Steve Madden Might Take Over Betsey Johnson’s Company

If you’re one of those people who vehemently dislikes the Steve Madden brand–and believe us, we know plenty of those people–you might want to stop reading this. Because you’re quite possibly going to be propelled into a fit of rage.

Betsey Johnson is broke, and she owes a lot of money that she can’t pay back. So Steve Madden–who already owns the license to sell handbags under Johnson’s name–has taken over a $48.8 million loan to Johnson’s firm. That means if she cannot pay him back by Aug. 20, 2012, Madden will own the Betsey Johnson brand.

This isn’t Madden’s first attempt to gain traction in the designer sector. The controversial shoemaker–oft the headliner in our Adventures in Copyright series–debuted his “upscale” collection Steven just a few years ago, and also produces shoes for Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen’s contemporary brand Elizabeth and James. But this would be his first big acquisition in the upper-end apparel market.

Is this a good thing for Johnson? Well, she already gave up a controlling stake in the company to a private equity firm in 2007, so this arrangement might not be that much different. However, if Johnson, who is 68, wants to keep the company in the family–her daughter Lulu is the creative director–she might want to attempt to pay that loan back–and fast.

Tsumori Chisato Dresses French Children–And a Few Adults–For Petit Bateau

PARIS–Tsumori Chisato’s fantasy world is about to conquer French children’s fashion. In December, she will launch a childrenswear line in collaboration with Petit Bateau (a bourgeois, micro-sized American Apparel).

The line, to be sold in Petit Bateau boutiques, will include pieces for babies, children, and–phew!–adult-sized garments, too.

Fashionista.com met up with her, got a sneaky preview of her Francophile designs, and talked children’s fashion, her love for stripes, and the future of her label.

Fashionista: What will your collaboration with Petit Bateau offer?
Tsumori Chisato: The collaboration is a capsule collection for babies, children and adults. There are 12-15 pieces, from the baby sleepers to the woman marinière, and some accessories too.

How will you adapt your style to the Petit Bateau style?
Petit Bateau gave me carte blanche: I love their clothes so it was very easy for me to design a collection for them. I draw all the time, so I worked on the marinière, which is very Petit Bateau, and some prints too.

Why were you interested in collaborating with them?
Like I said, I love their universe, the quality and their savoir-faire. It’s very interesting for me to work on something that I’ve never done before.

How is it different working on children’s clothes?
It’s totally different, the sizes are different and you have to think and work differently.

And what other projects do you have planned?
2010 is the 20th anniversary of my brand, so we have so many things coming up! First, my next show during the Paris Fashion Week, then an exhibition to celebrate the 20th anniversary the same week. I also have collaborations with Carrière Frère and Globe Trotter. I’ll also be part of the Bon Marché Christmas project with many objects designed based on my prints.

How has your style evolved since the creation of your label? Who is the Tsumori Chisato woman today?
I get inspiration from the people I meet, the countries I visit, the experiences I live. That means my style constantly evolves, but you always recognize my it.

Ten Questions For Project Runway

1) Is it true what Gretchen said to her mom? Is life really more than just fashion?

2) Is anyone at all shocked that the thin girls got chosen first?

3) Did Michael D. call his model “volumptuous” (yes, with an M)? I did several rewinds. He did.

4) Why was it OK that Ivy trash-talked Michael C. for the entire first part of the show, but it was not OK when he allegedly did the same to her?

5) Can we agree that there were too many “boobage” and Jersey references this episode?

6) Didn’t Gretchen use those same fugly knee high suede boots on an earlier episode?

7) How freaking funny is Michael Kors? Peplum dinner napkin. From bridesmaid to bat mitzvah. How do you learn to fire off such perfectly timed zingers?

8) Which was better: Mondo’s Elvis ducktail ‘do or Peach’s purse-lipstick-sunglasses sweater?

9) Why didn’t the judges choose Mondo’s cute pink and black dress? Is it because they knew that Michael C. winning would incite the other designers’ outrage and thus make for better TV?

10) Hasn’t Cynthia Rowley been a judge before? And is there any category she HASN’T designed yet?

Video: MAC Teaches Us How to Create the Perfect Cat-Eye

The AW10 runways were abundant with looks inspired by the classic beauty of the 1960s. That means the cat-eye is this season’s must have makeup look.

Since there’s no one we trust more than MAC to show us how to create the perfect ’60s inspired look, I headed over to their studios to find out the best way to translate runway makeup into real life.

In this video, artist Fatima Thomas creates a flawless cat-eye that’s easy to recreate at home with a bit of focus. The end result is glamorous and would look perfect with a Prada knit and kitten heels. If only those were as easy to attain….

