KATE MOSS DOES HER FIRST MEN’S COVER IN 17 YEARS

Lucky Esquire. They’ve convinced Kate Moss to do her first ever men’s magazine cover in 17 years (the last one was for the now-defunct Arena) – and they’ve even convinced her to do it naked! Well, partially naked. A glittery bejewelled bodysuit by Marios Schwab is the only thing protecting her modesty. Well, that’s one way to get vajazzled, we guess? [HuffPo]

DOES PLUS SIZE SELL BETTER?

It’s an old adage in fashion that skinny sells – but it turns out that plus size might just sell better. Nika Mavrody spoke to online retailer Modcloth, who revealed that the average plus size customer spends 25% more than their thinner counterparts and that it’s selling more plus size clothing as a result. Meanwhile, H&M (above) has scored a viral hit by including a plus-sized model in its regular swimwear campaign. Of course, this might only apply to more commercial retailers and labels – but it’s an encouraging sign that consumer demand is capable of encouraging size diversity. [The Fashion Spot]

SOCKS AND SANDALS – THE BIGGEST FASHION FAUX PAS AROUND

Sure, they were everywhere on the SS13 catwalks, from Vuitton to Kenzo (above), but a survey by Debenhams revealed that many regard socks and sandals as the ultimate style mistake. According to a Debenhams spokesperson, “It might look chic on a catwalk but this isn’t a look that many of us want to see on our local high streets.” But honey, what if the local high street is your catwalk? [Telegraph]

WHAT’S THAT JINGLE IN THE AIR? OH, IT’S HENRY HOLLAND, ICE CREAM VAN MAN

Food trucks? So over. The newest pop-up du jour is the mobile boutique. Henry Holland is taking his high summer collection on tour in a converted ice cream van called Mr Quiffy’s – and if you’re lucky, you might get to meet Holland. The designer’s stipulated that every member of his team, himself included, has to work a day in the van. Look out for Mr Quiffy’s in London and Manchester. [BoF]

JIMMY CHOO, WHO? TAMARA MELLON LAUNCHES NAMESAKE LINE

The ex-Jimmy Choo CEO knows what works in business – which is why we think Tamara Mellon, her debut label, might just be one of fashion’s success stories this year. If the collection preview, is anything to go by, the line will be an enticingly luxurious take on the glam-meets-sexy toughness that Mellon pulls off so well. Plus she has a unique “buy now, wear now” business proposition, which means the autumn/winter offering will go on sale when it’s actually cold and not in the height of summer. Sounds good to us. [Vogue, FT]

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Words: Zing Tsjeng (Follow Zing on Twitter @misszing)

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CINDY CRAWFORD ALMOST GOT KIDNAPPED

The OG supermodel reveals how she was almost kidnapped when she got off the plane for a job. “I thought it was a guy from my agency there to pick me up because he had a card with my name on it… But then when I asked him questions, I realized he didn’t know anything. I guess someone had seen me getting on the plane and he turned up there.” Luckily, she didn’t need Liam Neeson to rescue her, Taken-style – she waited till a stoplight and jumped out of the car. [Net-A-Porter]

ELITE FOUNDER JOHN CASABLANCAS DIES

John Casablancas, modeling agent and founder of Elite, died in Rio de Janeiro last Saturday. He was 70. The legendary agent started Elite in the early 70s, handpicking only the best and brightest models and transforming them in to supers – Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bundchen were among his stars. A controversial figure who often dated his own models, he left the agency in 2000 after a BBC documentary exposed the then-president of Elite Europe, propositioning a young model. [NYT]

KARL LAGERFELD + WOODY ALLEN + CATE BLANCHETT = GENIUS

The latest Woody Allen film, Blue Jasmine, features Cate Blanchett as a prissy New Yorker who has a full-on existential meltdown. Obviously, some Chanel jackets were needed. Enter Karl Lagerfeld, who created two custom jackets for Blanchett in two days and sent them to the costume team. Obliging, isn’t he? (You can see the white bouclé one in action in the trailer). [Telegraph]

