Fashion Criminal: Jail Time for Jacob the Jeweler

Move over Naomi Campbell. Another fashion notable is heading to lock-up, and this time - it's for 2 and a half years! Jacob the Jeweler, ne Jacob Arabov, was sentenced today by the U.S. district court in Detroit for lying to investigators (falsifying records and giving false statements) looking into a multistate drug ring.

In 2006, hip hop royalty's favorite jeweler was indicted for conspiring to launder more than $270 million in drug profits for a Detroit-based drug ring called the Black Mafia Family. Arabov plead guilty to obstruction (the money laundering charges were dropped as part of the plea) in October and was sentenced today.

The jeweler will report to a federal penitentiary on January 15 (he'll also have to forfeit $2 million and pay a $50,000 fine). Jeez Louise! If things keep going as they are, H&B is fast going to become a fashion blotter!

Are you an Insider?

Clinique is currently running a contest that will give 20 women an editor's eye view of its latest and greatest in skincare and makeup.

As part of its soon-to-be-formed 'Insider's Club,' members will be able to try and review new products before anyone else as well as attend special industry events. Plus, they'll get a Flip camcorder so they can record it all!

To enter and for more info visit Clinique

200 Chanel Bags Hit the Auction Block

Portero.com, the luxury online auction house, has amassed a collection of 200 Chanel bags including many vintage, discontinued, and one-of-a-kind styles that it is auctioning off between now and June 30th (the first round of auctions ends June 23). "You expect Chanel to be the classic pieces, but there's so much more," said Stephanie Phair, VP of merchandising for Portero. "Most of these bags are one-of-a-kind or discontinued."


The site authenticated all of the pieces, which were acquired from private sellers.

Driver's Ed with Karl Lagerfeld

Road safety's a far cry from Grand Theft Auto (for which he recently DJ'd), but that's just what Karl Lagerfeld will be preaching on billboards in France this summer.

Clad in typical Karl fashion: a black suit, leather gloves and dark sunglasses - the fashion designer adds one not so typical accessory - a yellow reflective safety vest, aimed at encouraging French drivers to act in kind.

The ad's read, "It's yellow, it's ugly, it doesn't go with anything, but it could save your life."

In fashion as in life, the Czar never ceases to amaze us. Can't wait to see where he'll show up next.

[WWD]

Give me Grumpy or Give Me Death

Came across this Grumpy Girl t-shirt today and am over the moon for it! You know how I feel about Juicy (overpriced sweatpants!) and look! I'm not alone:

The shirt reads "It's not Couture - it's just a t-shirt," and underneath it says "because we think there is something just slightly criminal about a $70 t-shirt. You Grump Girl! (Not so sure it's Grumpy Girl I want as my ally but for today...so be it!).

Get yours for $14 at Grumpy Girl

Topshop Gears Up

Topshop intends to make a huge splash come October when its first US store opens in SoHo - what else could explain it outfitting Williamsburg hipster hangout McCarren Park Pool's staff for the entire summer?

The park features concerts, films and pool parties thru Labor Day, drawing thousands of students and young adults.

But it's not just the staff that'll get to play. Style consultants will "inconspicuously" patrol the grounds scouting trends snapping pics of the crowd.

[Fashion Week Daily]

C'est officiel! From Hermione to Chanel

Emma Watson will replace Keira Knightley as the new face of Chanel fragrance Coco Mademoiselle. The British actress known for playing Hermione in the Harry Potter movies signed a 2 year contract valued at £3m. The 18-yr-old has been dressed by the Parisian Fashion House for several red carpet events as of late making the news none too shocking. Nonetheless, we love her and can't wait to see the ads!

G-d Save the Queen

Our fearless leader, Anna Wintour has been honored by the Queen herself. As part Queen Elizabeth's birthday honors list, Wintour has been named an OBE - Officer of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

The honor was bestowed upon her not just for her fabulous style but "as part of the diplomatic service and overseas list, for services to British journalism and British fashion in the U.S. ," according to WWD.

This does come on the heels of Baazar's Glenda Bailey being named an OBE last week, which must've stung the Queen Bee a bit, but in the end there were enough OBEs to go around.

Friday multiple choice

This top is:

a) Proenza Schouler for Target
b) Mara Hoffman
c) Could go either way
d) Very on sale at Shopbop.com

Answers on Monday, mon cheries! Happy weekend!

Swoon Alert: Oscar de la Renta Ruffled Silk Sheath

WHAT: Oscar de la Renta Oscar De La Renta Ruffled Silk Sheath Dress

WHERE: Neiman Marcus

WHEN: A fantasy falldrobe must!

WHY: Love at first delight

Erickson Beamon for Urban: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

The good news is that we caught word this morning that our favorite but oh-s0-tragically-out-of-our-reach jewelry designer, Erickson Beamon has signed on to do a diffusion line for Urban Outfitters - at least in the UK...we're unsure if it'll hit these shores. Sadly, the bad news is that from the looks of it - the pieces will bear no resemblance whatsoever to the designer's main collection. In fact, they appear pretty chintzy - and dare we say it - ugly. The chintz won't come cheap though - they are going to be priced at £88 to £288 (or $171.98 - $562.84 at current exchange rates). Here's hoping the line is a bit more EB than UO when it hits shelves the end of June.

