>> Just a week after Stefano Tonchi was confirmed as the new editor-in-chief of W, comes the announcement that, as expected, longtime creative director Dennis Freedman is leaving the magazine.

Freedman, who has been at W for almost twenty years, confirmed the news to WWD: “I have had the most extraordinary experience working with some of the most talented and brilliant photographers, artists and editors in the world, and these collaborations have brought me unbelievable joy and satisfaction. For me, this has been one of the greatest opportunities I could ever hope for.”

Camilla Nickerson to Vogue? »

>> Mary-Kate, Ashley Olsen Introduce Elizabeth and James Fine Jewelry — Midway through 2008, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen announced they were collaborating with Robert Lee Morris on jewelry for their contemporary line, Elizabeth and James. Now, for Spring, they're moving away from Robert Lee Morris and into more upscale territory with fine jewelry.  Morris will continue to produce the most popular pieces from seasons past, but his name is being dropped from the line because the Olsens are now taking a more active role in designing the collection. There's also an uptick in prices, which now reach into the thousands — some of the bar rings, necklaces, and pendants flaunt sapphires and pave diamonds. [Fashionista, FabSugar]

>> French heritage houses like Nina Ricci and Vionnet have both been reinvented in the last couple of years with a more contemporary approach; now, add Carven to the trend.

Founded in Paris by couturier Madame Carmen de Tommaso in 1945, Carven was originally launched for petite women.  Two seasons ago, former Givenchy designer Guillaume Henry was tasked with kickstarting the label again, and judging by the reception, he's succeeded.

Last night, Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet feted Henry in London, where she gushed: "The clothes . . . Not only did we love them — the Parisian street attitude really struck a bell with us — but we just couldn't believe the amazing prices. Does this guy look like a young Saint Laurent or what?  . . . These clothes are going to change your life. I'm really looking forward to watching this man blossom and to seeing what he becomes in 20 years time."

The New York Times reports "raves" over the line »

Christie's is partnering with fashion industry leaders for an inaugural green auction, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day this April 22. PPR chairman François-Henri Pinault, Anna Zegna, Vivienne Westwood, Lauren Bush, Maggie Rizer, and Julie Gilhart make up the event's honorary committee and have been calling on the fashion industry to support "A Bid to Save the Earth."

The auction block will include a private lunch with Vera Wang; Giorgio Armani evening dresses and two tickets to Vanity Fair’s Oscar party; his and her bespoke suits from Stella McCartney, and private fitting with the designer; Girard-Perregaux watches; Valextra luggage; Harry Winston jewelry; and David LaChapelle photography (above). Oceana, Conservation International, the Central Park Conservancy, and the National Resources Defense Council will benefit.

Source: David LaChapelle

>> Hanne-Gaby Odiele, Ohne Titel, and Casting Director Natalie Joos Among Paper's 2010 Beautiful People —Paper has released its annual Beautiful People issue; among the fashion contigent are photographer and Rodarte collaborator Autumn de Wilde, casting director Natalie Joos, Hanne-Gaby Odiele, Calvin Klein model David Agobodji, Prabal Gurung, Ohne Titel, Milk Studios' Mazdack Rassi and wife, Marie Claire fashion editor Zanna Rassi. Among the tidbits gleaned: Alexa Adams of Ohne Titel's great-grandfather was Al Capone's tailor. [Paper]

>> Emerging London talent is finally getting its due. Just last week, Anna Wintour threw a party in New York for 20 up-and-coming London talents, and now this morning, Erdem Moralioglu was named the inaugural British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund winner.

Moralioglu's award, much like its US counterpart from the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, includes prize money ringing in at £200,000 (approx. $303,000) and access to high-profile mentors for the next year to help him create a global brand. He beat out fellow nominees including Christopher Kane, Angel Jackson, Clements Ribeiro, Patrick Grant of E. Tautz, Marios Schwab, Nicholas Kirkwood, and Richard Nicoll.

So what does he plan to do with the money? »

>> Haider Ackermann Named Guest of Honor at Upcoming Pitti W — The last two Pitti W events in Florence, where women's designers showcase their pre-collections, have hosted Proenza Schouler and Giles as the guest of honor. For the upcoming fair, from June 15 to 18, Haider Ackermann has been named the honoree; he's expected to unveil a special collection designed specifically for the event — even though he typically does not produce pre-collections — that will possibly be commercialized. [WWD]

>> Two months ago, Simon Fuller, the founder of 19 Entertainment, which owns controlling stakes in Storm Models, Victoria Beckham Collection, and RM by Roland Mouret, announced that he was leaving the company to start a new company pursuing film and other entertainment projects. He is currently retained as a consultant at 19 Entertainment.

For the past year or so, rumors have surrounded Fuller.  Last June, it was announced he was teaming with Topshop's Sir Phillip Green for a global entertainment company; soon after, word came that Kate Moss might somehow be involved. Then, in November, Fuller was rumored to be pairing with Victoria Beckham for a New York-based modeling agency, which Beckham then denied.

But yesterday came news that 19 Entertainment's owner CKX (Fuller sold to CKX in 2005) is discussing the sale of 19 Entertainment to One Equity Partners, the private equity arm of JPMorgan Chase.  Without Fuller and with a potential new owner, there's no confirmation on what the buyout might mean for Storm Models, Victoria Beckham Collection, and RM by Roland Mouret.

>> Kell on Earth Renewal Up in the Air, But Kelly Cutrone Already Has Another TV Project —Kelly Cutrone's "Kell on Earth" reality show on Bravo came to a close with its season finale on Monday, but will it be back for more? "Nobody announces a season two at the end of a show," Cutrone says. "I don't really know what's going on." A Bravo rep added, "We don't have any decisions on a season two yet." But Cutrone also noted that she signed a "major deal in LA last week" for a "scripted network TV show." The show will be about the fashion industry, and Cutrone says she's set to executive produce and write. [PRNewser]