Imitation of ...

Like just about every other retailer to go before him, Manny Mashouf, Bebe's founder and chairman, has decided to bring in "cutting-edge designers" to collaborate with the brand.

First up on the list is Tara Subkoff (Imitation of Christ founder) for Bebe. "I knew a great deal about Tara's line with Easy Spirit, and I really felt that she would be a great person to add a bit of edginess to our company," said Greg Scott, Bebe's CEO.

The 12-piece collection features red, white and black basics, accented with a heart print. Price points range from $79 for a red heart shaped bag that looks v. Erin-Fetherston-for-Target / Fauxnel-love-child to around $150 for a pair of pants.

The line goes on sale this Saturday.

[WWD]

The Colors! The Colors!

Well, here you have it - your Fall '08 palette, aka the top 10 (the font counts too!) Pantone colors that NY designers have chosen to send down the runway this week. Somewhat unusual for the season, "The bottom five colors are the warmer colors we're more accustomed to seeing for fall. The dominance of blue, purple and green really makes a statement about how influential they are for designers this season," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Carlstadt, N.J.-based Pantone Color Institute.

This year both Pantone and the designers are in agreement - the undisputed color of the year is Pantone 18-3843 Blue Iris. People are looking for calm in such a volatile year — especially now, with the election and the turbulent economy, said Eiseman. "We need that element of calm, but at the same time, this color also has some strength to it." It will be seen in the collections of Reem Acra, who will showcase blue and green-toned coats and Alice Temperley's billowy dresses.

The other top 9 in order of popularity are (above from top, l to r):
Royal Iris (look for it on Zac Posen's runway)
Shady Glade (Carmen Marc Valvo, Luca Luca, Doo-Ri)
Carribean Sea (Tracy Reese, Peter Som)
Twilight Blue (Yigal Azrouël)
Aurora Red (Cynthia Steffe, Y & Kei, David Rodriguez)
Ochre (Lela Rose, Alvin Valle)
Burnt Orange (Miss Sixty)
Shitake (Elie Tahari, Ports 1961, Jenni Kayne)
Withered Rose (Brian Reyes)

[WWD]

Tomorrow's Schedule Today

Feeling Sketchy: Rebecca Taylor Fash Peek

The Designer: Rebecca Taylor

The Show: Thursday, February 7 at 1pm @ The Salon at Bryant Park

The Inspiration: Hardly a stretch for anyone familiar with RT's designs, this season, Taylor was "inspired by the fragility of loved, stored away clothes and the romance of stepping into another time; the Fall 2008 Rebecca Taylor collection is a reflection of a girl delving into her grandmother’s dress up box."

The Collection: According to a release, "The dresses are easy and lofty with a modern late 30s feel. Languid floral dresses, layers of lace and luminous chiffons are highlighted with found beaded objects. A dreamy neutral palette paired with rich jewel tones evokes a sense of opulence."

The Sketchiness:

ANTM Saleisha to walk in TIBI

In a Fash Week coup, Saleisha Stowers, winner of the latest America's Next Top Model cycle, will walk in Tibi's Fall '08 runway show.

Tibi designer Amy Smilivic's inspiration for the collection is 70s bohemian chic and "Saleisha is the epitomy of what we're trying to embody for this collection. She has a gorgeous innocence that, paired with our flowy, feminine and flirty styles, will translate well into the era we're trying to emanate."

Tyra is rumored to be attending but it's not yet confirmed.

What will you wear for the New Kids on the Block Reunion Tour???

Since we're sure you haven't been able to sleep since the news broke that the NKOTB were staging a reunion tour, we hopped into action (you know, "cause we're gonna do our thing..."). Here, clothing suggestions from spring '08 that we find perfectly suitable for hanging tough...

Could the timing BE more perfect??? Members Only relaunched its iconic jackets just this week at Henri Bendel!

Valentino gathered one shoulder dress above, $4,780 at Bergdorf Goodman; Gussto Farebbia Bag below, $435 at Shopbop.com

If I had a Million Dollars (or even $1,000...)

I'd be rocking this Derek Lam frock:

Sadly, at 70% off, I still need to admire it from afar...aye me, aye me.

