Don't expect any Alaia/Lagerfeld collaborations any time soon

Azzedine Alaia‘s recent confirmation that he’d been offered (and rejected) the head job at Dior got people talking, but apparently the designer wasn’t done dishing. In an interview with Virginie magazine, the septuagenarian designer didn’t hold back on his opinions of fellow iconic designer Karl Lagerfeld or Anna Wintour, the reigning queen of fashion media.

On Karl Lagerfeld

“I donâ€t like his fashion, his spirit, his attitude. Itâ€s too much caricature. Karl Lagerfeld never touched a pair of scissors in his life. That doesnâ€t mean that heâ€s not great, but heâ€s part of another system. He has capacity. One day he does photography, the next he does advertisements for Coca-Cola. I would rather die than see my face in a car advertisement. We donâ€t do the same work. And I think that he is not doing a favor to young stylists who might think it works that way. Theyâ€re going to fall before they retire.”

On Anna Wintour

“I said it before. She runs the business (Vogue) very well, but not the fashion part. When I see how she is dressed, I donâ€t believe in her tastes one second. I can say it loudly! She hasnâ€t photographed my work in years even if I am a best seller in the U.S. and I have 140 square meters at Barneys. American women love me; I donâ€t need her support at all. Anna Wintour doesnâ€t deal with pictures; she is just doing PR and business, and she scares everybody. But when she sees me, she is the scared one. [Laughs.] Other people think like me, but donâ€t say it because they are afraid that Vogue wonâ€t photograph them. Anyway, who will remember Anna Wintour in the history of fashion? No one. Take Diana Vreeland, she is remembered because she was so chic. What she did with the magazine was great, with Avedon and all the great photographers. Vogue remains while its fashion editors come and go.”

Well then, tell us how you really feel Mr. Alaia.

It seems like he wasn’t the only designer who felt like opening up; Giorgio Armani made comments to the Italian press about the recent Prada and Dolce & Gabbana men’s collections, calling them ridiculous looking and saying no man would ever actually wear them. Armani said “fashion today is in the hands of the banks and of the stock market and not of their owners,” in scolding the press for not being more critical of collections. He also took a thinly veiled swipe at the recently public Prada by saying his company won’t be going public anytime soon because it “is independent and doesnâ€t have debts, and that his clothes make men look more handsome and elegant.” {the Cut/NY Mag}

It’s worth noting that this is the same person who uninvited the New York Times’ Cathy Horyn from his Fall/Winter 2008 show for the tone of a review that he found to be too critical. While it’s refreshing to hear unvarnished perspectives in an industry where journalists who do actually try to practice journalism through criticism or investigation are uninvited from shows, and publications have advertising budgets threatened, we can’t see the quips making a huge difference.

The rollout is considered a test case, and if successful, could mean a wider range of sizes in other Saks locations around the country.

The clothes won’t be in a special section, they’ll be included on the same racks as the 0-12 sizes that most items already come in. With any hope, this could be a step towards blurring the line between straight sized and plus sized fashion.

Saks and the labels haven’t rushed to comment, which may be a sign that the labels are still grappling with how to promote the expanded size options to a group of customers who’ve long been ignored. {Jezebel} But a baby step is still a step in the right direction.

Not everyone is a fan though. Katy Perry, who prefers crazy wigs and controversial outfits of a less religious variety tweeted “using blasphemy as entertainment is as cheap as a comedian telling a fart joke.” And like much of Madonna’s early work, we’re pretty sure a condemnation from the Catholic church isn’t too far around the corner.

For her part, Lady Gaga’s explanation of the video is simply “a celebration of my love and appreciation for the gay community, my admiration of their bravery, their love for one another and their courage in their relationships.”

Director Steven Klein defends the use of religious imagery: “The religious symbolism is not meant to denote anything negative, but represents the character’s battle between the dark forces of this world and the spiritual salvation of the Soul. Thus at the end of the film, she chooses to be a nun, and the reason her mouth and eyes disappear is because she is withdrawing her senses from the world of evil and going inward towards prayer and contemplation.” {MTV}

If your religion is fashion, Nicola Formichetti (Gaga’s stylist and a fashion editor for several publications) gives a thorough explanation there as well. He covers the video scene by scene, but here are a few of the most prominent players:

Alexander McQueen

The first scenes are dominated by custom made creations from the late designer. The binocular headdress is by Nasir Mazhar, the rose headpiece in the second screencap is by Philip Tracy for Alexander McQueen, but the cape and rest of the lace outfit is custom Alexander McQueen.

