The issue, containing the photos of a gender-bending Lady Gaga and the mock interview with the “Sicilian Mechanic,” will be published next month. The original images begun making their rounds on the internet a couple of months ago, prompting speculation that Jo is actually a pompadoured, James Dean-esque Gaga in disguise.

Along with the images, Nicola tweeted a link to an excerpt of the article, where readers got to know more about the Palermo-born, muscle-car loving grease monkey.

During the interview, Jo is asked about his relationship with Lady Gaga, to which he replies: “I met her at a shoot Nick Knight was doing. She’s fuckin’ beautiful, and funny, and interesting. I was a little nervous for Nick to start shooting.”

Will you be picking up a copy on September 10?

Left: E-label's legging. Right: Deréon leggings.

JUST as the fashion world looks past leather biker jackets, studs and rock and roll into 50′s femme fatale glam, images of Beyoncé modelling a new pair of studded leggings from the latest Deréon Fall/Holiday 2010 campaign made its way across the internet. But that didn’t fly past Icelandic fashion brand E-label, who is concerned that one of their designs was ripped off by the house that Bey built.

Compare the pair: to the left are E-label’s “heavy metal” leggings, and to the right is Beyoncé in her version, complete with tattooed spine and all.

“This is naturally huge, and I am still half in shock,” said E-label’s Helba Hallgrimsdottir. “I didn’t twig straightaway that this was her own label, I just thought she was wearing our leggings.”

“It is practically just copy/paste.”

Although we do see a conundrum, we must say there is more than a few differences between the two—the studs on Bey’s pair are larger, and they aren’t placed uniformly like those on the E-label version. Then there is the lack of a gathered waistband.

Hallgrimsdottir theorises that Bey might have purchased their pair from Topshop’s Edit section—which features up-and-coming designers of their choosing—last November. But even if the Grammy-winning singer did rip the design off, there aren’t any laws that will stand up to the claim because the Reykjavik-based designer didn’t copyright her design (oops!).

In other news, just as Beyoncé has to deal with these claims, Madonna faces the music on the use of her “Material Girl” line for Macy’s as well.

According to RadarOnline, the original Materical Girl has been slapped with a lawsuit from clothing manufacturer LA Triumph, who says it has been using the registered named for its juniors line since 1997.

The court documents cite direct competition from Madonna’s line as a threat to the LA Triumph label, sold at Nordstrom, and that the “plaintiff’s Material Girl clothing line retails at the same price point and in the same general retail space as the Defendant’s infringing clothes”.

The lawsuit also hints that they will next target retailer Macy’s for promoting Madonna and Lourdes’ teenage clothing line.

Ouch.

In what could look like a bridal spread from the latest issue of Vogue, model Coco Rocha gave the world a preview of her wedding snaps via twitter:

The Canadian native is photographed in a gorgeous, custom, mermaid-style Zac Posen wedding gown, embraced in a passionate kiss with new husband interior decorator James Conlan.

Fellow model and wedding guest Behati Prinsloo tries to describe the exceptional masterpiece: “It was tight over her body all the way to her knees, then it had this extreme mermaid tail at the bottom.”

“The straps were off the shoulder, and the material looked vintage — it’s sort of hard to explain, you have to see it,” she said.

Oh yes, we see it. Jealous? Of course not…

Photo: Hermanna Prinsen.

FOR the Amsterdam Centre for Architecture’s Fashion & Architecture exhibit, fashion designer Mattijs van Bergen and landscape architect Anouk Vogel were asked to collaborate on a crossover piece, leaving both artist confounded by the divergence of their disciplines.

But what it came down to was their common regard for the cycles of life and death—Van Burgen’s involvement with the ever-shortening fashion cycle, and Vogel’s acceptance of his design’s natural life span.

Together, the two talents designed a “living” dress, brought to life each season with changing floral arrangements.

Photo: Hermanna Prinsen.

The garment is comprised of recycled bicycle inner-tubing, fashioned into “vases” that would allow cut flowers to grow and bloom within each vessel during the season. The smocked-like surface, made up of a lattice of these individual vases, therefore forms an empty canvas for a lifetime of shifting looks.

The frock is on display at ARCAM in the Netherlands through to September 11, 2010.

Beautiful, no?

September 10 will see the second installment of Fashion’s Night Out, which will set the stage with a “public” fashion show, outside of Bryant park, at the Lincoln Center three days before.

“Fashion Week moving to Lincoln Center is really the nexus between the visual arts and the performing arts,” said New York mayor Michael Bloomberg. “The visual arts in clothing and what it looks like; the performing arts in how you wear it, what it does to you, what people think about it, and how it influences your behavior. And what better place to have Fashion Week than in Lincoln Center, which is the performing-arts capital of the world?”

Fashion designer Marc Jacobs, who joined the the fashion masses at New York’s City Hall for the announcement, described his delight that this year’s event will see another 200 stores open their door and recalled last year’s event..

“I was really happy to see people not in front of a computer screen adding to their cart, but actually getting out and interacting with each other,” he said. “It felt like what I think fashion and shopping is all about, which is a social ritual that people enjoy. It’s the exchange between the customers and the salespeople.”

Mayor Bloomberg had only kind words to say about the New York-centric event, but also came armed with a couple of sartorial jokes for the press conference.

“The men and women standing up here are the fashion-world stars,” he began. “If they say that boot-cut pants are back in style, then boot-cut pants are back in style. If they say capes are en vogue, then capes are en vogue.” Bloomberg then surveyed his own outfit. “And if they say a simple navy suit is the epitome of sophistication, then who are we to argue with that?”

Fashion’s Night Out is the brainchild of Vogue editor Anna Wintour and is an organised effort to promote the industry. Tickets for the giant public fashion show start at US$25 and proceeds from the sales will benefit the NYC AIDS fund.

“But if you can’t get a ticket, don’t fret,” added Bloomberg, revealing that broadcaster CBS will air the show live online.

Will you be watching? We will!

The former fashion editor and current CEO of the designer shoe label is “sounding out investment banks” about “strategic options” for the business—with her 20 per cent share, this means Tamara stands to bank a cool A$173 million from the sale.

There are whispers the company’s shareholders may appoint an advisor by the end of the season to work on a strategic review, with the sale of the company up as one of the options.

Tamara established the powerhouse shoe company in 1996 after she met Malaysian-born Jimmy at a cobbler based in east London during her time as accessories editor at American Vogue. The pair formed a partnership and by 1999, they opened their first boutique in New York. Designer Jimmy sold out of the company in 2001.

