Racked Dealfeed: YSL, Oliver Peoples and More

JF & Son

Deal: 30% off fall merchandise, including the beaded CK blouse (was $148, now $104) and the floral print cut-out Weimer dress (was $188, now $132)
When/Where: Ongoing. Mon—Sat noon—8pm, Sun noon—6pm. 19 Kenmare St at Elizabeth St (212-343-3131)

Oliver Peoples

Deal: Frames from Oliver Peoples and Paul Smith for $119; frames from Mosley Tribes will be $99. Also, get 30% off prescription lenses.
When/Where: Friday, October 29 through Sunday, October 31. Upper East Side: 10am—6pm, 755 Madison Ave at 65th St (212-585-3433.) Soho: Fri—Sat 11am—7pm, Sun noon—6pm. 366 W. Broadway at Broome (212-585-3433)

Yves Saint Laurent

Deal: Up to 75% off clothing, bags, and accessories
When/Where: Thursday, October 28 through Saturday, October 30. Thurs—Fri 8am—8pm, Sat 9am—4pm. Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves, fourth floor (212-463-0071)

Selima Optique

Deal: 30% to 90% off eyewear, clothing, and accessories, including vintage Hermès bags and womenswear from Tsumori Chisato
When/Where: Wednesday, October 27 through Sunday, October 31. Weds—Sat 11am—7pm, Sun noon—6pm. 7 Bond St between Broadway and Lafayette (212-677-8487)

Nick Cannon Gets ‘High-Heel Queen’ Mariah Carey to Wear Flats!

Picture Perfect

Mariah Carey is likely to have some aching feet as her pregnancy progresses, and her husband isn’t going to let her suffer –- even if it means he has to be her personal shopper. Nick Cannon described a mini battle the pair had the day before, admitting to being flabbergasted by his wife’s shoe collection. “I come home yesterday to help my wife get ready for her video shoots and she has these 19-inch heels on,” he grumbled good-naturedly on a phone call with his wife, who called into his 92.3 WXRM-FM radio show “Rollin with Nick Cannon” on Friday. Carey defended herself, explaining the heels were only for a job. But, Cannon continued, “So I go into the closet searching for some flats for my wife … She got a lot of damn shoes — it’s like a frickin’ Macy’s. [And] Mariah Carey does not own one pair of flat shoes.” Carey corrects him, “To be fair, I had some boots from Aspen, some Dior boots.” “Ski boots!” Cannon argues. Carey says, “And then we did find some flats and then they were a regular ballet slipper, like a beige, and I was like, ‘I don’t think so.’” Cannon says he finally got her to wear flats -– in the form of ski boots. “Basically, I got Mariah Carey, the high-heel queen, to put on some flats. And this is amazing. I’m going shoe shopping today, needless to say, to buy you some flat shoes.” Carey seemed charmed by the idea, but it remains to be seen if the glam singer — who even travels with only heels in her suitcase — will actually be out and about in flats anytime soon. — Sara Hammel

Snooki’s Pickle Halloween Costume Will Include a Light-Up Pickle ‘Scepter’; Armani Is Making 3-D Glasses Too

• Snooki’s pickle Halloween costume includes “a fringed bustier dress covered in green, pickle-shaped sequins and a light-up scepter in the shape of a pickle.” [WWD]

• The Times' Samurai Shopper went consignment shopping at DecadesTwo.1, the pop-up shop for DecadesTwo's e-commerce site, where she wondered who bought all the clothes the first time around. [T/NYT]

• Armani is following in Gucci’s footsteps with their own pair of 3-D unisex glasses, although theirs will be $58, a quarter of the price of Gucci's. [Fashionista]

• Kate Moss sang a duet of Gershwin's 'Summertime' with jazz performer Doctor Gabs onstage at Spice Market in Qatar earlier this week. [Page Six/NYP]

• Qatar's Sheikha Mozah wore icicle heels on her visit to England. [HuffPo]

• Personal-finance site Mint.com has released data on how much customers spend at different clothing stores. The average buyer at Barneys drops $401.11, while Opening Ceremony makes about $243.75 per customer. [Fashionista]

• Ten-year-old personal-style blogger Hilo Munshin carved a Chanel logo into his Halloween pumpkin. [HuffPo]

• Kate Moss is judging a Polyvore contest. [Fashionista]