In related news Brooklyn-based Bing Bang will also create a collection for Urban called Bee that'll be avail. come fall.

[British Vogue]

Dynamite! Napoleon Perdis, Jemma Kidd and Pixi headed to Target

Target's Design for All, which already extends to its fashion and home sections is about to hit the beauty aisles. To date, Target has had only one designer beauty collection - Sonia Kashuk (nb - which makes the best eye shadow compact this side of anywhere). But that is all about to change, when come August, 3 up and coming makeup artists -- Napoleon Perdis, Jemma Kidd and Petra Strand -- launch diffusion lines for the retailer.

According to WWD, "Each of the three artists have a line that is currently sold in a U.S. upscale arena, but with a limited presence." Jemma Kidd Makeup School is available at Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus. Napoleon Perdis is sold at his 4 California concept stores as well as Saks and Sephora and Strand sells her line online.

JK Jemma Kidd, features 95-products divided among lip, face, eye, cheek and tools, most of which take their cues from the fashion runways. The line will retail for $14 - 36.

NP Set, Perdis's 85-product collection (featured above) will be sold at both Target stores and Perdis's freestanding concept stores.

Additionally, the beauty aisles will be fashioned with testers so that the products can be tried -pre-purchase. "We want to see guests walk in the section of the store and interact with the beauty brands. It gives them a chance to touch, smell and feel the brands," said Joshua Thomas, a member of Target's communications department.

Pixi by Petra focuses on "skin-loving" ingredients that "creates a flawless, photo-perfect finish that leaves women looking like themselves, only better," according to Target. The line will retail for $12 - 39.

With these price points being considerably higher than drugstore beauty brands, it'll be interesting to see how these lines play out.

[WWD]

Adieu Monsieur Laurent

It's a sad, sad day in the fashion world. Hundreds of Yves Saint Laurent devotees gathered in Paris's streets today to pay final respects to one of the industry's most influential designers.

Crowds began to form behind police barracades in the early a.m. at the Eglise Saint-Roch to catch the afternoon mass, which was aired outside the church on a giant television. As Saint Laurent's remains made its way to the church in the early afternoon, the crowd erupted in applause. French President Nicolas Sarkozy, accompanied by his wife, Carla Bruni, decorated Saint Laurent’s coffin with the French flag and joined the 800+ other mourners for the service.

The scene
John Galliano
Marc Jacobs
Giancarlo Giammetti and Valentino Garavani
Jean Paul Gaultier

In attendance were Valentino, Marc Jacobs, Christian Lacroix, John Galliano, Alber Elbaz, Sonia Rykiel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Stefano Pilati, Kenzo Takada, Hubert de Givenchy, Vivienne Westwood, Catherine Deneuve, LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault, PPR owner Francois Pinault, Bernadette Chirac, Laetitia Casta and Claudia Schiffer.

[WWD]

Breaking: Anya Hindmarch AND Sigerson Morrison for Target

Two accessories giants are heading to Target with limited edition collections this fall- British designer Anya Hindmarch, who will launch a bag collection (the company's 6th) and Sigerson Morrison, who will create Target's 3rd limited edition shoe collection. Both lines will launching October 12th. Stay tuned for photos and pricing.

Vintage Dior Boutique Now Open at Yoox

Yoox is currently playing hostess to a most fabulous fashion party. Exclusive to its site is an extensive selection of vintage pieces from the Maison Dior. Broken into three eras, the 40s-50s, 60s-70s, and 80s and beyond, the collection features remarkable RTW and accessories "plucked from rare sources from around the world: prestigious auction houses like Christie's, notable vintage collectors like Franco Jacassi and important private collections."

We are dazzled by the coats and dresses from the 60s and 70s particularly, but the entire collection is a tour de force. Take this dress from the late '60s for example:

It is every bit as relevant, elegant and fashion-forward as today's top empire sheaths. Fashion forward indeed! ($ 1,560)

Today in "Bothered": LV lawsuit against Dooney & Burke Shut Down

We don't know what Louis Vuitton was thinking when it sued Dooney & Burke for copyright infrigement. Oh wait, scratch that. We know exactly what they were thinking... they were thinking they were being ripped off - and not just from some Canal Street vendors - from a big giant handbag company... It's the presiding judge that we don't get!


Ruling in a 4-year legal battle, US District Court Judge Shira Scheindlin ruled that Dooney & Bourke's "It Bag" monogram design did not infringe on LVs Monograme Multicolore handbag collection.

...only not

The judge's sticking point (albeit one that ran for 54 pages) was not the issue of resemblance - this much she admitted. Rather, whether the mongrams could be confused for each other.