Fashion News Roundup: Karlie on the Tube, Gaga’s Short Film and Barbie’s Fashion Week Internship

Karlie on Gossip Girl: We’re not sure which will be a bigger deal, Fashion’s Night Out or the <em>Gossip Girl episode centered around it. In addition to a bunch of designers and Vogue editors, Karlie Kloss will be making an appearance. Reportedly, she is playing herself and delivers a line at a meeting with Eleanor Waldorf and Lily Van Der Woodsen. {Modelinia}

London’s Fashion’s Night Out: Lucky Londoners, your T-shirts are cooler than ours and your FNO will be over before ours begins! Let us know how it goes. Here’s what’s happening on the other side of the pond. {Vogue UK}

Statue of Gaga: Lady Gaga and Marc Jacobs cover V’s New York issue. The V appears to be constructed out of chewed gum and there appears to be an old television and a shopping cart in the background. What does this mean? {Daily Mail

Lady Gaga, Film Director: “Left Eye” is a 40-second short film directed by Lady Gaga and Nick Knight. {Show Studio}

Toy Story: SHOWstudio.com is great at getting notable people to step outside their usual roles. For example, Barbie (yes, the plastic doll) is apparently interning for Nick Knight and will document her 20-day experience via live behind-the-scenes videos. {Vogue UK}

Alexa Chung: Here’s an interview with TV personality/DJ/Madewell designer Alexa Chung in which she is asked questions that she once asked guests on the short-lived It’s On With Alexa Chung. It’s actually pretty funny. {Daily Candy}

Caption This: C Is For…

Paris Hilton tweet pic-ed her new Chanel bag on July 15. Earlier this week, when Paris was arrested for alleged cocaine possession, the cocaine baggie fell out of a very similar purse–one the heiress claimed was borrowed. Looks like she really stuck her tweet in it this time.

The Kid Who is Selling Vogues on eBay Just Got Fired From GQ

We get anonymous tips all the time. But usually when someone tips us off and asks us to include his info, he typically doesn’t still work for the company that he’s narking on.

Reader Warren sent us a link to his eBay page yesterday, revealing that he nabbed an old issue of Vogue with Lauren Weisberger on the masthead while an intern at the glossy. He also said in his email to us:

“If you do decide to post it as a story, my info is below in my signature.”

We assumed that meant he was no longer associated with Vogue. But we were wrong.

Apparently the college student was interning at GQ this semester, and he just got canned when his superiors found out about the stunt. In normal circumstances, we would feel bad for printing his name, but it seems like he might have wanted this to happen? Very strange.

Love is Blind. We are Not. Who’s the Boss?

Which leading fashion brand was noticeably absent from Vogue‘s September issue? The advertiser was trying to make a point about just how (not) relevant/powerful Vogue is, and pulled at the last minute.

Hint: It makes up for one “half” of a fashion’s biggest powerhouse.

Street Style: Megan Says, ‘Make Art!’

Name: Megan

Age: 31

Occupation: Choreographer

What kind of dancing do you specialize in? Contemporary Abstract

How would you describe your style? I go for things that fit well, I also love patterns and mixing and matching patterns and things from different eras.

What is your favorite dessert? Sour cherry pie from Vermont.

What’s your motto? Make art!

Where are you from originally? New Jersey

Where is your dress from? It’s my mother’s.

**All photos by Ashley Jahncke.

Best Dressed: Sandra in Zero + Maria Cornejo, Gwen Hits the Beach in Style, & Chloë Does Leopard Right

In this week’s best dressed Gwen Stefani keeps cool at the beach, Sandra Bullock looks amazing in Zero + Maria Cornejo, Chloë Sevigny gets in touch with her inner animal at an Emmy’s afterparty where Anna Paquin traded in her McQueen for a simple and chic LDB, and Drew Barrymore continued on her fashion mission, I mean press tour, looking like she stepped out of a Ralph Lauren ad.

Editorial Musical Chairs: Candy Pratts Price’s New Gig and More

We have a few significant moves to report on this week. Publicists arranging Fashion Week invites and seating charts, take note.

Candy Pratts Price, who was laid off last year from her position as Style.com’s executive fashion director, was just hired as Vogue.com’s new creative director. The two sites are owned by the same company. Basically, this is just a shuffle that took a really long time to happen.

Nancy MacDonell, another former Style.com editor, has just been hired at AHAlife as a contributing editor. Gilles Bensimon was also just hired by the new lifestyle shopping site as creative director.