Best Bet: Le Labo for Anthropologie

Switching up one’s scent is not to be taken lightly — something that smells delicious at first spritz can seem sickening a few hours later. Luckily, cult perfumers Fabrice Penot and Edouard Roschi of Le Labo have unleashed a new wide-ranging line of fragrances with Anthropologie this week. From a spicy musk Belle Du Soir to the citrus Orange Discrète, the six-bottle collection offers fertile ground for finding a new fall scent. Our wrists were won over by Bouquet Blanc, with top notes of cassis buds and bergamot and middle notes of jasmine, tuberose, and orange flower. The scent is fresh and floral, with a musk base note that tempers the natural sweetness. The bottle itself ought to find a prime spot on your makeup table: Each is adorned with an artful vintage stamp design.

Bouquet Blanc, $62 at Anthropologie or online.

Behold: Mariah Carey’s Furry Boots and Sparkly Necklaces for HSN

HSN announced a while back that Mariah Carey had designed a full lifestyle line for them, which will include quilted fur-trimmed boots, sparkly butterfly necklaces, and a new edition of her Luscious Pink fragrance, and she’ll launch on HSN on November 29 (Cyber Monday, folks). Of course, she’s not nervous about shilling her stuff on TV in the least, she told WWD, because her shoes are already TV stars: “[People] say, ‘I love your shoe closet. I saw it in Architectural Digest, on Cribs. I saw it on Oprah or Barbara Walters,” she said. Also, why should she be nervous about an "extracurricular activity"?

If I take it so seriously, and say, ‘Oh my god, It’s a Shakespearean moment,’ it’s not going to be fun. I am looking at it as something fun. This is an extracurricular activity for me and I am looking forward to it. It’s another creative outlet for me.

But if anything highlighted her media expertise the most, it was the way she shut down questions about her fashion mistakes: “If I highlight those moments, you will feature them, darling," she said. “You get photographed everywhere ... You look at it one day, and it’s gone the next, or they can dwell on it for a week. Within a couple of days, there is somebody else doing something in the world that is a little more interesting than a bad outfit.”

Mariah Carey Designs for HSN [WWD]

Julianne Moore Wasn’t Naked in Those Bulgari Ads After All

For her Bulgari ad campaign, which depicted her lounging nude among lion cubs and was banned in Venice for its sexual suggestiveness, Julianne Moore explained that she was actually quite covered up. "I wasn't naked — I was wearing all sorts of things, actually. You just see my legs and arms and all the animals and handbags. There was the suggestion of it ... but really I wasn't exposed at all. Sometimes I was wearing a slip, others a long bathing suit." [Vogue UK]

Looking Like Anna Dello Russo Is Not a Comfortable Experience

Anna Dello Russo wore one of the best, most striking outfits at French Vogue's masked ball earlier this month. This isn't an easy thing to do at the most fashionable event of the year, but ADR is one of the most fashionable women of our time so she owes everyone something extra-crazy. However, she must sacrifice herself for her people to pull off such looks, since being so good at wearing clothes is hard, physical labor. She explained to Nowness:

The pieces [a custom white ball gown with train by Peter Dundas; a Gareth Pugh feathered headpiece] were unique. Nobody else has them. Haute couture. Also, I loved that I was in white and everybody else was in black. I like to surprise people--when people expect something I like to do the opposite. When thinking about balls, you are thinking about things you would never be allowed to wear; something exaggerated. I like impossible outfits... A headpiece; a huge train; high wedges. When I came back after the Vogue ball I had a headache because the outfit was so heavy on my head.

Garance Doré wrote at the time, "She is amazing … But she can’t really move. So we make a circle of friendship around her. We bring her something to drink and make conversation … " Instead of worrying about her toppling over, presumably — her driver did that.

How do you even get around wearing something like that?

In the car, leaning in the back seat. Someone helped me — my driver!

But moments like these are where her daily three hours of swimming and yoga really pay off. Or maybe it's the other way around?

Going for Gold [Nowness via Fashionologie]

This Weekend’s Events and Sales: Last Chance at Yves Saint Laurent and Helmut Lang

EVENTS

TOMORROW

• Check out the latest winter accessories with TV personality and style expert Katrina Szish at Bloomingdale’s. 1000 Third Ave., nr. 59th St. (212-705-2000); 1 p.m.