SOME LADY GAVE BIRTH OR SOMETHING, IDK

A nice lady with good hair had a baby in London. Lots of people were very happy, even though they will probably never meet either lady or baby in their life. She wore a Jenny Packham dress. It kind of looked like one her mother-in-law wore. It was a boy. People cheered. Can we go home now? [Buzzfeed]

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Words: Zing Tsjeng (Follow Zing on Twitter @misszing)

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STRANGERS IN A STUDIO WITH A.P.C.’S JEAN TOUITOU

When a visitor to the A.P.C. studio announced himself as “Kenny,” Jean Touitou had no idea the tidal wave of mayhem he was about to jump into. As we all now know, “Kenny” turned out to be Kanye West, who just recently launched a capsule collection with A.P.C. Luckily for Touitou, he has a particular affinity for West: “I just love the guy, so whatever. He could want a piece to be baggy and skinny at the same time… [but] oh well, you just find a way.”

But all love aside, he has an ominous warning for such industry hoppers as Yeezus Christus: “Fashion killed rock and roll. Fashion killed contemporary art, and turned it vulgar. And if hip-hop artists are not careful it will also kill hip hop.” Noted. [Style.com]

THE ALEXANDER WANG FREE-FOR-ALL

Last weekend, industry folk and Wang fans received a mysterious invitation to an event in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District? Some queued for hours – and their reward? A studio full T by Alexander Wang clothes… for free. Some people walked out with injuries, but everyone left with bags of free clothes. Note to designers: this is how you do a PR stunt. [Fashionista]

INTERNATIONAL DESIGN COMPETITION CROWNS WINNER

Never heard of it? This annual competition, based in Italy, is one of the most prestigious around — judged by such pros as Nicola Formichetti of Diesel. The biggest award, the Fashion Collection of the Year, went to the Royal College of Art’s Han Chul Lee. By winning, Lee gets 15,000 euros and a return to next years competition to present his new collection. [Fashionista]

ANDY MURRAY AND KIM SEARS FOR BURBERRY?

Heard on the grapevine: the Wimbledon champion and his girlfriend could succeed Sienna Miller and Tom Sturridge as the new faces of Burberry. A source reports: “Andy may not seem like the obvious choice for a fashion campaign, but he has proven he can scrub up incredibly well” – which seems a bit like damning him with faint praise, no? Fingers and tennis elbows crossed. [Daily Mail]

CONTROVERSIAL COVER OF THE WEEK: CLAIRE DANES FOR VOGUE

Some praise the candidness of the interview with the American Vogue cover girl, and the accompanying photo shoot — a glamourous scene-to-scene rendition of Dane’s hit show Homeland (with co-star lover Damian Lewis), shot by Annie Leibovitz. Others see it as a dour representation of Danes and a bad perspective of ageing by Vogue. Since it is Vogue’s annual Ageing issue, we do wonder…  [FashionSpot]

Brought to you by Yeezus: You can try, but you can’t touch this guy.

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Dissenter Tim Blanks Receives Epic Bashing From Jean Paul Gaultier

We admit Tim Blanks, fashion editor of Style.com, was forward with his negative review of Gaultier’s Paris Couture Show, with such remarks as “Gaultier was once considered the one true heir to the throne of French fashion. But that was once upon a time, and that time has, sad to say, well and truly passed.” Ouch. But Gaultier, in Hedi Slimane vs. Cathy Horyn fashion, responded with an open letter via his Twitter account. While we’re quite bored by designers’ inability to take criticism, Gaultier’s bitch-slap explanation of Blanks and “mille feuille de mousseline” was truly legendary. [Telegraph]

Sneak Peak of The Isabel Marant for H&M Collection!

We’ve already posted our falling-over-in-tears excitement of Isabel Marant for H&M, in the hopes it maybe the first, erm, wearable H&M collab collection. Well now, the designer herself gave us a sneak peak while modelling one of her designs, and she’s looking good —  and our unhealthy obsession continues.