"Even the testimony of Louis Vuitton's director of intellectual property suggests Louis Vuitton's infringement claim is not necessarily premised on a likelihood of confusion between its products and those of [the] defendant, but rather Louis Vuitton's distaste at being associated with the 'It Bags,'" wrote the judge.

"The consumers weren't confused and the court wasn't confused and the experts weren't confused," said Thomas McAndrew, an attorney for Dooney & Bourke. Um, someone tell McAndrew that H&B is confused. It is clearly a ripoff, and Dooney & Bourke should be ashamed - arguing over different sized fonts. Here's a thought - free of charge - come up with an original design! The company has made over $100 million dollars on its "It Bag." Think about that. That's a whole lotta beans for trading on a bag that is so obviously in someone else's name.

Vuitton said it would appeal the case. "Louis Vuitton respectfully disagrees with the judge's decision on the motion," said a spokeswoman. "There are numerous material issues of fact in this case that warrant consideration by a jury."

2008 CFDA Winners Announced

Last night the CFDA gathered in all its haute glory to fete its favorites at its annual awards show. Hosted by Fran Lebowitz with presenters Kim Cattrall, Simon Doonan, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, Eva Mendes, Maggie Gyllenhaul and Victoria Beckham, the event held at NY Public Library, brought out fashion, media and actual celebrities - a star-studded trifecta.

Awards were given as follows:

Womenswear Designer of the Year: Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein Collection
Menswear Designer of the Year: Tom Ford
Accessories Designer of the Year: Tory Burch

Swarovski Awards for Emerging Talent
Womenswear: Kate and Laura Mulleavy for Rodarte
Menswear: Scott Sternberg for Band of Outsiders
Accessory Design: Philip Crangi
Eugenia Sheppard Award: Style.com's Candy Pratts Price International Award: Dries Van Noten
Board of Directors Tribute: Mayor Mike Bloomberg

Attendees included:

The Designers: CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg (appropriately in vintage YSL), Donna Karan, Alexander Wang, Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte, Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang, Dennis Basso, Tom Ford, Kenneth Cole, Vena Cava's Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock, Michael Kors, Sean Combs, Marchesa’s Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman, Sari Gueron, Thakoon Panichgul, Calvin Klein, Francisco Costa, Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler's Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, Monique Lhuillier, James Perse, Philip Lim, Zac Posen, Ralph Lauren, Carlos Miele, Narciso Rodriguez, Rafe Totengco, Jason Wu, Charles Nolan, Badgley & Mischka, Erin Fetherston, Helmut Lang's Michael and Nicole Colovos, Thom Browne, Doo-Ri Chung, Betsey Johnson

The Editors: Anna Wintour, Andre Leon Talley, Meredith Melling Burke, Alexandra Kotur, Sally Singer, Mary Alice Stephenson, Ingrid Sischy and Sandy Brant, Anne Slowey, Bridget Foley, Patrick McCarthy, Amy Astley

The Red Carpet Walkers: Eva Longoria (in DVF) and Tony Parker, Jason Lewis, Hillary Duff, Mandy Moore, Kim Catrall, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Ashley Olsen, Kim Raver, Eva Mendes, Victoria Becks, Lauren Hutton, L'il Kim, Famke Janssen, Jill Hennessy, LL Cool J, Naomi Campbell



The Socials: Marina Rust Connor, Aerin Lauder (in Proenza), Olivia Chantecaille, David Lauren with Lauren Bush (in RL), Vanessa von Bismarck, Katie Lee Joel, Gigi Mortimer, Zani Gugelmann

Proenza Schouler Joins the Mile High Heel Club

Proenza Schouler's Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez have big plans under foot.

The cult-fave has inked a deal with Giuseppe Zanotti-owned Vicini-SpA -- who also produces and distributes shoes for Mr. Zanotti, Roberto Cavalli and Balmain -- to create a luxe line of shoes set to hit stores for resort season.

The collection will include ballet flats, loafers, sandals and high heels. "We've had a shoe collection before for shows, but never pushed outside of that," said Hernandez. "They weren't commercial shoes, and we did it ourselves with a little factory. Now, we're going to start making things we like for everyday."

And while good design (and an infusion of cash from Valentino's stake) never hurts, a bump like the pair got this weekend is money in the bank. After Sarah Jessica Parker was seen wearing their black and white python-heeled sandals in the just released Sex and the City movie, the shoe instantly acquired "IT" status, selling out and boding well for the collection's future (we saw one pair in a 9.5 avail at Barneys on sale for $435).

In addition to eyewear and shoes, the pair said they would soon release a handbag collection, too.

Proenza Schouler shoes will retail for an average of $685, with pieces beginning in the $300s up to $3,000 at Proenza Schouler retailers and other specialty boutiques.

[WWD]

Breaking: Yves Saint Laurent Dies, 71

Yves Saint Laurent, the legendary fashion designer died today at the age of 71 in Paris. Credited with redefining modern fashion with his elegant pantsuits for women (and so, so much more), Monsieur Laurent, was among the most enduring and influential designers of the 20th century - peered only by Coco Chanel and Christian Dior.

The designer had been ill for some time.