• Projects No. 8 and No. 8a will co-exist in time and space with doppelgänger pop-up stores in Tribeca and Paris. Look to the Tribeca location for womenswear by Project No. 8 favorites like Seskia Diez and jewelry by Natalia Brilli. Through 2/14. 186 Duane St., nr. Thomas St.; W–Su (noon–7).

• Enjoy complimentary photo portraits, costume fittings, Love Joy Sweet Treats pastries, and hot drinks at the Harlem Vintage Tea Social at Harlem PoP. 2037 Fifth Ave., nr. 126th St.; 1–3.

SALES

ENDING TOMORROW

• Clothing, bags, and accessories are up to 75 percent off at the Yves Saint Laurent friends-and-family sale. Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St., nr. Sixth Ave., fourth fl. (212-463-0071); 9–4.

ENDING SUNDAY

• Students can show their college I.D.s at Bliss and receive 20 percent off any spa service, including facials, manicures, pedicures, and waxes. Various hours and locations.

• Eyewear is up to 70 percent off at the 10/10 Optic sale. Lafont modified cat-eye frames are $149 (originally $249) and Lulu Guiness sunglasses are $89 (originally $229). 30 Central Park South, nr. Sixth Ave.; M–F (9:30–5).

• Shop additional markdowns of 50 to 70 percent off at Scoop’s extended warehouse sale. 875 Washington St., nr. 14th St. (212-633-6539); 11–6.

• Eyewear, vintage clothing, and accessories are 30 to 90 percent off at the Selima Optique sample sale. Selima Optique eyewear is $50 to $100, Tsumori Chisato clothing and accessories are up to 90 percent off, and Hermès vintage bags are 30 percent off. 7 Bond St., nr. Lafayette St. (212-677-8487); noon–6.

• Shop deep discounts on furniture at the DK Display showroom sample sale. A black leather couch is $1,920 (originally $5,200), tan and red wool chairs are $559 (originally $1,300), and cowhide chairs are $639 (originally $1,500). Variously sized art prints are up to 30 percent off. 147 W. 25th St., nr. Sixth Ave. (212-807-0499); daily (10–5).

• Select items are 30 percent off at Helmut Lang. 819 Washington St., nr. Gansevoort St. (212-242-3240); noon–6.

Condé Nast Fired Ex-Elle Publisher Carol Smith

Tom Florio brought Carol Smith over to Condé Nast from Elle after he was promoted from Vogue publisher to overseeing Vogue titles along with food magazines like Gourmet. Smith was supposed to, in her new position, "build a significant food group," and get the magazines sweet television deals. But Florio left Condé Nast this summer before starting this month at IMG as "Senior Adviser for Fashion to the Office of the Chairman," whatever that means. Anyway, Condé just fired Smith yesterday. She said in a statement circulated by Condé Nast, "The opportunity turned out not to be what either Condé Nast or I expected."

Sources tell WWD that Smith "might have been too vocal about how unhappy she was," and that Condé is "a hard company to come into at the top, especially when you step into a job that didn’t exist before." For example, Smith wasn't involved in the launch of a Gourmet app, and she reportedly wasn't involved in discussions about who would succeed Bon Appétit's departing editor Barbara Fairchild, with whom she supposedly didn't get along well. And yet, despite her firing, Smith will host Fairchild's farewell party next week at the Lambs Club. Condé may be at a greater loss without Smith than they realize, because the woman seems like a pretty perceptive individual. She really might have been onto something when she said, "You know, what’s the difference between food and fashion? Not much."

EXIT, QUICKLY [WWD]

Project Runway Recap: Fug Girls on the Controversial Finale

And the winner is ... Gretchen Jones!

And just like that, our winning streak is over: Yesterday we predicted Mondo — sweet, colorful Mondo — would prevail at the end of the Project Runway finale, but instead Gretchen took home the big prize (despite those horribly depressing hot pants, the likes of which you'd see under Miss Hannigan's pinafore on laundry day). Of course, to prevail, she had to get through perhaps the lengthiest and most contentious judging in the series' history, complete with Michael Kors's voice reaching dog-whistle levels. Join us as we rehash the ins and outs of what is already — at least according to Twitter, surely an unimpeachable source of public opinion — a controversial finale.

Jessica: So, that happened. Have we ever seen such a long, impassioned debate between judges on this show?