Disney's Beautiful Villains: Ursula (top left), Cruella de Vil (top right), Maleficent (bottom)

MAC announced it took inspiration from four Disney devils for its Venomous Villains collection, and that is just about all they are revealing about the line to debut late this September in all MAC locations. {WWD}

Lipstick, lip gloss, powder and blushes priced between $12 and $29.50 will be featured in this limited edition set, so weâ€re thinking the pink complexion of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland may have inspired blushes to appear alongside products thought of with the more obvious muse, Cruella De Vil (weâ€ll be shocked if sheâ€s not one of MACâ€s evil motivators).

Styleite is predicting Cruella red lipstick, but does anyone remember the scene in The Little Mermaid where Ursuala the malicious octopus applies red lipstick with a clam shell? Weâ€re hoping for a cool, Ursula-inspired clam shell compact with bright red shades. Judging by the power pouts on Disney’s evil leading ladies, some serious rouge shades are probably a safe bet.

And what else might we get? Since the villainous stare seem to come down to those extremely arched eyebrows, we’d love to see brow pencils, wax or other grooming tools make it into the collection alongside smokey mauve shadows to create the kind of gaze that can instill fear in puppies, mermaids and sleeping beauties.

Disney has been popping up all over the fashion scene lately. Disney Couture recently launched a Little Mermaid-inspired jewelry line, and collaborations to promote Spring 2010’s Alice in Wonderland included a ring design partnership with H. Stern and costume jewelry made by Stella McCartney and inspired by Alice. {Stylelist}

In addition, the April issue of Spanish Elle featured Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano, Marc Jacobs, John Paul Gaultier, Dolce & Gabbana, Donnatella Versace and other fashion elite in cartoon, Disney-inspired form. Donnatella Versace appears in the likeness of Daisy Duck with Karl Lagerfeld channeling Goofy, while Alber Elbaz, also in Disney duck form, admires a red dress created for Minnie Mouse. {The Fashion Spot}

We bet the element of magic and fantasy is what draws fashion and Disney together. Whatever the common denominator, anything that encourages people to have fun with makeup is a winner in our book!

Click images to purchase.

“Mom, You’re a Gem”

1. Thierry Mugler Angel Collector Superstar Eau de Parfum/14.2 oz.
$3000

Less than 100 Swarovski studded bottles make this a collector’s item, and at nearly half a liter, mom could bathe in the fragrance (not recommended) and not run out anytime soon.

2. D&G Gold and Black Crystal Platform Pumps
$1248

No pedestals available? Place your favorite mother on two glittering platforms instead.

A Rose by Any Other Name…

3. Alexander McQueen Rose Camouflage Gown
$6250

While your siblings make a last minute dash for flowers, Alexander McQueen’s rose print gown is sure to last much longer and solidify your place as the favorite.

4. Louis Roederer Cristal Rose 2002
$509

Raise a glass of rose champagne. Strawberry, cherry skin, blood orange and dried flowers sound like the makings of a fine fragrance, but don’t stop to smell this rose for too long. International Wine Cellar gives the current taste high marks and recommends against letting it sit in the cellar.

Timeless Classics

5. Baccarat Large Tornado Vase
$3685

When you wait until the last minute to buy gifts for future occasions (it happens) and have to go with a quick call to the florists, the bouquet will look 10 times more planned when you know they’ll end up on display in a striking crystal vase.

6. Cartier Americaine Tank Watch with Alligator Strap
$12,625

A Cartier tank watch is the definition of timeless, but not dated. If your mom would appreciate an instant heirloom, this is a good place to start.

Modern Necessities

7. Apple 64GB iPad 3G
$829 + $29.99/month for an unlimited data plan

Do you remember that mad frenzy for iPads that kicked off just a month ago? It’s a safe bet that your parents do too. Grab a top of the line iPad for mom now, and one for dad a month from now. Why go for the top tier model? You’ll feel slightly better about your purchase when the next generation comes along to make it obsolete.

8. Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Crocodile Satchel
$14,500

She may not be a school girl anymore, but the schoolbag-esque PS1 satchel has been on the wanted list of stylish women everywhere since its release.

Fly Her to the Moon

9. Flight aboard the VMS Eve
From $200,000

Most mothers are impressed if you name a child after them, but Richard Branson ruined the “isn’t that impressive?” namesake gift for other kids when he named his flagship spaceship after his mom, Eve. A $200,000 ticket aboard can’t compete with an entire spacecraft, but not many moms can say they’ve truly been out of this world.

Spring/Summer 2010 Jewelry from Lanvin (L), Vera Wang (Center) and Dolce & Gabbana (R)

Whether you fancy long, bold necklaces or eye-catching rings, there is a statement piece with your name on it. Designers like Vera Wang, Lanvin and Dolce & Gabbana all sent their models down the catwalk with bold, yet beautiful and intricate, accessories for spring and the trend will continue for a few months. The clothes of FW2010 may have lost their rock chic edge in favor of minimalist silhouettes, but that can  offer the perfect backdrop to strong jewelry choices.

Fall/Winter 2010 statement jewelry from Vera Wang (L), Lanvin (Center) and Dolce & Gabbana (R)

The beauty of costume jewelry is that it’s an easy way to flaunt your fashion interests when you can’t do so with your clothes (hello, corporate uniform), or help transition an outfit from day to night. Here are 9 statement pieces that let your jewelry do the talking without leaving your wallet screaming.

1. Check Embossed Degrade Bangle {Burberry}
Burberry Prorsum
$195

2. Gold Armour Knuckle Ring {My Wardrobe}
Low Luv by Erin Wasson
$113.85

3. Multi Chain and Bead Necklace {Saks Fifth Avenue}
Kenneth Jay Lane
$175

4. Multi Chunky Crystal Necklace {Bloomingdale’s}
Aqua
$60

5. Blue Glass Ring {Max & Chloe}
Noir
$62

6. Mixed Chain and Pearl Bracelet {Arden B}
$19

7. Amethyst Cocktail Ring {My Wardrobe}
Kenneth Jay Lane
$123.75

8. Golden Shadow Swarovski Vitale Bracelet {Max & Chloe}
Janna Conner
$163

9. Ruby Dream Cocktail Ring {Max & Chloe}
Kenneth Jay Lane
$165

In honor of their 40th anniversary, Interview magazine is curating Morgan’s Semi-Automatic for Miami Art Basel. The concept – sleek vending machines filled with luxury items, kicked off at last year’s show with designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier, Moschino, Boudicca and Richard Nicoll. The Interview selection will include Jil Sander, the Prada Marfa sign (in case you’ve been eyeing it on Gossip Girl) and many more items that celebrate 40 years of pop culture. The influential art show kicks off December 3rd and runs through the 6th. And now, on top of the 250 art galleries showcasing their wares, you can go for what’s arguably the best-stocked vending machine in the country. We wonder what’s on the agenda for the ice machine.

Read more {The Pipeline}
Read more {Interview}

Dolce & Gabbana do not disappoint with this bright and bold luxury sneakers. With metallic highlights and a color blocking design, these high tops are for the most outgoing wearer.
Stivaletto Multicolor sneaker
size: 40 41 42 44
$537
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Mason Martin Magriela is known for his bold experimental designs. Conveyed through a shoe, it’s surprisingly not outrageous. This high top leather sneaker dons a cougar mid growl. If you are going sport anything by Margiella expect to grab some attention.
High top leather sneaker
size 12
$240
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Ralph Lauren’s slip-on sneaker gives a shout out to something you might see on Hugh Hefner while scurrying around the mansion. Made of navy velvet with gold embroidery logo and tan leather lining you are apt to spend more time at home like Mr. Hefner.
Dracin slip on sneaker
size 13
$185
Buy here

Gucci has the largest selection and some of the best designs when it comes to lux sneakers. Every design is definitively Gucci: relaxed refinement.
Beige GG canvas web stripe sneaker
size 9
$296
Buy here