As you may have already heard, Sally Singer, in a not so surprising move, brought a bunch of Voguettes over to T. The roster includes former associate fashion editor Ethel Park, who is now T’s senior fashion editor; as well as Tonne Goodman’s former assistant Sara Moonves and Vanessa Traina.

And finally, Amy Ditullio left WWD to become website director of HarpersBazaar.com.

Get Packin’: Labor Day Weekend Beach Reads

'The Help' tells the story of black maids working for white families in the South during the Civil Rights movement.

Heading to the shore for the official last weekend of summer? Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen — and a great book. With the help of a few literature-loving celebrities, we selected four juicy reads. All are New York Times bestsellers that are available in paperback or ebook format, so they won’t take up much room in your tote.

Celeb: Trisha Yearwood

Beach Read: The Help by Kathryn Stockett (Putnam Adult, 2009)

Background: Set in the Deep South at the dawn of the Civil Rights movement in 1962, this riveting novel tells the story of three black women who work as maids for white families and the young writer who writes about them and the racism they face. Filming on the movie version starring Emma Stone, Cicely Tyson, Allison Janney, Bryce Dallas Howard and Sissy Spacek is now underway in Mississippi.

Celeb: Jane Leeves

Beach Read: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (Vintage Crime/Black Lizard, 2009)

Background: The first book in Swedish author Larsson’s thriller trilogy introduces heroine Lisbeth Salander, an übertalented computer hacker who aids journalist Mikael Blomkvist in investigating a murder within a powerful, dysfunctional, secret-filled family. Its second screen adaptation (a Swedish version was released last year) starring Daniel Craig, Stellan Skarsgård and newcomer Rooney Mara as Lisbeth will hit theaters late next year.

Celeb: Judy Greer

Beach Read: Some Girls: My Life in a Harem by Jillian Lauren (Plume, 2010)

Background: How does a middle-class girl from suburban New Jersey wind up in the harem of a zillionaire prince? Greer’s book club ate up this juicy memoir about the 18 months Lauren spent in Borneo as a modern-day concubine in the service of Prince Jefri, the brother of the Sultan of Brunei. More than the titillating story of a party girl in a fantasy world, it’s also about a woman’s journey of self-discovery.

Celeb: Wendie Malick

Beach Read: Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin (Penguin Books, 2007)

Background: Subtitled One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace … One School at a Time, this true story follows Mortenson’s herculean efforts to build schools in isolated villages in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It’s an inspirational testament to what one person can accomplish with passion, determination, persistence and the will to make a difference in the world.

For more ideas, check out “The Best Beach Reads” in VIVmag’s July/August issue. And tell us: What’s the best book you’ve read this summer?

Fashion's Night Out's Best Beauty Parties

There's a lot to love about Fashion's Night Out this year. Come September 10, you'll spend hours hopping from store to store with champers flowing, tons o' celebs, and deals everywhere you look. And while there are some stops that are de rigueur (like our party at DvF, duh!), if you're a makeup junkie clear some space in your rigorous FNO schedule for some beauty-inspired soireés offering giveaway, hair treatments, and makeup prepping to the max. So, whether you're in midtown, downtown, or just making the rounds, these events will leave you looking beautiful.



Here's 7 parties to get the ultimate beauty fix come FNO:





1. L'Oreal—L'Oreal's Elnett Car will be cruising around Fashion Week and Lincoln Center from September 7-14 with the L'Oreal Paris Pro Team giving out free Elnett samples and touch-ups. On FNO, they'll be parked downtown near H&M in SoHo. To find the exact location, follow hair consultant Johnny Lavoy on Twitter (@JohnnyLavoy). He'll be tweeting the Elnett-mobile's whereabouts and, if you check in via FourSquare at the car, you can enter to win a year supply of the cult classic hairspray.






2. Cynthia Rowley—Wella professional stylists will be at the designer's West Village boutique all night re-creating the runway gone-wild hair from Rowley's fall 2010 show—crimped jewel-tone extensions popped into a sexy, crimped ponytail.

Event, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Cynthia Rowley, 376 Bleecker Street (between Perry and Charles streets); 212-242-3803.




3. C.O. Bigelow—Need a cheesy pop-culture fix to temper momentary fashion overload? Swing by C.O. Bigelow Apothecary to meet Jersey Shore's Vinny Guadagnino and get his top Guido grooming tips. Make sure to get a polish change by a Barielle manicurist, pick up a sample of Rilastil's new eye cream, and score a Soap & Paper shea butter soap (with any purchase) before you say ciao.

Event, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Vinny Guadagnino appearance, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. C.O. Bigelow Apothecary, 414 6th Avenue (between Greenwich Avenue and Waverly Place); 212-533-2700.