Anna Wintour and Hillary Are Totally BFF’s Now

While Anna Wintour, a prominent Democratic party supporter, hasn’t always appreciated Hillary in the past (calling Clinton “mannish” after she pulled out of a 2008 cover), the two bosom buddies were all chums and smiles for an Oscar De La Renta exhibition gala opening at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas Monday evening. Things got even more sugary sweet during Wintour’s opening speech: “It’s anyone’s guess what the next chapter will be for this extraordinary woman,” she gushed. “I can only hope that all of you here in Little Rock will be celebrating her come November 2016.” Hint hint, nudge nudge. [AP]

Tom Ford Is “Flattered” By Jay-Z’s Shout Out

Tom Ford ain’t a guy who is flattered easily — because well, he’s Tom Ford. But the dapper designer sounded truly humbled and “flattered” by the fact that the coolest on the celebrity playground, king of kings Jay-Z, entitled his third track off his new platinum album “Magna Carta Holy Grail” after him. Between Jay-Z and JT, Tom Ford is so hot right now.

Auction Alert! Suzy Menkes Is Auctioning Her “Tomb Of Trunks”

Suzy Menkes is the latest of a long line of fashion socialites to auction off part of her closet to major art conglomerate Christies (other big wigs include Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, and recent songstress Daphne Guinness). The In My Fashion: Suzy Menkes auction collection will consist of 70 pieces from her endless closet, a wardrobe she hasn’t sifted through since 1964. The starting price on items, including a 1980s Yves Saint Laurent trouser suit and a 1960s Emilio Pucci sleeveless silk dress, will be £200. [Fashion Spot]

Celebrity Face Of The Week

The honour goes to cannabis- loving Willie Nelson, who at 80 years of age, rocks shades and braids on the latest campaign for John Varvatos. We have much to learn. [Telegraph]

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FASHION: MORE DIVERSE THAN EVER?

Maybe. Dior booked more non-white models than ever for its couture show, while DSquared has cast only black male models and Asian women for their AW13 campaign. Meanwhile, Malaika Firth (above) is racking up plaudits for being the first black model to front a Prada campaign since Naomi Campbell in 1994. Steps in the right direction, we feel… [The Fashion Spot]

I WOULD LIKE TO ORDER A WINTOUR WITH ALL THE TOPPINGS

Have you ever harboured a fantasy of literally devouring Anna Wintour, Tom Ford or Beyonce? Now you can. An Glasgow-based pizzeria owner by the name of Domenico Crolla has come up with the magic recipe for fashion pizza: dough base + artfully applied tomato sauce celebrity portraits = MAGIC. He calls it pizza couture. We call it delicious.

JOURDAN DUNN’S BOOBS: TOO BIG FOR DIOR

Dunn recently tweeted that she got cut from Dior‘s couture show because she was too busty. “Ahahahahaha I just for cancelled from Dior because of my boobs!” Later she added: “I’m normally told I’m cancelled because I’m ‘coloured’ so being cancelled because off my boobs is a minor.” Speak truth to power, sister! BTW, this is the cup size Dior approves of.

ALEXANDER WANG’S PSYCHIC TOLD HIM TO DO BALENCIAGA

The designer consulted a psychic before he took the top job at Balenciaga (apparently, it was his “destiny”). There’s some previous form here: Wang’s mother visited a fortune-teller while she was pregnant with him and was told the birth would be fortuitous. As Tinie Tempah once wisely said: “It is written in the stars.” [Vogue]

WEREWOLVES CRASH THE RICK OWENS SHOW

Correction: they’re an Estonian rock band. Meet Winny Puhh, who were handpicked by Rick Owens to soundtrack the show and provided one of the OMG tweetworthy events of Paris (other than the streaker at Dolce & Gabbana). They’re old hats at playing while suspended from the ceiling too – it was part of their Eurovision entry. And no, they didn’t get very far in it. [Buzzfeed]

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Words: Zing Tsjeng (Follow Zing on Twitter @misszing)

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RIHANNA VS LIZ JONES: GODZILLA VS MOTHRA

It’s the bizarre showbiz feud we never knew we wanted: Rihanna, cannabis aficionado and sometime musician, versus Liz Jones, the ship that launched a thousand hand-wringing thinkpieces about the state of women’s journalism. Opening salvo: Jones brands RiRi “pop’s poisonous princess” in her Daily Mail column. Return fire: Rihanna takes to Instagram to accuse Jones of being a “sloppy menopausal mess”. Somewhere, Louise Mensch is taking notes. [Mail Online; Instagram]