Today, Jimmy Choo has 100 stores in 32 countries. As well as shoes and handbags, the company now makes small leather goods, sunglasses and eyewear under the brand.

Let’s hope this doesn’t mean “goodbye, lover” for the rest of us…

Proenza Schouler designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez.

AT least Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler are honest.

Speaking to Grazia about fall trends, they said: “We work on Broadway near Topshop and are so over seeing all those young girls showing so much skin.” Funnily enough, us too.

But even more noteworthy was this comment, from Lazaro: “”I often wonder, sometimes I think the people who buy our clothes live in a parallel universe. Hell, we can’t even afford our clothes.”

Does this mean they might consider a budget-friendly line in the near future? We won’t count on it, but we can still dream…

Margherita with grandmother and head of Missoni Home, Rosita Missoni.

WHEN your family runs a globally successful fashion business and it isn’t ready to hand over the reigns to you because, well, you’re only 27 years old, what do you do? Start a news accessories division with them!

Already well-known her Missoni-heavy looks and incredible personal style, Margherita is now sticking to what her family knows best and designing bags in brightly-coloured fabrics as the Creative Director of Misson’s first accessories range.

“I always felt it was a shame that we didn’t develop the accessories considering that for most fashion brands it is the biggest side of their business,” said Margherita to The Telegraph. “The accessories range was an obvious place for me to start. I also thought, since it wasn’t the main collection, if I f**k up, it’s not going to be disastrous.”

The Margherita-designed "Euge" patchwork shoulder bag.

Her mother, Angela, is the creative director of the main collections, and her grandmother, at 80, remains in charge of the home collection and the Missoni hotels, so you’d think she wouldn’t be so worried about screwing up. In fact, Margherita already designed the sunglasses for this year’s spring/summer collections so she can’t be doing anything terribly wrong.

But the former theatre student reveals that it it precisely this fashionable family that keeps her so grounded.

“Fashion is a real passion in my family,” she said. “I never even realised it was something glamourous until much later. For me, it was my family’s job.”

“I grew up in the countryside with the factory here, my house 200 metres away, my grandma’s house 50 metres away, in a kind of old-style Italian society where everyone works for the family business, everyone lives nearby and the people you spend your time with are your family.”

Her new accessories line is available now and you can see more of the bags here.

Featuring a newer, lighter-skinned model this time around, several media outlets have spotted the similarities between this one and an earlier 2005 featuring the rounded behind of a dark-skinned model.

Many suggest this is Nike’s attempt at diversification, making the point that not only black women have big backsides. But would a large corporation such as Nike allow an ad with recycled, misspelled copy—it’s “ambassador,” not “embassador”—to go public?

Why the revival? No word yet from Nike itself but we have to say we much prefer the original, 2005 version.

What do you think?

Untouched images from the brand’s catalogue found their way onto its website this week, appearing only when customers clicked on the untouched thumbnails to reveal the version with a whittled-down model. Not only that, the clothes are so remarkably smooth you wonder if they’re made of fabric or painted on.

After the embarrassing reveal in May, Ann Taylor issued a statement saying, “We want to support and celebrate the natural beauty of women, and we apologise if in the process of retouching that was lost.”

The company has not made any comments about this week’s incident as yet.

C’mon guys (we’re looking at you too Ralph Lauren), aren’t those models thin enough already?

Now you can! The singer-slash-fashion designer and pal Trace Ayala are teaming up with Target to release a William Rast collection for the mass retailer’s Go International campaign come Christmas time.

The “Sexy Back” singer’s line joins a list of fashion elite such as Rodarte, Jean Paul Gaultier, Proenza Schouler and Zac Posen in bringing more affordable fashion to the rest of us cash-strapped fans.

USA Today reports that the William Rast for Target collection will be available for a month after a December 19 launch, offering denim, outerwear and sportswear in both men’s and women’s ranges.

The typical William Rast look has an emphasis on jeans and leather jackets, with their latest collection inspired by road trips between the Mississippi River and the West Coast, according to Justin.

Move aside, Jessica Biel!

One of the eight photos published by French 'Playboy'.

IN an totally unexpected move, Dutch model Lara Stone is suing French Playboy for publishing nude photos of her in their June 2010 issue without her permission.

Fair enough we say, we all have to protect our work. But for someone who has shown off her breasts, backside and, umm, nether regions in every high fashion magazine imaginable, is this purely an attempt at snobbery or a move to get paid for the pictures?

“Playboy had no right to publish these unauthorised photographs. It’s not the kind of publication I would ever choose to appear in. I feel I have no option but to take steps to protect my reputation,” said Lara to Britain’s Independent.

The newlywed model, who married British comedian David Walliams earlier this year, is pressing charges against both Playboy and photographer Greg Lotus who gave the magazine access to the images.

Is it hypocritical that she thinks showing her coochie in Purple magazine is different from Playboy? Should Hugh Hefner be offended?

What say you?

The sisters, of Rodarte, outfitted Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman in intricate ballerina costumes fit for Odette herself.

Although Natalie and Darren have been working on the project since 2000 (Nat is a trained ballet dancer), Rodarte was a late addition because the sisters only conceived their line in 2005. But after ten years, it looks like they got the look right in the end.

The film is about a stoic ballerina who scores the principal role in a production of “Swan Lake.” She is encouraged to get in touch with her inner seductress and gets some help from the ballet director and a rival ballerina. Black Swan is set to debut on the opening night of the Venice Film Festival on September 1.

Can this overtake Karl Lagerfeld’s “Dying Swan” costume for the Ballet Russes? You decide!

Last week, 49-year-old star George Clooney attended court in Italy to deliver a 90-minute testimony—which the judge noted “lasted as long as a movie”—to testify against the people who claimed that George was launching his own clothing line called “GC Exclusive”. The case dates back to April 2008 when the defendants used the actor’s name to market a fashion show at a Milan hotel.

On Friday, George had to push through a throng of fans and paparazzi to enter the courtroom, with one woman thrown out for taking a picture of the Oceans Eleven star.

In his testimony, a wry and very smug George took time to have a crack at the people who concocted the fraudulent fashion line.

“This is the first time I’ve ever seen him,” George said, motioning to one of the defendants, Vincenzo Cannalire. Then he slyly added, “So I’d like to say hello, nice to meet you.”

