>> If our sporty-chic Friday left you wanting more, peep our roundup of the best casual kicks for the warmer weather ahead of us. There's something for everyone — Maison Martin Margiela high tops for the ultimate sneaker head, Marc by Marc Jacobs sneaker wedges for those who prefer the extra height, pale pink Converse Jack Purcell canvas kicks . . . More Spring-perfect sporty footwear in the slideshow.
>> Miu Miu is launching its first e-commerce store simultaneously for the US, Japan and 17 European countries on April 6, with the brand's full collections on offer. The site will also include, according to WWD, a "'fashion show selection' offering exclusive key looks from Miu Miu’s Paris runway, a top zoom function that helps simulate a live shopping experience, and a newsletter for special online-only products, events and brand initiatives."
Meanwhile, in Miu Miu stores worldwide, the brand just launched colorful miniature clip-on charms of its iconic bags — as seen in the gallery — which retail for $380.
>> Erdem Moralioglu, who dropped by Saks Fifth Avenue in New York yesterday for a trunk show, was evasive when asked whether he was Kate Middleton's wedding dress designer: "I mean, any mention like that is just a huge compliment. It’s so flattering! I will say that Kate is very beautiful . . . " He also sounds like he's not ready to take on a mass collaboration anytime soon : "It’s come up so many times, but I’m just too focused on my own collection at this point. It takes up all my time! But in the future, down the line . . . who knows?" One thing he will be doing soon — while he's in New York? Going to J.Crew. "I love J.Crew, we don't have [it] in the UK." [Fashionista, StyleList]
>> A former Marc Jacobs executive filed a sex discrimination lawsuit earlier this week against Robert Duffy, Marc Jacobs International, and LVMH. Jacobs himself was not named in the suit.
The plaintiff, Patrice Lataillade, who was CFO and COO of Marc Jacobs International until his dismissal last September, alleges that Duffy “uses company funds for personal expenses and does not censor what he does or says.” The suit also gives examples of "Duffy's conduct which created a hostile work environment," including "his displaying [of] gay pornography in the office and requiring employees to look at it; his production and dissemination of a book which included photos of MJI staff in sexual positions or nude; [and] his requirement that an MJI store employee perform a pole dance for him."
Lataillade, who had worked at LVMH since May 1996 (and joined MJI in 2002), said in court papers that he complained of Duffy's behavior to MJI executives and the LVMH general counsel, but nothing was done. Other employees had also complained, the suit says, but a woman was told she needed a "thicker skin" and a man was instructed to "go home early and have a drink." Lataillade was fired "within less than a week" after his lawyers sent an email to the CEO of MJI and the LVMH general counsel regarding the "legal situation," and he alleges that he was “fired in retaliation for objecting to a discriminatory environment offensive to him.”
A Jacobs spokeswoman called the claims "false": "Patrice Lataillade was terminated as CFO and COO of [Marc Jacobs International] for serious matters unrelated to the allegations made in the complaint." And an LVMH spokeswoman said similarly: “The allegations contained in the complaint are false. Patrice Lataillade was terminated as chief financial officer and chief operating officer of MJI for serious matters unrelated to the allegations contained in the complaint. MJI, LVMH Inc. and Robert Duffy will vigorously defend the case in court.”
At the time of his discharge, Lataillade's compensation package was $1 million a year; he is seeking lost wages, compensatory and punitive damages, lawyer's fees, and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
>> Rachel Zoe, who gave birth to her first son, Skyler Morrison Berman, last week, has posted a new family picture, captioning it: "The 2 loves of my life... [Rodger] and Skyler Morrison. My life is complete. xoRZ" [Rachel Zoe]
>> Change is afoot at J.Crew — evident at the newly private brand's Fall 2011 presentation yesterday. J.Crew chairman and CEO Mickey Drexler, who just signed a new employment contract (running through March 7, 2015), chatted and took in the crowd, while the press-friendly Jenna Lyons (now president and executive creative director of the brand) deferred interviews about the collection to head women's designer Marissa Webb. That's not to say that Lyons's influence wasn't present — a few of the models sported Cutler and Gross eyeglasses that mirrored Lyons's own signature thick-framed black specs.
But after last week's reports that J.Crew's women's business declined last year, all eyes were on what Webb and J.Crew would do to amp sales back up. The tailored Fall 2011 collection, which featured hunter green patent loafers and a tomato red dress, was inspired by an office screening of Bonnie and Clyde and The Great Gatsby, Webb explained: "You have the whimsy and playfulness of Daisy [from Gatsby] and the structured menswear of Bonnie. The mixing of the two elements is the perfect J.Crew fantasy."
>> Somewhere in the world is warm sunshine, and while it hasn't hit our neck of the woods just yet, we're preparing for what's to come. Tank tops are the best option for those scorching days in the city, so we compiled the best ones to keep you cool around town. Our fare ranges from slick basics, like a T by Alexander Wang tank dipped in a new Sienna hue, to a more daring cutout creation by J.Crew. Check out the slideshow to see the rest of our top picks!
>> Sun protection is key during the Spring and Summer months, so we rounded up our favorite toppers that will surely keep your face free from harmful UV rays. This season's freshest crop boasts a wide variety of shapes and colors: a reddish coral straw floppy hat from Urban Outfitters, femme bow cloche from Topshop, crisp and streamlined fedora from Lacoste . . . and more of our favorites in the slideshow. Feeling shady never looked so good.
>> Lily Aldridge has played coy about her wedding since announcing her engagement to Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill last September, but it sounds like they've set a date. The two are reportedly to wed in Aldridge's native California in early May, with fellow models Anne Vyalitsyna, Chanel Iman, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and of course, Lily's sister Ruby Aldridge, expected as guests. Beforehand, the couple — who met at Coachella in 2007 — have rented a house in Palm Springs for this year's Coachella festival, which Kings of Leon is headlining alongside Kanye West. Aldridge wouldn't speak to the wedding, but said of Coachella: "I'm counting down the days. We're gonna cook food, go watch great bands and listen to music. I'm really excited." [NY Post]
>> Before it gets too hot outside, work out a pair of leather trousers for a casual chic look. Notice how this street-snapped cutie opted for a paper-bag cut pant, paired with a striped top and khaki-hued vest. A quilted clutch and delicate ankle strap sandals complete her look. Emote the same Aussie aura with our picks from Bird by Juicy Couture, See by Chloe, and Ann Taylor now.
Left to right: Ann Taylor Striped Sailor Tee ($38), Ray-Ban P-Cat Sunglasses ($145), Bird By Juicy Couture Leather Trousers with Paper Bag Waist ($998), Old Navy Vest ($20), Chloé Ankle Strap Sandals ($465), Marc Jacobs Quilted Clutch ($395)
Photo courtesy of Phil Oh
