>> Olivier Theyskens left a shuttered Rochas with a closet full of delicate gowns in 2006, but now that the house is being resurrected under newly-appointed creative director Marco Zanini, expect anything but more of those gowns.

According to Franco Pene, president of Gibo, the brand's new licensee, the brand will be much more straightforward than in the past: "We’re not looking to generate editorial hype, because we’re thinking of a sensibly priced luxury brand that caters to the everyday needs of women.  In other words, real clothes that are useful and beautiful. Zanini understands that we don’t want to be a status brand."

Pene sees the brand's forte not being in expensive red-carpet gowns like those of Theyskens, but rather in the day-to-day; Zanini was chosen for "his penchant for daywear and the fact that he will be fully dedicated to the line without having to divide his energy with a namesake collection."  Come March 2009, it will be interesting to see how Zanini turns over Rochas' new leaf.
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>> IN PRODUCTION —The follow-up to Chloe Sevigny's first Opening Ceremony collection is still in the works.  She told reporters last night her menswear line with the boutique would be launching next Fall; Presumptively she still plans on producing the designs in smaller sizes for girls, as she promised in May. [FWD]

>> Along with their first full-blown shoe collection for Spring 2009, the boys at Proenza Schouler have their hands full with a new handbag line.  They waited until they felt like they had something to say, according to Jack Hernandez, and they wanted "a bag that feels familiar but is completely different" and "would transcend seasons."  Along with a good view of the upcoming offerings, Jack talks about their "secret bag" — "they're called the PS-1.  No one has them yet, we just gave them to friends."  An it bag in the making?  It's possible, since Vanessa Traina already has one . . .

>> INSIDER WIRE —Anna Wintour can have her three assistants do pretty much everything for her, but voting is not one of those tasks.  She was pap-snapped standing in the three hour-long line to vote earlier today — and it looks like she's trying to slip behind that column.  No need to hide, Anna, we know who you're voting for. [Daily Intel]

We're sure you have great election-watching plans this evening and if you're worried you might miss the world of fashion while you enjoy this evening's developments...well, our Network can help ween you off the topic.

Style Eyes reported on the perils of talking about fashion all day and a new brand at ASOS called Beckerman that she's got her eye on. Those ruffles had us at hello.

The Daily Obsession reported on her recent trip to the Lancome boutique in New York and a particular product she had the chance to try on for size. This mascara had a 21,000 person waiting list when it debuted last month. 

The Coveted gave a shoutout to recent graduate/footwear designer Gwendolyn Huskens for her thesis project at the Design Academy in Eindhoven.  She rightly points out the need for a "medic esthetic" in the wake of so many 7" heels. 

And the perfect segue...a bit of fashion and a bit of election from Shoeblog.com. Now go pop some popcorn, pour some wine, and buddy-up! 

>> It was a crazy rumor in August, and now it's crazily true.  Target has been courting Alexander McQueen — and he's obliged.  In March, the mass retailer is launching a new fashion initiative, Designer Collaborations, which sounds very similar to what H&M does every holiday season — bring well-established designers in to do clothes at Target prices.

First up?  Alexander McQueen, who will be drawing from his McQ collection — not McQueen mainline — for his limited-run McQ Alexander McQueen for Target line, in stores March 1 through April 11, with rock'n'roll influence, studs, and tattoo-print fabrics all in mind.  Go International will still be continuing, because it focuses on emerging designers, and additional Designer Collaborations are said to be in the pipeline.
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>> INSIDER WIRE —Last year, camel toe and Aladdin, this year, nothing.  Sadly, there will be no insane "Rock and Roll Circus" Marc Jacobs costume this December — in light of the economic climate, Marc and business partner Robert Duffy have decided to cancel the themed party for the first time in 18 years.  Duffy sent out an email Tuesday reading: "It pains me as this has been a Marc Jacobs tradition . . . Hopefully it will be reinstated next year." [WWD]

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