JAMES FRANCO LOVES HIMSELF, ALSO GUCCI

The multi-hyphenate entertainer has been recruited by Gucci to launch Made To Measure, its new men’s fragrance. It’s the continuation of a beautiful love affair between Franco and the house: earlier this year, the actor made a documentary about Frida Giannini’s work entitled The Director. Mert & Marcus will shoot the campaign and Drive’s Nicholas Winding Refn is on directorial duties for the video. (We still kind of prefer Franco’s little brother, though.) [NY Daily News]

CARA DELEVINGNE, LITTLE DRUMMER GIRL

The Mulberry campaign star took to the drums to support make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury’s House of Rock & Kohl pop-up at Selfridges. Cara can sing, she can drum, she’s approximately 1/8th the accumulated age of the Rolling Stones and she’s probably statistically less likely to expire of a heart attack onstage – let’s just stick her on the Pyramid Stage instead, shall we? [charlottetilbury.com]

INDUSTRY INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK

Whatever happened to fashion critics, you ask? Well, Lynn Yaeger’s still going strong. The esteemed critic charts her rise to success from the Long Island town of Massapequa to the front row of Paris Fashion Week, and dishes out some solid advice to would-be fashion journalists: “Don’t lose sight of how most people live and become seduced by this dream world of money and fashion so that you lose all sense of reality.” Right on. [BoF]

MODEL KITCHEN DEMONSTRATION OF THE WEEK

Now that Well Dunn with Jourdan Dunn‘s over, Miranda Kerr steps up as the next supermodel to show off her kitchen skills. Well, in the broad sense of the word – she’s only making a smoothie. We like a healthy shake as much as the next girl, but a part of us wishes Dunn would bound in and chuck Kerr’s bowl of spirulina into a deep fryer. Also: since when is vegan rice a thing? [YouTube]

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Words: Zing Tsjeng (Follow Zing on Twitter @misszing)

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1. SEIZURE-INDUCING COLLABORATION OF THE WEEK

Internet meltdown! H&M has just announced a collection with Isabel Marant, everyone’s favourite purveyor of Parisian chic. “H&M works with the best designers, and this invitation is an exciting honour,” Marant said in a release. “I aim at creating something real–something women want to wear in their everyday lives – with a certain carefree style.” In other words, get out the Gauloises and fire up your mini-scooter for Le Marais; this is going to be the high street collab of the season. It drops 14th November. [Guardian]

2. JOHN GALLIANO’S ROAD TO REDEMPTION, PART 23432155

Another baby step for Galliano. After his first post-scandal interview with Vanity Fair, he’s now landed a TV interview with American presenter Charlie Rose. Apparently, Oscar de la Renta, who’s good friends with Rose, made it all happen. Meanwhile, Cathy Horyn argues that Galliano should be given a second chance – but he’s got to do it on his own. Maybe someone should tell Oscar… [WWD; NYT]

3. ADORABLE INTERNET TIMEWASTER OF THE DAY

Burberry have teamed up with Google to offer Burberry Kisses, which lets users capture and send a kiss to anyone over the internet. Head to kisses.burberry.com on your smartphone, plant a kiss on the screen, and watch as Google technology transforms it into a digital imprint. You can then select a lipstick shade from Burberry’s latest collection before sending it to someone who needs a smooch. Alternatively, you could meet up with them face-to-face and give them a real kiss but ugggggggh, that’s so early 2000s. [kisses.burberry.com]

4. IS DAPHNE GUINNESS THE NEW NICO?

Kinda sounds like she’s trying to be, no? Fashion’s two tone-haired patron saint is dipping her toe into the music world with the release of her single, Fatal Flaw. There’s even a video directed by Nick Knight. It’s all a bit Nico-without-the-German-accent with Velvet Underground guitars. Apparently, Guinness once wanted to train as an operatic soprano, but her then-husband Spyrous Niarchos hated classical music. [Jezebel]

5. CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS COMES OUT TOPS

Fashionista has ranked the best 50 fashion schools in the world, and – surprise surprise – Central Saint Martins nabs the number one spot. But other British universities have reason to hold their head high – Royal College of Art came second and Kingston University landed in fourth place, while London College of Fashion, the University of Westminster and Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication were all ranked in the top 20. Close your eyes and don’t think of the tuition fees… [Fashionista]

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Words: Zing Tsjeng (Follow Zing on Twitter @misszing)

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MOBILE PHONE-THROWING SCANDAL OF THE WEEK

The Face contestant and Team Naomi member Luo Zilin has been sacked from MIX Model Management for “unprofessional conduct” after being snapped cavorting in Ibiza with Campbell’s Russian billionaire ex, Vladimir Doronin. (Cavorting – such an underused word, right?) We’re not saying Naomi had anything to do with this. But we’re also not saying she didn’t… [Daily Mail]

REGINA GEORGE COMMENT OF THE WEEK

Karl may have apologised after calling Adele “a little too fat” last year, but he may find himself in more hot water this week. The 79-year-old now says: “I never said that she was fat, I said that she was a little roundish… After that she lost eight kilo, so I think the message was not that bad.” Never let it be said the man doesn’t speak his mind. [E! Online]

TABLOID HEALTH CRISIS OF THE WEEK

Victoria Beckham has just inspired her first medical condition. Meet ‘poshitis’ – the unofficial name that medics have given to neck and shoulder problems resulting from toting around overstuffed bags. First getting head gives you throat cancer – now carrying your handbag might give you back problems. Ladies, we just can’t win. [Express]

PROOF THAT THE FASHION INDUSTRY HAS A SENSE OF HUMOUR

To introduce the nominees for its Menswear Designer of the Year award, the CFDA assembled a bunch of male models to butcher (i.e. sing) Daft Punk‘s ‘Get Lucky’. Okay, not quite – some of them can actually hold a tune – but the rest? Don’t quit your day jobs, boys. You can read our CFDA awards round-up here. [YouTube]

THE ‘SUZY MENKES THROWING SHADE’ COLUMN OF THE WEEK

Colin McDowell really fucking hated The Great Gatsby film. In fact, he thinks it provides an ugly parallel to the shallow vulgarities of the current fashion industry. “The whole film is as vacuous as the pages of most fashion magazines,” he declares, before honing in on the “pornography masquerading as style” that populates the fashion world. It’s over 2000 words, but it’s well worth a read. [BoF]

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Words: Zing Tsjeng (Follow Zing on Twitter @misszing)

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MUST-READ DESIGNER INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK

Miuccia Prada talks to T Magazine about the power of ugly, good versus bad taste and why beauty is bourgeois. If there’s ever going to be a leftist feminist revolution in fashion, we vote Miuccia for eternale comandante. [T Magazine]

CHANEL COMES TOP OF THE PINS

Chanel isn’t even on Pinterest, but it’s been ranked as the top luxury fashion brand on the platform. Surprisingly, catwalk looks aren’t that popular – top Chanel pins consist of cosmetics, watches and perfume. Other labels in the top five most pinned? Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Steve Madden and Marc Jacobs. [Mashable]

OSTENTATIOUS INDUSTRY EVENT OF THE WEEK

Not familiar with the Life Ball, Roberto Cavalli‘s gala auction for AIDS research? It is, bar none, one of the most ludicrous Gatsby-esque extravaganzas on the weird A-list circuit where Carmen Electra intersects with Bill Clinton. This Telegraph interview with the designer is a pretty eye-opening glimpse into how the upper classes party. [Telegraph]

PURR-NICIOUS CAT BURGLAR STRIKES CANNES

A £1.7 million necklace by Swiss jewellers de Girsogono went missing at a Cannes party after thieves snuck past 80 security guards. It follows on from a £656,000 heist of Chopard diamonds originally intended for red carpet celebs. Julie Newmar, is that you? [NY Post]

EVER WONDER WHAT GOES INTO MAKING A HERMÈS SCARF?

This delightful WSJ story outlines the story of the famous printed scarf. Best fashion-geek detail? The fact that prospective designs are all kept in a white locker known as “le frigo” (“the fridge”). Just don’t expect Hermès to come out with a Barbie scarf anytime soon. [WSJ]

Words: Zing Tsjeng

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