One of the defendents, Vincenzo Cannalire, from a 2008 interview.

The defence’s case rested on alleged photos of George with the defendants, but the actor said he had never hung out with any them, including Vanja Goffi who was pictured in one of the images. George claimed that his face was Photoshopped onto the body of a badly-dressed man.

“Here, for instance. I don’t smoke and I don’t wear that watch,” said George. “I also don’t wear long jean shorts.”

The star, who maintains a house on nearby Lake Como, wore a navy blue suit, slick white shirt and a red-dotted tie as he addressed the court, peppered with Italian, through an interpreter and apologising for his lack of fluency.

He went on to describe how he is aware of Goffi—who was not present in court along with a third defendant Francesco Galdelli—and how he knows her from stories on the Internet claiming that he and her were romantically linked.

“Of course, I have seen her for the last three years in every single interview story nearly every day,” said George, clearly annoyed. The actor also said Goffi had apparently moved to the town in Italy where he spends about two months a year, but added: “I’ve never met her. I’ve never seen her.”

The defence lawyers then took over, attempting to dig into the Hollywood star’s private life, but were swiftly knocked down by Judge Pietro Caccialanza. George appeared agitated when the defence questioned him about who cares for his Harley Davidson motorcycles and his Italian home. One lawyer even asked if George dated many local women since acquiring his Italian home nine years ago but again, the judge ruled the question “irrelevant and not admissible”.

After the hearing, George was escorted out of the courtroom and told reporters: “They are taking advantage of a lot of people. It seems the justice system is the only way to deal with it.”

We hope George gets justice—we’ve have enough fake goods floating around to destroy the fashion industry already.

The actress-slash-musician is featured in the latest ad for Madge and Lourdes Leon’s juniors label that will be sold exclusively at Macy’s from August. It shows Taylor is a bold striped minidress, grey sweater, an armful of bangles and tough-girl biker boots.

What do you think of the Gossip Girl‘s new gig as fashion model? We would’ve loved to see Lourdes show off the range herself because she’s got quite the personality already, but we suppose Taylor will have to do!

Madonna previously admitted her 14-year-old daughter did the brunt of the design work for their new project, and hinted the line would be modelled by a unique talent.

As long as Taylor keeps those stripper heels away from the equation, we say well done!

The photo in question last week. Photo: fordmodelsblog.com

AFTER pictures of an unusually thin Crystal Renn surfaced on the internet last week, the model’s agent has confirmed to Fashionista that she is “still a 39-40 hip and a solid size 10″ (or an Australian 14).

The agent, Gary Dakin, is sure because she was just fitted for a shoot in French Vogue last week and is still getting a lot of work because of her size.

“She has no urge [to lose weight],” said Dakin.

So what explains her svelte figure in new photos on the Ford Models website? Dakin reckons her new hiking kick simply makes her look more toned in photos. We’ll take it, I guess…

As The Cut says, in a perfect world this wouldn’t even be a story, but it’s certainly a good way to show that a regular-sized woman looks just as good, if not better, than any stick-thin bag of bones…

With a bank of 80,000 artists and designers, Threadless has so far contributed 11 designs for the new laptops to be sold through Dell Design Studio. Threadless community members get to vote on their favourite designs and the most popular will be sold on the website. Dell customers can then choose one of the designs to be permanently infused on the cover of their shiny new laptop. The plan is to update the designs two to four times a year.

Makes those HP + Vivienne Tam netbooks sound oh-so boring, don’t they?

The younger, f-bomb-dropping sister has now said she doesn’t want anything to do with Beyoncé and Mum’s junior clothing line, Deréon.

“I initially was involved as the spokesperson, but the clothes just didn’t reflect my personal style and I decided to hand that over,” said Solangé.

“That’s the great thing about my family. We work together so closely that if something’s not working out, we can be honest about it and there won’t be any grudges or issues.”

“I wrote a couple of songs on my sister’s last album and if there’s a line she doesn’t like, she changes it and we keep moving on.:

But she’s still a fan of their latest furnishing line.

“I will say though, they did just do a bedding line that I am extremely in love with and I was like, ‘Can I model that…in my house?’,” she quipped.

Check out the collection here.

The new code of conduct seeks a major overhaul of the fashion industry in Australia, with a “tick of approval” to be awarded to magazines, modelling agencies and fashion labels that meet a list of criteria.

These include the phasing out of rapid weight loss and cosmetic surgery advertisements in magazines, and clothing labels will be asked to stock a wider range of sizes as well.

The list of criteria reads:

• Disclose when images have been retouched and refrain from enhancing photographs in a way that changes a person’s body shape, for example, lengthening their legs or trimming their waist, or removing freckles, lines and other distinguishing marks.
• Only use models aged 16 or older to model adult clothes – both on catwalks and in print.
• Refrain from using models who are very thin – or male models who are excessively muscular.
• Stocking clothing in a wide variety of sizes in shops to reflect the demand from customers.
• Using a broad range of body shapes, sizes and ethnicities in editorial and advertising.
• Not promoting rapid weight loss, cosmetic surgery, excessive exercising or any advertisements or editorial content that may promote a negative body image.

The minister hopes the Federal Government plan will help Australians better accept their bodies and be less pressured to adhere to cultural beauty ideals. Ellis added she is determined to stop the glamourisation of unhealthily thin models, which has been blamed for eating disorders in children and young women.

“Body image is an issue that we must take seriously because it is affecting the health and happiness of substantial sections of our community,” Ellis said.

“The symbol is a win for consumers. It will empower consumers to tell the fashion, beauty, media and modelling industries what they want and provide greater choice.”

The code has already received the endorsement of teenage magazine Girlfriend, and Ellis’ office is in discussions with leading modelling agencies to make a stand with her.

Australian Women’s Weekly editor-in-chief Helen McCabe said her magazine would begin identifying digitally altered photographs of celebrities, adding that readers have long voiced their preference for published images of women to be more realistic.

“As Australia’s biggest-selling magazine, I am proud to be taking a leading role in what is going to be a gradual process for the industry” she said.

We think it’s about time! Go Australia!

VOGUE

It seems Almighty Anna was so taken by friend and makeup artist Pat McGrath’s latest collection for LeSportsac that she felt compelled to gift everybody in her command with the functional bags.

According to Fashionista, LeSportsac confirmed that the platinum 4115 Tote (US$98) and the patent leather 7891 EveryGirl Tote (US$88) were selected for the gifts.

