>> I just couldn't resist -- this statement was just asking to be quote of the day:

The idea of ‘regulation' is revolting, but so much today.  Models are about looks, not about weight. For me, it's not even an issue; it's part of this new politically correct fascism."

            - Karl Lagerfeld, on the raging weight debate

>>  Here's looking forward to July -- and not just for the warm weather.  Roland Mouret will be debuting his first high-end collection, hereby known as RM by the designer Roland Mouret, during the July Paris couture shows, WWD reports.

>>  The Spring 2007  Givenchy haute couture collection is like opium for the eyes -- I just couldn't get enough.   Very understated.  Very mysterious.  And my favorite -- very gothic.  Even Riccardo Tisci's description of the inspiration -- "the metamorphosis of sailors into mermaids" -- is beautiful.  The bustline of Flavia's black Elvira dress, the swaddling of Alyona in tulle and crepe, the attachment of Daiane's sunshine yellow train, and finally, Raquel Z.'s fantastic collared halter dress.  You make me gush, Riccardo, you really do. 
(Click the links for high-quality photos of the dresses mentioned.)

>>  Editors love themselves some distinctive hats, so enjoy this haute couture cap while it's fresh -- you'll be sick of seeing it in all the magazines by April or May.

>>  I've never been much of a jewelry person, but I've really been paring it down lately, especially in the earring arena -- just some studs, and I'm ready to go.  Given the pared-down mood, when I saw these studly studly pyramid studs, I fell hard for their simplicity and their shape, which reminds me of the studs you would see on a motorcycle jacket.  So you have this minimalistic rocker chic thing going.  Or maybe I just have a thing for double entendres -- especially those that you can wear.  In silver or gold.

>>  I'm sure you all have gorged yourselves on the Dior Haute Couture shots by this time -- I don't blame you, I couldn't wait either.  The triumvirate of Galliano on gowns, Pat McGrath on makeup, and Stephen Jones on headwear definitely ruled the runways with an iron fist -- and I mean that in the most complimentary way of course -- what a spectacle it was. 
Although I do have to say I have my distinct favorites -- some of the Japanese reference was just too overblown in a lot of the dresses, so the dresses that caught my eye were more subdued:  Morgane Dubled in a layered garnet dress (she looked like she could have been in a very posh Tim Burton movie),  Jacquetta Wheeler in a cream tulle confection (both below), and of course Shalom Harlow looked exquisite as the bride (top).  I really have no words to convey the beauty these three dresses illustrate for me -- and the idea of folding fabric like origami into a dress is just out of this world.  You'll understand my ecstasy when you see the dresses in high quality:  Morgane, Jacquetta, Shalom 1, Shalom 2.

>> If you would like to see Carine Roitfeld in her natural environment -- the offices of Vogue Paris -- this is your chance.  The French TV show "La blonde et moi" recently did a "day in the life of Carine" segment -- even if you don't understand French, you still get to see what the offices of Vogue Paris look like, and when Carine visits Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy, you get a sneak preview of one of his haute couture dresses (and they even speak a little English).  Bon, ben voila.

>> When the fashion crowd gets together in small spaces, the rumors always fly -- the latest in from the haute couture front:  Valentino may be announcing his retirement from fashion in July.

>>  Now this is all supposition, but...  this may be your very first peek at Kate Moss' line for Topshop.  The April 2007 cover possibilities for UK Vogue have leaked, and inside the April issue there is preview story of the collection, so it's only logical that if Kate is on the cover she would be in one of her designs, right?  In theory.  So take what you will from this -- but I am taking this:  if this shimmery dress is truly one of the designs, the good stuff better be on the inside of the magazine -- my money's not really itching to be spent on a dress like this one.

>>   If 2007 is really going to be the year of the new rave, well, here's all the inspiration you need for a good editorial -- The Klaxons video for their new single Golden Skans.  You've got the bright-colored ribbons, the geometric shapes, the metallic masks -- just replace some of the guys with girls, keep the outerspace setting, and can't you see it in a magazine?