Derek Lam Draped Asymmetrical Dress, $1,077 (from $3,590) at Shopbop.com

Gucci Hearts Us

Gucci likes us, it really really likes us!

In honor of the February 8th opening of its new Fifth Ave flagship (the world's largest!), Gucci has launched GucciLovesNY.com, where visitors can take a virtual tour of the soon-to-open store, check out Frida's fave NYC haunts (The Paris Theatre, Resurrection, the spa at the Mandarin and the Beatrice Inn to name a few!), and upload their own pics for a chance to win the limited edition bag shown below, all while listening to Madonna's "I Love New York."

100% of the bag's proceeds, which will be exclusively sold at the Fifth Avenue store, will benefit the Playground Partners of the Central Park Conservancy - directly helping the maintenance and operation of the 21 children's playgrounds in Central Park. Limited edition bags? Our own website? Central Park Conservancy? Oh Gucci, we so love you too!

The new Gucci store is located at 725 Fifth Avenue.

Who Wore It Best: Couture Edition

Le Klint Pendant Lamp above or the model below in Givenchy?

Couture in Pictures: Armani Prive Redefines Glam (also to be filed under H&B wants it all)

Couture in Pictures: Christian Lacroix's Haute Managerie

Couture in Pictures: Valentino's Final Bow

Couture In Pictures: Chanel Spring in Paris

Sale On Buy: Elizabeth Charles

Aussie-fave Elizabeth Charles is currently having a sale to end all sales. Going on in her MePa boutique and online she has slashed prices like we've never seen on fash darlings like Karen Walker, Alice McCall and Beth Ellery.

We'd never ask you to take our word for it though, so we've come armed with an example cabbages! Check out the Maplebrown's nautical number below - originally this frock was priced at $449, but now? A mere $45. Really.

We know how we're spending our lunch hour. See ya down under!

Elizabeth Charles is located at 639 1/2 hudson street.

Breaking: L'Oreal Buys YSL Beaute

YSL Beaute and its subsidiary Roger and Gallet have found have found a new home at L'Oreal. The French cosmetics giant has agreed to purchase the brand for $1.68 billion. Under the agreement, L'Oreal which will add the brand to its luxury umbrella, will also gain licenses to the Stella McCartney, Oscar de la Renta and Ermenegildo Zegna fragrance and cosmetics lines.

Swagalicious! Bendel's Beauty Breakfast

There is no more delicious (ok, practically no more delicious!) start to the day than a strong cup of coffee and a ton of free beauty products. And that is just how H&B began her day. This morning, at Henri Bendel's semi-annual swagfest - also known as the beauty breakfast - all the usual suspects from the top mags and a bunch of prominent webs showed up eager to get their well manicured hands on the latest spring offerings.

Since last year, the event has been held on the 3rd floor, a departure from previous years when it was held on the main cosmetics level, and the big name brands which used to participate (Nars, MAC, Paula Dorf, Pout, Rodan + Field, etc.) have bowed out to allow new offerings to take the spotlight (much to this swag-whore's dismay!).

That said, it is a great opportunity to learn about new brands that haven't previously been featured at the store as well as some sophomore jaunts. While there was far less color in house today, there was an abundance of face and body products - boasting the buzz word du jour - au natural.

Top picks included Mally's Blush of Spring Kits ($35/Feb) which include a sheer glossy red she made for Zooey Deschanel (called bien sur, Zoeey Doll!); Beauty Rehab's rose salve lip balm ($12) - a Beckham fave apparently making its stateside debut from Britain; Kai's latest addition - a body butter ($55) in its to die for floral scent; and Le Metier de Beauty - another newbie with amazingly smooth glosses and the ultimate perfect applicator black eyeliner.

Ted Gibson - the man AND salon were on hand blowing out hair and offering hand massages for a most unexpected surprise.

With all of that, you'd think I wasn't still hungry at lunch, but when it comes to products, H&B is always ready for more!

Poetry, Khaki Catalog Style

Jeffrey Pfeifle, president of J.Crew Group to leave the company on Feb. 1.

[WWD]

Manolo Madness

PETA would have had a field day on 54th Street yesterday, as Manolo Blahnik's semi-annual sale attracted more mink and chinchilla than Dennis Basso stocks.