Of course, this is a far cry from Oprah’s iPad + US$10,000 for her staffers at O Magazine, but it’s definitely the thought that counts, especially when it comes form Anna herself.

Employers out there, are you listening?

Photo: Apple.com

THERE have been many tried and tested ways to hint that you’re dying to get that ring on your finger—the old ‘Hey, I heard your ex-girlfriend just got married’ one always does the trick—but now favoured jewellery Tiffany & Co has made it a little bit easier.

Tiffany’s has just released an iPhone app that helps you “subtly” drop hints that you want that Lucida cut 2.5 carat sterling setting engagement ring on your finger right now, complete with a ring size finder and an option to save your favourite rings.

The Engagement Ring Finder showcases Tiffany’s 44 engagement ring designs, sorted by shape, setting, metals and styles. Choose from solitaire or pavé settings, between platinum and gold, and princess, emerald or heart shaped diamonds.

It also lets your man fill in details to book a consultation with a Tiffany’s representative, should he decide to take the next step.

So what are you waiting for? Time to steal his iPhone and get to work…

This is a rare move for the designers, who rarely diversify from the realm of fashion in their endeavours.

Domenico and Stefano have designed and tasted the drink, which is set for its unveiling during the upcoming Milan menswear fashion week, said representative from Dolce & Gabbana on Thursday.

“As a result of a joint commitment, this new co-branding project strengthens a partnership started more than 10 years ago,” said the fashion house in a statement.

Unlike other luxury fashion brands such as Armani, who has branched out into cosmetics and hotels to tap into a wider client base amid the economic downturn, Domenico and Stefano have remained cautious.

The Martini venture marks the debut of Dolce & Gabbana in the spirit industry and is only their second co-branded product since the launch of a mobile phone with Motorola in 2006.

As part of this latest partnership, bars have opened at their Milan and Shanghai stores stocking the special edition vermouth drink. Barcardi will produce and sell the drink to the public as well.

And now, Target has reportedly tapped British luxury leather good house Mulberry to design a line of bags, due for launch in American stores on October 10.

Well known for their “Bayswater” bag, the iconic brand will hopefully pave the way for other luxury fashion houses — do you hear us, Chanel? — to do the same.

Will you be heading out to grab a piece of Brit history?

L to R: Lorenzo Martone and designer Marc Jacobs. Photo: Getty Images

MARC Jacobs’ must be contagious—his longtime partner, Lorenzo Martone, has decided to jump on the fashion bandwagon and launch his very own swimwear line in July.

Lorenzo has experience as an advertising executive, and not much else, but is determined to make his design debut at Miami Swim Week.

The line, Nycked, is inspired by Lorenzo’s home country, Brazil, where swimsuits have sartorial supremacy. He will collaborate with jewellery designer Jules Kim, with Marc’s involvement notably absent from the line.

“Relationships are hard enough without mixing business into them. I don’t advise mixing the personal and the professional,” said Lorenzo.

Lorenzo and Jules hope to create swimwear with an urban aesthetic, giving it an edgy New York feel as opposed to the over-the-top glamour of Hollywood.

The 20-piece collection includes details such as oversized bows, corseting, foils, sequins and lace and will come in predominant shades of black, white and red. The design duo promises that unlike most luxury swimwear, their pieces can all be worn in the water.

Nycked bathers are set to cost from US$120 to US$210 and will be available in stores in November.

Photo: HighSnobiety

LOUIS Vuitton and FIFA yesterday unveiled the new home for the FIFA World Cup Trophy—a custom, suede-lined travel case by the luxury luggage maker.

Early last month, FIFA revealed that they had placed a special order with Louis Vuitton for a custom travel case for the trophy, which stands at 36.8cm high, weighs 6.175kg, and is made of 18-carat gold.  The world’s greatest football prize always remains in FIFA’s possession, while the winner of the competition takes home the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy.

“The FIFA World Cup Trophy is our most precious asset. It’s the most coveted trophy, not only in the world of football but beyond. It succeeds in uniting fans all around the world in a healthy competition for the final prize,” said FIFA president Jospeh S. Blatter. “A trophy as precious as the FIFA World Cup Trophy deserves a travel case of the same elegance and prestige. From now on, the trophy will not only travel in safety, but it will also travel in style.”

And so, yesterday, the most prized trophy in football got the keys to its new home.

“We are very proud to have been chosen by FIFA to create the case in which the world’s ultimate sporting prize will in future travel the globe,” a spokesperson for Louis Vuitton said. “This exceptional commission truly honours Louis Vuitton’s 150- year tradition of craftsmanship and savoir-faire. We are also delighted to be part of the great festival of football that the 2010 FIFA World Cup promises to be, and to renew our ties with the host country South Africa, with which we have had for many years a very special relationship.”

The trophy was handmade in the LV’s original workshop in Asnières, France, which opened in 1859. The case is covered in their trademark monogram canvas and fitted with their signature brass locks and corners.

LV also crafted the trunk that holds the worlds oldest sporting trophy—the silver ewer of the 1851 America’s Cup.

Would you do a maxi trouser, even? Photo: thesartorialist.blogspot.com

MOVE over mini, make way for the long, lean and billowy!

According to the New York Times, the style is fast gaining traction on the streets of Manhattan as fashion mavens delight in the new hem lengths.

“There is definitely a movement to a very lengthy look, especially among the young,” said Nevena Borissova, a partner of New York retailer Curve. Borissova reckons that there is favour toward fabric-hungry skirts and dresses that “drag on the floor, with raw edges, and worn with combat boots.

And there is nothing Little House on the Prairie about the new interpretations of the maxi skirt and dress, projecting distinct urban overtones and likely to be toughened up with a military parka or a biker jacket and chunky boots. As the NYTimes describes, they are “more Morticia than Ophelia” and are darker and more sophisticated than the maxis of past seasons.

Go-to high street fashion stores like Topshop and ASOS have already churned out their version of the new skirts, and Zara has a black, floor-length pleated tank dress that is absolutely stunning.

So what are you waiting for? Get that floor-grazing hemline to work!

The Alexander McQueen collection finished off by Sarah Burton. Photos: Getty Images

EVER since the Gucci Group announced they would be continuing the Alexander McQueen line after designer Lee McQueen’s untimely demise, everybody’s been guessing who will take over his place.

Unsurprisingly, Lee’s right hand woman Sarah Burton has been selected to take on the role of Creative Director, according to news reports.