4. Sephora 5th Avenue—Josie Maran will host an in-store photo-shoot, giving tips on posing for the camera complete with mini-makeovers, plus the first 100 customers who make a purchase will get Maran's limited-edition Argan Oil Color Stick in Cherry Popsicle.

Event, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sephora, 597 5th Avenue (between West 48th and West 49th streets); 212-980-6534.



5. Sephora SoHo—Swing by the SoHo Sephora to meet Gwen Stefani, sample her new Harajuku Lover's scent, Wicked Style, and get makeup and hair touch-ups by Make Up For Ever and T3.

Event, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sephora SoHo, 555 Broadway (at West Houston Street); 212-625-1309. 6 to 10 p.m.




6. Sephora Times Square—DJ Alexandra Richards will spin in celebration of YSL's Rouge Flame lipstick for Sephora. Get makeup touch-ups by a YSL makeup artist and enter to win a pair of YSL Tribute Too Red shoes worth $795.

Event, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sephora Times Square, 1500 Broadway (at West 44th Street); 212-944-6789.



7. Maybelline—Stop by the Meatpacking District for Maybelline's free mini-makeovers! Plus, Erin Wasson, Jessica White, and Lisalla Montenegro will be on hand to judge a Sensational Strut catwalk contest with beats by DJs Charlotte Kemp Muehl and Sean Lennon— the winner gets a year's supply of Maybelline products. The first 50 guests will get a limited-edition makeup bag designed by Michael Angel that will be filled with Maybelline makeup.

Event, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Maybelline FNO Event, 9th Avenue (at 13th Street).




REFINERY29 GIVEAWAY:

Dying to get your hands on Michael Angel's cosmic-inspired makeup bag but can't make it to FNO? Just comment on our Facebook page about your favorite sci-fi fashion icon (It's a tough call, but Daryl Hannah's makeup in Blade Runner is stellar) and the top 50 out-of-this-world comments win the Maybelline-filled makeup bag."

Agent Provocateur Makes A Home Sex Tape For Fall 2010

We suggest watching this video only when you've got a cold shower lined up afterward. Agent Provocateur released their Johan Renck-shot fall 2010 campaign video yesterday, with model Kirsty Hume directing a Y-front and bunny-ear-clad dude in what's to be a wild sex tape. There's stripping, butt-slapping, a hidden Peeping Tom... probably much more action your computer screen has seen before noon in quite a while. Click through for the video. (WWD)

Salon Workers Steal Rafael Nadal's Hair

Looks like Spain's tennis star Rafael Nadal has some seriously sought after, luscious locks—whether they are on his head on not. Page Six is reporting that when Nadal took a trip to get a little trim at official US Open salon, Julien Farel,
on Madison Avenue, some of the women staffers at the salon swept
up his discarded tresses and put them right into their own pockets! There's hair envy and then there's hair envy. How do you say creepy in Spanish? (Page 6)"

Caption This! Elisa Sednaoui In Like A Movie By Miles Aldridge

Winning caption: "I am the ghost of sidewalk sales past." —Stephanie Lauren Schill



Runner up: "but y'arnt, blanch! y'aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrnt!!!" &mash;Faith Bowman



See the rest of the entries here.



Check out today's caption contest!"

Phillip Lim Hosts Cali's Coolest FNO Party

If you're stressing over what to do on Fashion's Night Out, don't worry—we've got you covered. We're partnering with Phillip Lim, who's throwing the FNO party to end all parties. Come by on September 10th to see the unveiling of James Jean's gorgeous portraits of L.A.'s most notable tastemakers like Rashida Jones, Joshua Jackson, Rachel Bilson, Gia Coppola, and Selma Blair (some of them will be on hand to celebrate, too!), snack on the free food from L.A.'s best food trucks (The Patty Wagon is bringing the burgers!), sip on the free tequila from Patron, and Myles Hendrik will be spinning all night long. We'll be taking street style snaps of the best dressed, plus you can shop Phillip's brand new fall merch, and the proceeds from the artwork will benefit the Costume Council at LACMA. 3.1 Phillip Lim is definitely throwing the coolest party in Southern Cali, and we can't wait to see you there!




Free and open to the public.

Friday, September 10, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m, 3.1 Phillip Lim, 631 North Robertson Boulevard (at Beverly Boulevard); 310-358-1988.