The line never dipped less than a city block as the shoe-stapo limited entree to one-out-one-in. Nevertheless, a generally less than patient bunch was somehow able to brave the frigid weather with aplomb when the prize was iconic shoes at 50-70% off.

7 was the size to be with abundant samples, mostly at a very attractive 70 percent off (we don't recommend what woman was seen doing - placing 3 pads in a pair of florescent pink pumps in a sad attempt to make them fit!). H&B scored a stunning pair of maroon snake and leopard mules that make her feel very fancy indeed. Plus, she peeked at the spring line which has her very excited for the next sale.

Manolo Blahnik is located on 54th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue.

Missed Target: Isaac Mizrahi heads to Claiborne

Wa wa wee wa... Isaac Mizrahi is headed to Liz Claiborne to give the sportswear co. a much needed face lift. Leaving Target at year's end, Mizrahi will assume the role of creative director for all categories of better-priced women's Liz Claiborne brand in the spring of '09.

Said Mizrahi in a statement, "[Liz Claiborne] made fashion friendly and accessible, and in doing so, she became every woman's best friend. These are all ideas I treasure and I'm honored to have the opportunity to build on this fantastic legacy and excited to reestablish the label as a must-have. And, as excited as I am about developing Liz Claiborne, the collaboration also affords fantastic opportunities for growth in my own brand."

This news comes fresh on the heels of Monday's announcement that John Bartlett will head Claiborne's menswear, under the label Claiborne by John Bartlett.

Tiffany Sings the Blues

The best kind of birdie - the BLUE bird - dropped by H&B's casa on Monday with a most delightful surprise. Hanging from its beak was an equally blue box containing an unequaled Little Blue Book.

Bound in fine-grained leather, Tiffany's new lined journal is the epitome of my chic and at 3" x 5" sized perfectly to fit in even the tiniest Devi Kroell.

Priced at $45 it's a great gift, and a hauterfly wish-list must! Haute dreams deserve a haute page-turner, and well, blue appears to be the new black.

Available at Tiffany stores.

Cause it feels so empty without H&B

SPLENDID READS!

From the Splendicity community, comes this week's most splendid posts.



BEAUTY
A Touch of Blusher shares initial observations on Spring 2008 makeup collections.
makeup loves me wants to know what you think of Lancome's newest ambassador, Anne Hathaway.
Beautynomics says Thou Shall Take Care of Zee Eyes.
Beauty Gizmo reviews the Artemis Heel Smoother.
15 Minute Beauty Fanatic gives MAC's Mascara X a shot!
Is there anything more refreshing than a hydrating facial mist? Style Goodies thinks not!
To start the new year off right, Wardrobe Oxygen is hosting weekly contests for its readers. This week a Sephora Smokey Eye Kit valued at $71 is up for grabs!
What is 'Mom Hair' and can it possibly be a good thing? Find out at Hot Mama Daily.
The Raging Rouge Beauty Blog has announced the Bourjois Beauty Bounty giveaway! Almost $400 of Fabulous New Product Launches will go to one lucky winner!
Ellen from Lipstick, Powder 'n Paint shares her thoughts on the new Conair Nano Silver Collection.

FASHION
Chic By Nature is loving this bamboo fleece hoodie by Kelly B.
STYLEnosh attends Project Runway alum, Mychael Knight's, launch party for his new collection.
Style Tots Poll : Are Crocs Good or Bad For Babies and Kids?
With the Golden Globes cancelled, Haute and Bothered's way concerned for THIS designer.
The Snarkstress wants you to exercise your right to vote - for Hollywood's most stylish, that is.
Teen Style Lounge has found some ultra cute and affordable spring styles you can wear right NOW!
The Fashionable Kiffen lists five steps to organizing your wardrobe for the New Year.

SHOPPING
Check out 50 Fashion Trends In The Style It Less Closet.
She Knows Best presents the Michael Jordan Air Jordan XX3.
Let's Go Shopping is giving away Cosmetics Worth $78.
The Latest Luxe is ready for an early Valentine's Day treat with the Chloe Saskia Leather Satchel.