Sarah has worked with Lee for 16 years, joining his team in 1996 even before she completed her studies at his alumnus, Central Saint Martin. She quickly worked her way up to head womenswear designer in 2000, and was the one tasked with the unfortunate honour of finishing Lee’s final collection after his death.

The collection received rave reviews, a testament to Sarah’s abilities.

“The creation of modern, beautifully crafted clothes was at the heart of Lee’s vision. I intend to stay true to his legacy,” said Sarah.

We certainly thing the McQueen legacy is in good hands, and we can’t wait to see her first collection.

What about you?

According to WWD, the Belgium-born designer has been hired by Theory to create a capsule collection for their Spring/Summer 2011 season.

Yes, it’s hard to imagine the goth stylings of Theyskens taking over the tailored, monochrome aesthetic at Theory, but the collaboration appears to make a lot of sense from a strategic point of view.

Theory CEO Andre Rosen is known for taking an interest and investing in promising designers. While the fashion head usually invests in the contemporary, such as Rag & Bone and Alice & Olivia, he was recently spotted meeting with Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez.

Better yet, the move appears to give truth to rumours Theory wants to go down the red carpet route.

Whatever the case, this is good news for Theyskens and we won’t be surprised if the gig leads to his very own label.

Jean Paul Gaultier's Fall 2010 collection for Hermès. Photo: Getty Images

AFTER seven glorious years at the helm of luxury brand Hermès, designer Jean Laul Gaultier is giving up his ready-to-wear duties. Gaultier will be replaced by Christoph Lemaire of Lacoste.

Lemaire is a surprise choice seeing as the French designer does not yet have his own collection on the runways, and has fallen under the radar in recent years more than anything. But his résumé is rather outstanding, having worked for design houses such as Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Patou and Christian Lacroix. He is also credited with reviving demand for those crocodile-embellished polo shirts.

This is probably keeping in tradition with Hermès’ unexpected hires in the creative department—including Gaultier and avant garde designer Martin Margiela—but the position will probably still be a big step for Lemaire.

Gaultier is slated to show his last Spring collection for Hermès in October, according to company reps, and confirmed that the house will still retain its 45 per cent stake in the designer’s eponymous label.

Lemaire will present his first collection for the design house next March, for Fall 2011.

Beyoncé wearing Atelier Versace and Giuseppe Zanotti at the 2010 Grammy Awards.

R&B diva Beyoncé has reportedly asked former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham to design a collection of stage costumes for her next tour.

Queen B is so impressed with Vicky’s rising fashion stock that she would like to add her expertise to her already staggering repertoire of outfits, designed by the likes of Thierry Mugler, Donatella Versace and Giorgio Armani. Her requisites? Probably skimpy, tight and sparkly. Beyoncé’s outfits have become as synonymous with her outstanding voice and impressive dance routines, but it is thought the singer has chosen Victoria because she wants to go in a new direction for an upcoming series of US concerts.

A source told the Daily Mirror: “Beyoncé is a big fan of Victoria’s work and was given a couple of samples from the new collection. Victoria was flattered and has agreed, in principle, to suggest some designs.”

“While Beyoncé already has a few dresses, it is Victoria’s more elegant full-length designs that she particularly loves as they are a real departure from her usual glitzy stage costumes. This collaboration could be the start of something big.”

What do you think to the powerhouse pairing?

Lily during the shoot for her Chanel campaign with Karl Lagerfeld (right). Photo: Chanel

OUR favourite mouthy Brit Lily Allen has been unceremoniously dropped from her gig as Chanel’s Coco Cocoon bags spokesperson, reportedly because Kaiser Karl wasn’t impressed with her partying ways.

The house’s designer, Karl Lagerfeld, has chosen French model, actress and Johnny Depp’s wife Vanessa Paradis to replace the pop singer.

“Lily was the face, but now it is Vanessa,” confirmed a tight-lipped Chanel spokesperson.

Sources say Karl had had enough of Lily’s party-girl attitude, especially after she embarrassed herself during a party at his Paris residence last year.

“She got very drunk and had to be taken to the loos to sober up. Karl wasn’t impressed,” said one source.

And looks like there’s much more to the whole situation—Lily wasn’t invited to the recent Chanel Resort 2010 show and fete during the Cannes Film Festival.

“It was Karl’s way of making it clear she is no longer part of the Chanel family. He instructed his people not to invite her. He is strict about who can represent the brand and there is a feeling that Lily is too much of a party girl.”

Let’s hope Vanessa, who has been the face of Chanel fragrances for the past two years, can live up to Karl’s expectations better.

Instead of the usual 6-page spread in Seventeen magazine, which has been flogged season after season along with Cover Girl contracts, the winner will now grace the cover of Vogue Italia.

For those who didn’t audibly gasped after reading the last sentence, the cover of Vogue Italia has been reserved for only the best of the best models in the industry, and it remains one of the few publications that rarely, if ever, puts a celebrity on its cover.

The Milan-based fashion bible is frequently shocking and provocative and is considered one of the foremost fashion magazines in the world, and is the only magazine in Condé Nast’s history to have required a reprint.

“Tyra really wanted to take the series to sort of another level,” explained CW president of entertainment Dawn Ostroff to the Los Angeles Times. “When André Leon Talley, who is editor-at-large at [US] Vogue, came on board, [Tyra] wanted to really make these models high-fashion models. And high fashion, if you are in the fashion business, is Italian Vogue.”

“Anybody who is in Italian Vogue literally makes it in the fashion business, so this is a really big step for the show,” said Ostroff.

ANTM photo director Jay Manual described the move as “huge”.

“We’ve got the full support of the fashion industry, so we’re really legitimising this competition,” he said.

Seventeen editor Ann Shoket said the breakup was a mutual decision.

“For the last four years and seven cycles, ANTM has been a fantastic friend (with benefits!) but we both thought it was time we started seeing other people,” said Shoket in a statement.

As the modelling world revels in the boost in credibility ANTM receives from the joint venture, all we can say is the winner of Cycle 15 is a very, very lucky girl!

What was she wearing? A pair of US$4,000 embellished jeans by cult designers The Blonds, and a dramatic, gold lamé Chanel dress with a price tag of US$47,190. That doesn’t even include the shoes and the jewellery, but we’re willing to guess they cost a fair amount as well.

