Sydney designer, Claire Greaves, started her label, Maise Denim, after designing for Topshop straight out of college. The young designer's denim range is already making waves in America and across the world based on the classic fit that her designs embrace. Classic, in this context, means true-waist fitted jeans with a variety of ankle-cuts and washes. With the growing popularity of 'mom' cut jeans, Maise hit shelves at the right moment. Our favorite pairs from the Spring 2009 collection were the stovepipe jeans with their signature true-waist rises. One pair that stood out had a burnt orange wash which should fit right in with so many garments of that color from the Spring 09 season. Check out our gallery from the W29 showroom below. 

Before you start planning your Spring 09 wardrobe around these bags, we should break the ice by saying they start at $1,500. Alas, a luxury price point never stopped a determined (or financially gifted) fashionista. Chain mesh is one of de couture's signature materials and this Spring 09 it was used in such a glamorous yet refined way--we couldn't be bigger fans of their work. All of the basic colors in your wardrobe; nude, black, chocolate, gold, and silver, were used in the collection and mixed and matched beautifully. Our favorites were a nude suede shoulder bag woven with sparkling silver chain and a small chocolate colored clutch with black mesh. Check out our snapshots from the showroom below.

On this momentous day in American history what else can we do but start our fashion news round-up off with news about the Presidency? 

This morning WWD outlines the projections for President Obama's first 100 days in office. Turning the economy around is of interest to the fashion industry too, after all. All along, many of fashion's biggest names were vocal in their support of his nomination and raised sums for his race to Presidency. 

And then there's the fun bit...Michelle Obama, now America's official first lady, is getting the fashion world excited for a return to the Jackie Onassis days. Vogue UK has already started in with the style galleries. 

Unfortunately, Jens Laugesen is folding after six years. The British designer won a slew of important awards and designed capsule collections for Topshop but financial sponsorship did not come quickly or substantially. Luckily, Laugesen has every intention of staying in the industry and we hope to see him as Creative Director somewhere within weeks. To see images from his Fall 08 collection, click here. 

In more optimistic news...Alexander McQueen will be designing for Target's new Designer Collaborations program that, unlike Go International, focuses on more established, recognizable names in fashion. This program will replace what is now Isaac Mizrahi's last season with the retailer.