Urban Outfitters' Around The World Boutique Is Bringing Scandinavian Designers Stateside

Urban Outfitters is once again taking us on a trip by inviting designers from abroad into their stores. This season, they've headed to Scandinavia, offering up goodies from Swedish designers like Carin Wester, Rodebjer, and House of Dagmar; and Danish designers Wood Wood and Stine Goya. What could be more perfect than getting submerged in these Northern locals this fall? With plenty of leggings to help us wear our skirts even in the winter, and a plethora of mini and maxi dresses paired with chunky knits, these designers—exclusively at two NYC Urban stores starting Sept 9, 2010—are keeping us cute and cozy as things start to get chilly.



What came first? The Urban Outfitters Australia collections, of course!"

Daily Diversion: A Gallery Of Outfits From 90210

How'd you celebrate 9.02.10 day yesterday? For us, we pulled on our best crop tops, braided our hair into fishtails, and dug out our floral print minidresses—but kept those relaxed fit jeans, scrunchies, and Aquanet packed up. Buzzfeed put together a little gallery of the best outfits from 90210, and reminds us of some things that need resurrecting, and some things that we're happy died along with the Walkman. (Buzzfeed)"

Posts by Chandrakant Bhosale

Twitter Troll: Transvestite Acne, Christmas In September, And Models With "Life Experience"

coolhunting: 'New Converse Chucks by Missoni drop today at Aloha Rag, Canvas, Jeffrey's and Missoni. http://twitpic.com/2kv9ly' First a water bottle collab with San Pellegrino, now a partnership with Converse? Missoni is taking over the world, and we think we like it.



derekblasberg: 'I must say this British Vogue headline grabbed my attention: TRANSVESTITE ACNE http://bit.ly/aoQXcr (FYI: Sadly, it's not about tranny zits)' While reading about pimply transvestites sounds thrilling, we think these new androgynous shirt designs are pretty fantastic. 




cutblog: 'Proenza Schouler wants to cast models with 'life experience' for their spring show' Uh, this might be one hard feat considering most of them aren't a day older than 20. But we like the idea, Proenza.



nicolerichie: 'Is it too early to be excited for Christmas?' Hold your reindeer, Nicole - don't you know that Santa will be bringing presents down the runway in less than two weeks?



evachen212: 'o la la! the rendering of the new Chanel Soho store? looks SO nice! visit http://soho-2010.chanel.com for more pix http://twitpic.com/2kvah8' Just when we thought we couldn't love Chanel anymore. An oversized acrylic Chanel No. 5 bottle doubling as video art? Genius.

Sofia Coppola's Chic Venice Film Festival Look

While we're used to seeing celebs dressed to the nines for photo calls at the Venice Film Festival, this low-key look from Sofia Coppola is arguably one of our favorites. The Somewhere director was snapped wearing all Louis Vuitton, and we love how she mixed up a borrowed-from-the-boys look with black wedges and one of her amazing bags for the French fashion house. But let us know what you think...is this a perfect outfit or a botched assignment? (FabSugar)

Spend The Perfect End Of Summer Saturday At The FYF Festival

Want to celebrate the long weekend with some of the greatest bands around? Us too, that's why we're super stoked that this weekend is the FYF Festival. We're looking forward to The Rapture, Panda Bear of Animal Collective, Best Coast, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, Warpaint and much much more. Plus there will be food trucks with vegan and vegetarian options, vintage clothing and record swap meets, carnival games, and it's all ages and children under 10 are free. So buy your tickets here now and get your sun block ready because this is going to be one hot end of summer Saturday.



Saturday September 4 at 12 p.m., Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1245 North Spring Street (at West College Street); no phone.

Giveaway: Win a $100 PLNDR Gift Card

Since our recent review of PLNDR.com, we’ve decided to hook up with them and promote this awesome giveaway for a $100 Gift Card to use on PLNDR.com.

If you’re still not sure what PLNDR is all about, PLNDR.com (pronounced plun-der) is an exclusive, members-only online boutique that hosts limited time sales (often between 48 and 72 hours) offering the best in premium streetwear apparel, shoes and accessories from cutting-edge brands at prices up to 80% off.

To enter:

1) Leave a comment with your first name and location

2) You must “like” PLNDR and The Lipstick Diaries on Facebook (list your FB URL)

3) You must become a member of PLNDR.com (it only takes a couple seconds)

Contest will run until September 17th.

All duplicate entries will be disqualified.

*Side note* Married to the MOB is holding their first online sample sale exclusively on PLNDR.com. They will have over 250 of styles from their best collections at prices for up to 80% off.

This exclusive sale starts at noon on Sept 3rd to Noon on Sept 7th. After you sign up, go here!

A list of upcoming sales after the jump.

Lira 9/6 – 9/10

Blaque label – 9/7- 9/11

Jack BB Dakota – 9/8- 9 12

Luxirie – 9/9-9/13

Coal – 9/7-9/11