Costume designer Patricia Fields was reportedly given a US$10 million wardrobe budget for the movie, which she wisely spent on that red, US$5,000 The Blonds dress for Samantha, Miranda’s US$1,400 Roland Mouret dress, and Charlotte’s vintage Valentino blouse. Of course, true to her style, Patricia would’ve have added a few opt shop and high street pieces to go along with everything, but rest assured they’ll be enough fashion candy for all you clothes horses out there!

She famously bought McQueen’s entire graduation collection from Central Saint Martin’s for a smashing £5,000, and is known for the outlandish Philip Treacy headpieces she wears to her many social affairs. Isabella is also credited for discovering not only McQueen, but also models Stella Tennant and Sophie Dahl.

But September 15 will see the end of an era as auction house Christie’s puts up her extraordinary wardrobe for sale, including more than 50 Treacy headpieces, 90 McQueen designs, and other items from John Galliano and Manolo Blahnik. And yes, that infamous graduation collection will be put under the hammer as well.

“It is sure to be a landmark auction, providing as it will a fascinating insight and perspective on this great champion of young esigners and avant-garde fashion,” read a statement from Christie’s.

A spokewoman from the auction house also revealed Isabella’s sisters are hoping to settle debts on her estate with the funds from the auction.

Isabella committed suicide in May 2007, age 48, after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Dressed in everything from Vivienne Westwood haute couture to a faded vintage Mickey Mouse tee, the sartorial roller coaster that is the SATC franchise is one of the reasons we keep coming back for more. Resident stylist Patricia Field cooked up almost 60 wardrobe changes for protagonist Carrie Bradshaw, only to see 12 of them cut from the final version. One outfit every three minutes? Who can complain?

Sarah Jessica Parker says there wasn’t enough reason for the additional wardrobe changes, although she wanted to try them all on. But she promised Access Hollywood plenty of sartorial goodness for viewers.

“My favourite is when Carrie runs into Aidan in the souk and I’m wearing an old vintage J’Adore Dior T-shirt and the underpinnings of a Zac Posen dress,” said Sarah. “Not the dress itself, but rather the petticoat and a pair of Manolos that were made for the movie.”

Can we have a piece of your fashion pie, Ms Bradshaw?

Photographer Terry Richardson and model Enrico Mihalik during the 2010 Pirelli Calendar photoshoot. Photo: Getty Images

FAMED fashion photographer Terry Richardson does it once again, this time with a shoot for art magazine The Journal featuring tweaked nipples, flowers in woman bits and other close-ups of the female anatomy.

Terry takes things from artistic to just plain creepy in our opinion, with the photographer happily posing between the legs of his naked model for one of the pictures. You may see the very NSFW images here.

We’re not sure how a creative like Terry convinces a barely legal model to insert a flower into her lady region, but we’re pretty sure it’s veering on a sexual harrassment lawsuit.

But the controversial photographer is only half the problem here — The Journal is the vehicle through which he is able to showcase these lewd images and we think there is an inherent worry there. Of course, there are those who argue Terry’s side of the story, that the model had a right to refuse.

Infamous fashion blogger Tavi articulates what we are all thinking: “The girl should never be put in the position in which she has to refuse.”

For those who say, “It’s Terry Richardson, you should expect this from him,” Tavi has this to say: “Really? This is where we are now? That’s normal? That’s acceptable? That’s even encouraged and applauded as these same photos that took intense emotional toll on a person are put into the pages of a magazine? Look, I will never be able to be like “Oh, haha, typical pervy Terry!” and find it “ironic” or “funny” or “cool” or anything, the way others can.”

Several models and fashion folk have defended the photographs, including model Noot Seear as told to The Cut: “Terry’s a really cool guy. It’s not like he pressures you into doing anything you’re not comfortable with … Terry is an amazing photographer. All that goes on while shooting is participatory play.”

So is it “participatory play” for a model under 18—who probably just got her biggest break shooting with a noted fashion photographer—to get her body fondled by the crew for her photographs?

A fashion editor said agencies simply need to stop sending younger girls to Terry, according to Fashionista.

“The bigger issue is underage models, and I think at some point it would just be better to say models need to be 18,” while another said, “You’d think this whole situation is such a bad photographer/model cliché that you’d only see it on TV, but when you think about how many young—really— young girls are trying to become the next Karlie or Chanel, it’s not surprising that they would do whatever it takes to get discovered. The most surprising thing to me are the adults on Terry’s team that reportedly stand by and let this happen.”

What do you think to the whole situation?

Photo: Paperself

THOSE of us who have tried wearing fake lashes will either love them or hate them. Personally, I think they’re a godsend for that special occasion when no amount of mascara will give you those gorgeously fluttery eyes you’re looking for. But find the wrong pair and you’ll look more RuPaul than Rihanna.

In recent times, we’ve seen incarnations of your standard lashes—from Jennifer Lopez’s infamous fox fur ones to feathered, glittered and coloured concoctions. But nothing prepared us for these: Paperself eyelashes.

They’re not really eyelashes per se; they’re actually intricate paper cuttings featuring designs such as horses, peonies and peach blossoms. Born from a classical Chinese craft, the pieces are formed from a single piece of paper, and therefore makes it possible for us to pop the entire design on like a regular pair of lashes.

We’re not convinced they should be worn on your next dinner date but we believe Halloween is creeping up fast…

What do you think to them?

Now, the singer is so taken by the world of millinery that she is seeking an internship with famed hat maker Philip Treacy, known for his inspiring and sculptural headwear as seen on everyone from models on the Alexander McQueen runway to the royal family.

“Gaga’s crazy about the idea,” a source said. “Philip agreed to give her an internship when they met at the Brits. She hopes to take him up on the offer this summer.”

The hat designer hasn’t responded to the request, but a representative has said that Gaga will have to prove herself with some apt sewing skills before she can be considered.

Gaga has worn Treacy’s creations on several occasions, including the famed lobster headpiece she wore to a party after her London concert.

Given her affection for avant garde fashion, we can appreciate the attempt at a collaboration. What do you think Gaga will create at the milliner’s?

The curvaceous stunner wore not one, but two custom Givenchy dresses—a white lace dress with gold trim for the ceremony, and later a form-fitting metallic gold mini dress for the party, both designed by Ricardo Tisci himself.

The model reportedly cried as her comedian husband recited his vows in the ballroom, filled with gorgeous white roses. Guests said “David looked incredibly nervous” minutes before the ceremony.

