FASHION Magazine

Longtime America’s Next Top Model cast members J. Alexander, Jay Manuel and Nigel Barker were handed some Tyra mail yesterday, but not the kind that’ll whisk them off to a thrilling international locale. Rather, the runway coach, mentor and photographer (sorry, noted fashion photographer!) were given the axe: their contracts will not be renewed for season 19.

There’s been plenty of unfavourable buzz around the 15th installment of America’s Next Top Model. The season trailer features a 6’2″ model with a waist that Miss J can put his hands around. “There’s something about her that I like!” shrieks Tyra, the same who once delivered that now-golden line, “kiss my fat ass.” [Fashionista]

According to his ex-wife, JetBlue ex-flight attendant gone cult hero Steven Slater would “love his own fashion line.” Maybe cursing the plane over the speaker, stealing two beers and storming off the aircraft via inflatable slide will be the best thing that ever happened to him. [Stylite]

Michael Kors had ample reason to celebrate St. Patty’s Day on Wednesday, changing his Facebook status to,”Wow! What a St. Patricks Day!! Found out that I am receiving the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award. Truly amazing! Also, Style.com named my Fall 2010 Collection one of the world’s top ten collections. Quite a day!!!” [Michael Kors Facebook.com]

Karl Lagerfeld has an interesting theory about porn’s effect on crime rates. He told Bruce LaBruce in Vice: “Frustration is the mother of crime, and so there would be much more crime without prostitutes and porn movies…[but] I personally only like high-class escorts. I don’t like sleeping with people I really love. I don’t want to sleep with them because sex cannot last, but affection can last forever. I think this is healthy. And for the way the rich live, this is possible. But the other world, I think they need porn.” [Vogue UK]

The next season of America’s Next Top Model is currently filming on location in New Zealand. André Leon Talley has been spotted and is rumoured to be the newest addition to the judging panel, while Kimora Lee Simmons will guest judge an episode. [The Cut]

Christian Lacroix has just designed railway operator employees for French company SNCF. [WWD]

Alber Elbaz conceived of the December cover of Vogue Brazil as well as an editorial in the issue callled “The Fabulous World of Alber Elbaz” with a guest appearance from the designer. [Fashionologie]

Dov Charney, the head of American Apparel, informs his employees how to shape their eyebrows, expressing admiration for the Brooke Shields look. [Jezebel]

The Jil Sander collection for Uniqlo was welcomed with such open arms that the designer is collaborating on a second collection for the Japanese brand. It’s set to launch for Spring 2010.  Also on her second lap, Stella McCartney for Gap Kids, with a collection also in the works for spring.  [Fashionista]

In celebrity-turned-designer news, R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe is collaborating with Maison Martin Margiela. The musician’s single piece is a sterling silver microcassette on an unraveling tape chain. The accessory can be worn as a bracelet, necklace, or belt, to name a few plausible suggestions. Only 199 will be available at Maison Martin Margiela boutiques. [Racked]

A wild rumour is circulating that Vogue‘s André Leon Talley will replace Miss J Alexander as a judge on America’s Next Top Model and that Miss J will go back to being the runway coach. It’s probably not true, but how amazing would that be? Imagine the caftans!