Heather: It was fascinating. But when it was Nina and Michael on one side and Jessica Simpson and Heidi on the other, I figured that was the end for Mondo. Especially because the more J.Simp said she'd wear his clothes, the more Nina and Michael's faces said, 'And that is a huge strike against him.'

Jessica: When the people arguing your case are Heidi Klum and Jessica Simpson ... you are in the weeds.

Heather: The thing is, I think Simpson and Heidi were both absolutely right. In general we're always told that the fashion show is the aspirational vision, and that it's toned down for ready-to-wear. And then Michael and Nina seemed to punish Mondo for that. If you don't like his vision that's one thing, but they were mostly berating him for not being able to wear it right off the catwalk.

Jessica: Yeah, to be honest with you, I don't really understand what Michael and Nina's respective problems are. Kors, in particular, got downright shrill arguing on Gretchen's behalf. Their impassioned defense of what Nina has always — even just last week — claimed are "clothes" rather than "fashion" really took me by surprise.

Heather: I genuinely think it was a case of them becoming more defensive of Gretchen the more Heidi and Jessica advocated for Mondo — like how you might mildly lean in one direction and then when the other side of the debate gets impassioned, it pushes you further the opposite way.

Jessica: When they said Mondo's collection was like a cousin to Seth Aaron's, I began to wonder if they were going to decide they couldn't reward similar aesthetics back-to-back. I disagree that they're similar, other than use of plaid, but as soon as someone brought up 'Seth Aaron,' I suspected Mondo was in serious trouble.

Heather: I'd argue that Seth Aaron's was a lesser cousin to Jeffrey Sebelia's, and that didn't stop them, although those men were seasons apart. But still.

Jessica: Honestly, I feel kind of bad for Mondo and Gretchen — Mondo because he lost, and Gretchen because I think a lot of people, including us, are going to take issue with this win.

Heather: There was no forward thinking in her line, except in the sense that it was thinking itself forward to the nearest Chico's. Nina often dings people for making what's hot now and not looking ahead, and then tonight she lauded Gretchen for making … what's hot now.

Jessica: Although, giving credit where credit is due, I do think Gretchen's accessories were good. I just don't think the rest was all that special.

Heather: And I'll advocate for her, in the sense that I do think this wasn't Mondo's best work, and I agree with Nina and Michael that making clothes that look easy is not easy, and Gretchen has a real adeptness with that. However, the fact that nobody gave her hell for those awful gray hot pants ... I wonder if they had to cut that out, because they're totally inexcusable.

Jessica: I also find it kind of incredible that Nina Garcia, of all people, was arguing that Gretchen should win because her stuff will really appeal to department stores. There's nothing wrong with being appealing to department stores, of course, but it seems like such a lukewarm — almost backhanded — endorsement. When has Nina ever worried about the plight of the buyer?

Heather: When the buyer is feeling bloated and needs a blouson shirt.

Jessica: Maybe it was because Nina felt that in her third trimester she might need some stylish granny panties.

Heather: Seriously, couldn't Simpson have said she'd wear those? That would've sent everyone running to Team Mondo in a snap. But I totally agree — I will give Gretchen credit for what she does well, but the arguments made in her favor and against Mondo were out of character and a little unfair.

Jessica: And totally contrary to what the judges had been saying all season long!

Heather: The outcome was, in a way, fitting for the whole season — there were times when I was certain somebody had been hitting the crack pipe vis-è-vis what they liked and didn't like. Beginning with Gretchen's jumpsuit in week two.

Jessica: I think even the contestants said that during the reunion segment. Not in those words, but the emotion was the same. Namely, 'WHAT ARE YOU SMOKING?'

Heather: As a season, though, I think it was a success. Runway might take some lumps for this resolution, simply because of Mondo's popularity and sympathetic story, but the leap to 90-minute episodes was shockingly effective. Other than tonight's padded two hours, it was time well used, certainly during judging but especially in the backstage conversations. And for the most part they had decent judges. I will say that as strange a choice as Jessica Simpson is, she brought up a lot of good points — I liked that she wondered if they scared Andy away from the warrior aesthetic entirely, which is exactly what I think happened and it was shrewd of her to pick up on that. And she totally stood her ground in cheering for Mondo.