The groom’s Little Britain co-star Matt Lucas and BBC producer Robin Dashwood played best men, with Matt transforming into his alter-ego Marjorie Dawes to wheel in the wedding cakes—cupcakes courtesy of Primrose Bakery.

Other guests include Elton John, Tom Ford, James Corden, Geri Halliwell, Natalie Imbruglia and Noel Gallagher.

Noticeably absent was dress designer Ricardo, Katy Perry (Russell Brand was there), and Lara fans Karl Lagerfeld and Miuccia Prada.

Guest Ronnie Corbett described the day as one of “loveliness and glamour from a day gone by.”

“I’ve never been to a more beautiful service in my whole life, it was perfect from beginning to end,” he said.

Father of the bride Michael Stone couldn’t help gushing. “Lara looked beautiful and it was a wonderful day,” said the proud dad.

“There were so many lovely moments and I can tell you both Lara and David are over the moon.”

Our congratulations to the happy couple!

According to a YSL spokesperson, there is such high demand from Trib Toos passionate fans that the new navy, red, gold, silver and bronze versions will only be available online because boutiques aren’t available in every city. Unfortunately, the store only caters to US customers at the moment.

And it seems we have supermodel Kate Moss to thank for the move—the custom silver pair she wore to the Met’s Costume Institute Gala last year received so many enquiries, the luxury brand could no longer deny their loyal fans.

Along with the must-have pumps, which go for US$795-$895, other YSL.com exclusives include the oversized Muse Bag, Tribute sandals and the Classic Belt, all in limited-edition, online-only colours.

The once-overweight designer famously said late last year that frustrations with the skinny models on the runways were driven by “fat mothers with their bags of chips, sitting in front of the television and saying thin models were ugly.”

But it looks like he might have changed his tune. In January, he shot an editorial for V Magazine‘s “Size Issue”, featuring plus-size burlesque performer Miss Dirty Martini. This month, he takes it one step further, casting size 12 model-of-the-moment Crystal Renn in his 2011 Cruise Collection presentation.

Do you think he’s stopped being a body fascist or simply banking on a growing trend?

Companies are downsizing too, meaning graduates have to compete with laid-off baby boomers packing a lot more experience.

Universities and colleges are now encouraging fashion students to save up to give themselves a few options when they finally leave the classroom, lest they end up slaving away in the corporate world.

With extra money in the bank, graduates can take up unpaid internships or go back to school for an additional semester to occupy themselves.

Italy’s University of Bologna has even launched an MBA program in English for the first time to give fashion graduates from America and beyond something to do after they complete their Bachelor’s.

The extra cash also means you can start your own label instead of trying to secure a place working for someone else. 22-year-old Jackson Moad did just that after graduating from the infamous Parsons School of Design and coming back empty-handed after dozens of interviews.

He launched Jackson NYC, a line of leather portfolios and clutches in a tiny Manhattan factory, and has sold his wares to two major stores. Unfortunately, his situation isn’t ideal, with productions costs running so high Moad is worried about earning enough to pay the rent.

Is there still hope for the fashion world? We certainly hope so…

Photo: Givenchy

DESIGNER Ricardo Tisci is featuring a transsexual model for Givenchy’s Fall 2010 ad campaign, according to reports from WWD. But it’s not just anybody he’s cast—Lea T, formerly known as Leo, is Ricardo’s longtime personal assistant and former fit model for his own line.

The Brazilian model (in red lipstick) appears in several ads from the series— which include pictorials for eyewear and their luxury timepieces—and are slated to make their first print debut in the July issue of L’Uomo Vogue.

“She’s always been very feminine: superfragile, very aristocratic,” Ricardo said of Lea. “She’s part of the family.” He added that the model is now moving on to a new career in veterinary medicine.

Ricardo explained that using a transgender person allowed him to illustrate the male-female divide, or lack thereof, to further emphasise his personal design ethic.

What do you think?

Designer Oscar de la Renta with friend Oprah Winfrey. Photo: Getty Images

LEGENDARY fashion designer Oscar de la Renta has dressed the likes of Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush, but he is still waiting very patiently to dress current First Lady, Michelle Obama.

Just over a year ago, Oscar slammed Michelle for wearing a less-than-appropriate outfit to meet The Queen.

“You don’t…go to Buckingham Palace in a sweater,” he said.

“American fashion right now is struggling,” he told WWD. “I think I understand what [Michelle and her advisers] are doing, but I don’t think that is the right message at this particular point….I don’t object to the fact that Mrs Obama is wearing J. Crew to whatever because the diversity of America is what makes this country great. But there are a lot of great designers out there. I think it’s wrong to go in one direction only.”

The First Lady impressed Oscar in 2009 at the Governor’s Ball when she wore a sparkling pewter Peter Soronen gown and Tom Binns necklace.

“She looked so fantastic,” he said. “I was dying of jealousy.”

Now, Oscar talks to the Washington Post about First Ladies as an American phenomenon.

“This country has always been very different about that. And it’s a learning process. [Barack] was elected president. She wasn’t. But at the same time, there’s an expectation about her that perhaps she was not even ready for.”

He added, “I’d love to dress Mrs Obama.”

But will he? Michelle makes a point to help lesser-known labels get the recognition they deserve, counting Jason Wu, Thakoon and Isabel Toledo among her favourites. She hasn’t worn big-name designers as often, but has already worn a De La Renta — Moises de la Renta, that is. The son of Oscar, Moises designed a red shift dress Michelle wore last September for official White House photographs.

The Armani Hotels website showcasing the hotel's facilities.

ITALIAN designer Giorgio Armani has unveiled his latest project—the Armani Hotel Dubai—aptly located in the World’s Tallest Building.

“Yesterday I saw this hotel come to life and I felt very emotional. It was marvellous to see this come to life,” said Armani, wearing his signature black t-shirt and chinos.

With its fondness for superlatives (best this, biggest that), it’s no surprise the big guns in Dubai selected the designer to create a residence in the Burj Khalifa. But Mr Armani couldn’t believe his luck.

He recalls asking property developer Emaar’s Mohammed Alabbar, “Are you sure you really want me?”

It seems Armani couldn’t understand why his understated style was selected for construction in the UAE’s version of Las Vegas, but his hotel now sits comfortably, taking residence in the first 40 floors of the 828 metre-tall skyscraper.

The haunting use of deep bronzes, blacks and creams echo through the corridors, and unfold like a maze of Armani’s own unstructured design ethos. There are no paintings on the walls either in an attempt to “keep it simple and elegant,” say employees.