H&B issues one giant "It's Not Fair!"

All this talk about dolls is having us revert to near tantrum-antics! On Monday, Fashionista reported about limited edition Chanel dresses for Barbie, and don’t even get us started on missing out on Alber Elbaz’s Lanvin clad porcelain miniatures! But, just when we were coming to terms that we were stuck with Cabbage Patch Kids, WWD salts our wound with this mean tidbit:

Viktor + Rolf are getting all dolled up too, creating 7 antique porcelain minis for an installation at Selfridges. The dolls will be dressed in “standout looks” from their past collections including a black glittered face from fall ’01 and a gold lamé dress with matching gold mesh mask (see above right). Oh, the humanity, we say!

Three of each doll will be produced, and they may be available for purchase after the installation ends in March.

Things That Go Pop

Fourth time’s a charm if you’re Karen Walker — the New Zealand designer not the Will & Grace saucepot. In addition to showing in NY’s upcoming Fash Week for the 4th time, she will be the 4th designer to set up shop at Den, a rotating concept store in the E. Village that’s previously featured Rag & Bone, Cheap Monday and Tim Hamilton. The kiwi, known for her vintage-inspired looks, will showcase her apparel, jewelry and eyewear for 3 months beginning in February.

Den is located at 330 E. 11th Street.

The Biggest Loser: Golden Globes Edition

With the Golden Globes cancelled and the writers' strike threatening the Oscars, one question is on everyone's mind:

What Will ABS' Allen B. Schwartz Do???

Inking the Kool-Aid

Holy day-glo, Batman! The last time we thought about Kool-Aid we were using it to dye our hair back when the term alternative referred to music. But apparently the folks over at Reebok have not just been drinking it but chugging the Kool-Aid.

The sportswear giant has just announced its latest collab and well, we’re guessing it wasn’t much of a coup in tying this one down. Come spring ’08, brace yourself for Kool-Aid kicks, a line of sneakers that are not only inspired by Kool-Aid’s brightly colored drinks but the actual flavors too. The soles of the sneaks are scented to match the corresponding “flavor” of the shoe like cherry red or tangerine orange. No word yet on how it stands up to stinky feet or city streets but hey, we’ve heard of crazier gimmicks in our day.

The line will also feature caps and sweatshirts with that big ole dopey grin. And, while it isn’t our taste (anymore!), its got loads of hipster trucker hat appeal that may very well help it take off.

And now he's dead: Shu Uemura

Somewhere in Japan, tons of mink lashes are dotted with tears. Shu Uemura, the Japanese makeup artist and eponymous skincare company owner passed away of pneumonia at the age of 79. A private funeral was held Friday and a memorial ceremony will be held on January 31st.

H&B's NOT stuck under a heavy piece of furniture

She's just been incredibly swamped and begs your patience!

Moped Mob Hits Alexander McQueen

In another round of moped-riding thievery, Alexander McQueen's East End studio was broken into on December 27th to become the latest in a round of robberies that have included Christopher Kane's studio and the London stores of Marc Jacobs, Roger Vivier, Luella, Anya Hindmarch, Asprey and Sonia Rykiel.

A company spokesperson said that the burglary was not a major one - with the robbers making off with computers (although mainly administrative, not creative) and some handbag samples.

Of all the places to be slender

Too Faced Cosmetics has hooked up with Fuze (the beverage co. shlocked by Jessica Simpson's 5-Factor trainer Harley Pasternak) for a limited edition slenderizing gloss. Now, we're all for standing out in a crowd (lip plumpers were so 2007?) but from a marketing standpoint aren't the lips the only part of the body that women don't want to slenderize? Or is this say, for Pasternak's golden client after she's gone all collagen crazy, yet again?

The "guilt-free lip gloss" - their words not ours - is actually designed to curb appetite but then in describing the varieties they say, "Slenderize Gloss comes in three mouth watering shades: Blueberry Raspberry, Strawberry Melon, and Dragon Fruit Lime." Appetite curbing yet mouth watering. Hmm... We're hoping this is not just a limited edition but a VERY limited edition.

Just Haute & Not a Bit Bothered

That is my wish for you!