Jessica: I also thought her comment to Gretchen that Ashlee [Simpson-Wentz] will wear her line was surprisingly astute. I think Simpson is a weird choice because she herself is not particularly well turned-out of late — including, I have to say, on this particular episode — but, love her or loathe her, her own line of shoes and whatnot does incredibly well, so it's not completely beyond the realm of possibility that she knows more than you might anticipate.

Heather: I just hope she knows enough not to wear Mondo's bubble dress. EVER. I know she said she wanted to, but honey, that is a bad idea, especially when Heidi Klum is saying she'll wear it with you to the same party. ABORT. I am rooting for that kid, but dress the body you have.

Jessica: As far as that goes ... history is not on her side.

Heather: Eyesight is not on her side, either. Oddly, this finale often causes us to dream up random new shows or Lifetime movies, and I think for this season, it's Get-A-Grip Friend, in which someone like Tim Gunn goes to people's houses and put his hands on their shoulders and says, 'GIRL, NO,' and refuses to let them out until they see reason.

Jessica: Jessica Simpson can play herself.

Heather: She might be in every episode. Lord knows that child needs a weekly dose of rationality. And mirror time.

Jessica: Well, then now maybe at least something good will come out of this finale.

Heather: You know, they said they wished they could have two winners. Maybe this was their compromise: Mondo is so beloved that he might not need the help, and Gretchen will get the leg up she felt she needed.

Jessica: Let's just make the executive decision that that's exactly how this will all play out.

Heather: And people think we don't have a heart.

(For more from the Fug Girls, visit GoFugYourself.com.)

Inside the Shoe Trials of Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon

Ever the devoted husband, Nick Cannon has been trying to help his hardworking wife, Mariah Carey, get through her pregnancy comfortably. This is, well, just as hard as you might think:

“I come home yesterday to help my wife get ready for her video shoots and she has these 19-inch heels on,” he grumbled good-naturedly on a phone call with his wife, who called into his 92.3 WXRM-FM radio show “Rollin with Nick Cannon” on Friday. Carey defended herself, explaining the heels were only for a job. But, Cannon continued, “So I go into the closet searching for some flats for my wife … She got a lot of damn shoes—it’s like a frickin’ Macy’s. [And] Mariah Carey does not own one pair of flat shoes.” Carey corrects him, “To be fair, I had some boots from Aspen, some Dior boots.” “Ski boots!” Cannon argues. Carey says, “And then we did find some flats and then they were a regular ballet slipper, like a beige, and I was like, ‘I don’t think so.’” Cannon says he finally got her to wear flats—in the form of ski boots. “Basically, I got Mariah Carey, the high-heel queen, to put on some flats. And this is amazing. I’m going shoe shopping today, needless to say, to buy you some flat shoes.”

Awwww, so that's what Keeping Up With the Careys would be like.

Nick Cannon Gets ‘High-Heel Queen’ Mariah Carey to Wear Flats! [StyleWatch/People]

Slideshow: The Week in Street Style

It was a great week for flowy skirts on the street-style blogs: Easy Fashion caught Miss Pandora in the Tuileries with her blush tulle dress blowing in the wind, and Fancytreehouse was shot in L.A. with her layered cobalt-blue skirt swinging breezily as she walked. Meanwhile, unexpected colors also popped up: Stylesightings spotted an apricot blazer on an unidentified subject in London, and Siri's hot-pink pants were snapped by Stockholm StreetStyle. See all these pictures and more in the slideshow ahead.

Simon Doonan’s Jersey Shore Jokes Fail to Enthuse Fashion Crowd

Lazaro Hernandez, Anna Wintour, Bee Shaffer, and Jack 'the Condition' McCollough.

Every year top fashion designers, fashion editors, and fashion people gather for the Fashion Group International's Night of Stars gala. If the CFDA Awards are fashion's Oscars, these are like the Golden Globes — just as starry as the Oscars, but slightly less serious and with tables set with too much dinnerware! Simon Doonan hosted last night's NOS gala and made some of his favorite jokes about what the famous fashion people in the audience's Jersey Shore names would be.

So Mr. Doonan stood there, addressing Nicolas Ghesquiere as the “Prince of Paramus,” Jack McCollough as “the Condition,” Evelyn Lauder as “Pookie,” and Nina Garcia as “The Paris Hilton of Trenton.”