The sleek styling is continued through the fine dining restaurant and the spa, which caters exclusively to specially selected members. Or, if you’re feeling in particular need of a style submersion, book a table at the Armani Prive Lounge, featuring the largest LCD television in the world streaming footage from the label’s runways shows.

A night in the 39th floor Armani Dubai suite will set you back a fashionable 24,000 dirhams (A$7,000), but you can secure a table at the lounge for a mere 3000 dirhams (A$900).

Not sure about heading to the desert for a taste of Armani? Emaar and the designer plan to open the next hotel in the designer’s hometown, Milan, in 2011.

This week, reports have finally confirmed that British designer Giles Deacon will take over the position of Creative Director at the House of Emanuel Ungaro.

In late April, it was announced designer Estrella Archs had been dismissed from the role, after two lukewarm seasons with Ungaro. Archs had taken over from Esteban Cortazar after he refused to work with newly-appointed artistic director, Lindsay Lohan, but failed to impress after she sent out two bizarre collections that highly disappointed the fashion world.

In the end, all the bad press was too much for the legendary House of Ungaro, and Deacon was brought in to bring the luxury brand back to life.

Deacon, who has been designing for his eponymous line since 2003, has also headed Mulberry, Bottega Veneta, and was hand-picked by Tom Ford to work at Gucci in 2001. With credentials like those, it would be hard for us to imagine anything other than spectacular from Ungaro’s next season.

Fingers crossed!

An image from Topshop's latest campaign. Photo: Topshop.com

THERE was a buzz surrounding the new Topshop store opening in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday, with queues of giggly girls snaking around the block before the doors opened for the first time. But by Sunday, the doors were shut once again after the racks were completely picked clean by eager shoppers.

The London-born high-street brand opened it’s first NZ branch in Karen Walker’s The Department Store in Takapuna, North Shore after the retailer approached the local designer about a partnership. The British retailer is known for stocking fashion-forward designs, and is home to heavy-weight collaborations with Kate Moss and Christopher Kane.

Walker and Topshop senior buyer Rachel Proud personally picked the lines they knew their Kiwi customers wanted, with Proud enthusing the store would see the best of Topshop’s 300 new styles that fill its stores each week.

Fashionistas formed lines outside the store before the official 9am opening — with the industrious among them making appointments at the adjacent Stephen Marr hair salon at 6.56am to get in earlier — and by 7.15am, the store was at full capacity.

Alas, the opening previewed a limited range of stock because the volcanic eruption in Iceland delayed freight deliveries — meaning only 1000 pieces saw the shop floor on the day. And now that stock is depleted, those who have missed out will have to wait until mid-May for the reopening.

Portero Luxury lit the flames when it began advertising Birkins alongside text that read, “The wait is over. Get yours now!” SheFinds editors then “called around to Hermes, and found out there is no more silly waiting list — they told us we could walk right in and get one today.”

But Portero, for those in the know, is a pre-owned luxury goods curator. Was there anything stopping pre-loved goods from being sold before? We think not. If Hermes says the wait list has been canned, we want to pick and mix our design on Hermes.com.

Portero’s accessories director posted a clarification, saying: “Yes, it’s true, at times you can get lucky and find a Birkin or two at an Hermès boutique. However, there is still a wait list for Birkins, especially if you have a size or color preference (which I think most of us do!).”

Will the day come when we can drop a cool $10,000 on a customised design that will arrive in a couple of weeks? We certainly hope so.

The company claims the networks refused to air the ad without substantial edits.

“ABC and Fox have made the decision to define beauty for you by denying our new, groundbreaking Cacique commercial from airing freely on their networks,” said Lane Bryant on their Inside Curve blog.

According to the company, ABC “restricted our airtime” by denying it a slot during Dancing with the Stars, while Fox “demanded excessive re-edits and rebuffed it three times before relenting to air it during the final 10 minutes of American Idol, but only after we threatened to pull the ad buy.”

Unsurprisingly, the ABC says Lane Bryant’s claims are a mere publicity stunt, with the broadcasting giant issuing a statement today saying they did not treat the lingerie advertiser any different from their other clients.

“Their statements are not true,” it read. “The ad was accepted. Lane Bryant was treated absolutely no differently than any advertiser for the same product. We were willing to accommodate them, but they chose to seek publicity instead.”

In response, Lane Bryant said “There was absolutely no rationale for us to be relegated to the back of the bus, when our ads were no more risqué than those of Victoria Secret.”

“The only difference is the size of our models. We would have expected better from a company owned by Disney.”

Lane Bryant is adamant that a large dose of heaving bosom in the ad rubbed network executives the wrong way, and say: “The networks exclaimed, ‘She has…cleavage!’ Gasp!”

Watch the banned commercial here:

Sharing make-up, especially mascara and lipsticks, is a big no-no even if it’s with your closest friends and family. But share with an entire shopping centre of women? For some reason, many of us don’t even think twice about doing it.

According to a two-year study on public make-up testers, researchers found staph, strep and even E. Coli bacteria on samples.

“Wherever you see E. Coli, you should just think ‘E. Coli equals faeces,’ ” said Dr Elizabeth Brooks, who conducted the study.

“That means someone went to the bathroom, didn’t wash their hands and then stuck their fingers in that moisturiser.” Brooks also said that when they tested the makeup on Saturdays — the day with the most traffic at cosmetic counters — the percentage of tainted makeup was 100 per cent.

“If a woman has a cut on her lip and borrows lipstick from someone who has a cold sore, she’ll get a cold sore. You can pass herpes [the cold sore virus], conjunctivitis [pink eye] and all sorts of things through sharing makeup,” adds Dr. Zein Obagi, a dermatologist based in Beverly Hills.

Brooks advises women to clean the surface of makeup tester with a tissue dipped in alcohol before applying the makeup. Also, use disposable applicators or cotton swabs to apply the makeup, never with those communal makeup brushes.

“Every makeup display that we tested, and we tested hundreds, always had disposable brushes and little pads to put on makeup, and they had all of that behind the counter but it was for the asking — they didn’t have it for the general public just to pick up at their leisure,” Brooks says.

“And of course your Avon or Mary Kay lady had one-shot testers that have just enough to put on your lips or eyes, and some of the bigger brands had one-shot testers of foundation, lipstick or eye shadow as well — but not every brand carries that.”

Despite her killjoy research results, Brooks insists she just wants women to be happy and enjoy makeup in a safer way.