But only about half the audience seemed to get the joke, since this year’s honorees were a global bunch, including Pierre Cardin (“the Impact”) and Diego Della Valle (“the Triceps”). Alas, Mr. Doonan seemed to recognize that his speech had fallen a little flat, as when he suggested someone might need to explain the “Jersey Shore” references to Mr. Ghesquiere, pronouncing Paramus as Para-moo.

We are so glad Eric Wilson's lovely blog post on the event gave us the excuse to Photoshop Jack McCollough's head onto the Situation's body. If no one laughed at the Shore references last night — a terrible disappointment for the industry as a whole, really — now, at least, it looks like Anna, Lazaro, Bee, and Jack had a giggle.

Toying With the Stars [On the Runway/NYT]

Kate Moss May Be the New Face of Christian Dior’s Fragrances; Justin Timberlake Shaved His Head

You might be seeing even more of Kate Moss soon.

FRAGRANCE

• Kate Moss is rumored to be the new face of Christian Dior’s fragrances. [WWD]

• An Icelandic cosmetics company has developed a perfume inspired by the unpronounceable volcano, Eyjafjallajökull, that delayed flights worldwide when it erupted last year. The fragrance will feature water from the volcano’s glacier, which evokes “the power of nature.” [BellaSugar]

HAIR

• Justin Timberlake shaved his head. [Style Watch/People]

• Unilever was ordered to remove 340,000 bottles of Andrelon Champagne shampoo from store shelves, since by law the name “Champagne” cannot be used for products other than sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France. [WWD]

HOW-TO

• It’s the Friday before Halloween, and you still don’t have a costume, do you? Here’s a quasi-easy way to give yourself a scary witch face with makeup. [BellaSugar]

MAKEUP

• After launching beauty for the first time this year, Payless has taken on another beauty brand, a cosmetics and skin-care label called Sxy, which will hit retail stores this spring. [WWD]

Lindsey Wixson Landed the Spring 2011 Marc Jacobs and Mulberry Campaigns

A favorite of Donatella Versace, Marc Jacobs's and Mulberry must also be quite taken with Wixson. Vogue.com reports the model — "Age:16 Provenance:Wichita, Kansas" — has been cast in Jacobs' and Mulberry's spring 2011 campaigns. Also in her future: a brand-new Chrysler Sebring convertible (a 16th-birthday present) and prom! "Jason Wu’s making my dress!" she says. It's unclear if Vogue is shooting this but it seems like the kind of thing that would happen to her. We'd love to see her strut around Kansas in custom Jason Wu. [Vogue]

André Leon Talley Is Dressing Up for Halloween for the First Time Ever This Year

Not his Halloween outfit.

Believe it or not, André Leon Talley has never celebrated Halloween. "I don’t even remember trick-or-treating as a child," he wrote on Vogue.com today. Which is certainly odd, not to mention kind of sad. But it turns out that he was just waiting for the right party at which to make his Halloween debut, and this year he found one: Director Michael Dougherty is having his tenth annual Haunted House party in L.A., and André enthusiastically informed the Internet that he has received an invitation! This is a pretty random place to lose one's Halloween virginity, but let's be happy for him nonetheless.

André was understandably stressed about finding a suitable outfit for the occasion: "What to do to make my urban-elegant Prada coat into something appropriate for the holiday?" he fretted. But then, a lightbulb went off. "The eureka moment came. Why not ask Dylan Lauren, of Dylan’s Candy Bar in New York, to come up with masks made of candy, something befitting Canaletto’s Venetian carnivals?" Oh. A candy mask is the best he could come up with? This is disappointing, not to mention surprising, considering his disdain for dessert-inspired outfits.

ALT’s Halloween-candy mask [Vogue]

Friday Giveaway! Win a Super Hyper Hydrator With Coconut Water

Need a skin solution to keep you moisturized during those dry Winter months? Our friends at Sephora want to help. Today's lucky giveaway winner will receive a Super Hyper Hydrator with Coconut Water, a moisturizer that will leave your skin soft to the touch and hydrated.

To enter, just take the quiz by 5 p.m. PDT today, and one winner will be selected at random. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just on taking the quiz after you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a PopSugar Community member to enter. So if you're not already one, register now. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Prizes can be shipped to US destinations only. Remember: you must be logged in to the PopSugar Community for your entry to count. For the complete rules, click here. Good luck!

Take the quiz"

Beauty Startup Birchbox Scores $1.4 Million

Birchbox, the beauty e-commerce site that launched this past September, just released some good news. They raised $1.4 million in seed money from venture capitalists First Round Capital and Accel Partners, as well as several other investors.

Investments like this are crucial for new businesses to stay afloat. After the site went live, the company had rapid growth in paid subscribers. One of the founders, Katia Beauchamp, said in a press release that they were going to expand their team and try to increase their membership base.

Early blog posts on the site show the co-founders and intrepid interns all pitching in to pack the gorgeous little sample boxes that have quickly become their trademark. Obviously this is going to start becoming an onerous task as their membership reaches the thousands, and it takes manpower to grow a company.

Just in case you didn’t read our previous article, here’s the deal on Birchbox: You pay $10 per month (or $110 per year) and get a box full of deluxe beauty samples. E-commerce and a point-based loyalty program round out the site. What is particularly unique about Birchbox is its well-executed beauty articles. Many beauty sites give you a few generic lines, but the “Haute Box” section of their site is dedicated to true beauty editorial. Highlights: Deborah Lippmann gives step-by-step home mani instructions and make-up artist Emily Kate Warren teaches you how to do fake lashes. And there are plenty of gorgeous still images, as well as video.

Obviously the investors thought Birchbox had a winning concept. It will be interesting to see how this company uses its unique platform.

Fashion News Roundup: Nordstrom To NYC, What Designers Will Wear on Halloween, & An Isabella Blow Biopic Is In The Works

SoHo Gets a Nordstrom: New York City is finally getting a Nordstrom. Except it’s not just any ordinary Nordstom–it’s a concept shop with a charity angle. The store will donate all of its earnings to charity. While most of the details are not yet worked out, the store will occupy 11,100 square feet at 350 West Broadway. {Racked}

When Designers Get Into Costume: With Halloween only a few days away, T Magazine asked some of their favorite designers what they were going to be for Halloween. Pamela Love is going as Georgia O’Keeffe, Joseph Altuzarra will dress as wolf from Little Red Riding Hood, Eddie Borgo is going to go as Pee Wee Herman and Chris Benz is deciding between a matador and a bellhop . {T Magazine}

Isabella Blow Biopic: There has been a lot of rumors surrounding the making of a biopic focusing on the life of the late Isabella Blow. Apparently, it’s really happening. The film’s director and producers have all been chosen, and the screenplay has already been written. Set to be involved in the film are John Galliano and Philip Treacy, both who were very close to Blow. {The Cut}

Editrix Finger Puppets: The Rubbish magazine Racked}

Longchamp x Eres Collab: Longchamp will pair up with Eres swimwear to make matching bags. The collection will debut in spring. {WWD Subscription Required}

Exclusive First Look: Prada’s Fall 2010 Fantasy Motionbook

Prada‘s been producing a fantasy lookbook since 2007, and this season our readers are the lucky recipients of a sneak peek. We’re obsessed with this thing–enjoy!

Trendspotting: What’s Up With Fashion People Wearing Jackets Like Capes?

Wearing a coat or blazer draped over your shoulders isn’t exactly a new trend. It’s kind of a fussy dignified old lady look. Cardigan clips existed in the late ’50s and ’60s (and Glee’s Emma Pillsbury is bringing them back) to facilitate wearing your button-downs draped instead of arms-in and buttoned-up.

But if you follow the big street style blogs, the ones that follow the fashion crowd over fashion month like Tommy Ton, Garance Dore and the Sartorialist, you’ve probably noticed that the fashion elite have taken to this trend like gangbusters. Most notably, Marie Claire’s Taylor Tomasi Hill and Zanna Roberts and Elle’s Kate Lanphear seem loathe to put their arms in their blazer sleeves.

It’s a styling trend that has hit the runways, too. At Banana Republic’s spring show this past week, one of the model’s was styled with her jacket draped cape-style. Of course, it’s hard to keep a jacket on when your stomping the runway and your arms aren’t in the sleeves, so they buttoned the coat at the neck, which just makes her look a bit like she’s being strangled.

Do you or would you wear a jacket like a cape?

All these people are. Take a look.
**All photos via Tommy Ton for Style.com and the Sartorialist.