FASHION Magazine

There are so many things to love in this photo: the little fitted fabric helmet and gathered neckline on the woman on the left and the dramatically long coat and dress on the left (and her purse is a matroshka doll!). Plus the fabric on both their outfits hangs exquisitely and you just know they’re a dream to wear. (*sigh*)

See the full looks after the jump.

Lindsay Lohan was a no-show this morning at the Ungaro show in Paris. The details are still hazy but we’re gulping down the juicy gossip: WWD has reported that Lilo does still hold the title of artistic director, while chairman Asim Abdullah reported backstage that she was not involved in the Fall 2010 collection. To be continued. [Telegraph]

We don’t discuss the federal budget too much here on FASHION Diaries. In fact, this is probably a first: The 2010 budget, announced Friday by finance minister Jim Flaherty, includes the elimination of import duties—that had sometimes been up to 14 per cent—on raw materials used to manufacture apparel. [@NOWLifestyle]

Rumours of Gareth Pugh taking on the role of Creative Director at Alexander McQueen can be put to rest. A statement from the designer’s PR said this morning, “Further to speculative reports, Gareth Pugh is not in discussions with Gucci Group about a creative director role at Alexander McQueen.” [Vogue UK]

Photographers will not be allowed at the presentation of Alexander McQueen‘s Fall 2010 collection. [@BinkleyOnStyle via Fashionologie]

Seems that there’s some tension between the Balenciaga house and Carine Roitfeld; the Vogue Paris editor-in-chief was not allowed at the label’s show in Paris, with Rotfield telling WWD, “We’re blacklisted…It’s too bad, it’s a beautiful house and it’s French. I hope that it’s not forever.” She offered the bait, saying that the label no longer advertises in the magazine or lends it clothes, but when asked why, all she had to say was “Ask them.” [Racked]

Jessica Stam is designing a capsule collection for Macy’s. While it’s hard to get excited about yet another collaboration, the fact that Stam is one of our favourite models does have us looking forward to the results. [StyleFrizz]

Lily Allen is taking her career path in a different direction and moving into to fashion. Her sister and the former singer are starting a vintage clothing project called “Lucy in Disguise,” which will launch at the Vintage at Goodwood festival in the UK in August. [The Cut]

The collaboration Proenza Schouler and J Brand denim label, which debuted at Proenza’s Fall 2010 show, is being launched at specialty stores mid-July. The jeans have a graffiti-esque pattern that’s printed and hand-painted [Stylelist]

The press office for Alexander McQueen have released a statement confirming “a private ‘salon’ presentation to be attended by invitation only.” [Grazia]

Material girl Madonna is reportedly set to brings her lyrics to life and design a collection to be sold exclusively at Macy’s. The unconfirmed rumour is that the line will include clothing, accessories, lingerie and shoes. [Vogue UK]

In the wake of Alexander McQueen‘s death, the question of “what now” is obviously on everyone’s mind. While long-term plans remain unknown,  his upcoming Paris show is supposedly still scheduled to be presented. The collection was apparently completed a week prior to the designer’s death, and sources say that there is no change to the delivery dates of showpieces commissioned specifically for the runway. [Frockwriter]

Josephus Thimister, who preceded Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga, has come out of hibernation. The designer presented a faux blood-spattered collection to mixed reviews at Couture Week on Sunday. [Fashionologie]

Grazia Daily was (publicly) miffed after having to watch the Christian Dior show through blogger Tavi’s enormous headpiece. [Grazia]

Alessandro Dell’Acqua is coming back to the runway after losing his line (and the rights to use his name) earlier this year. The Italian is presenting his new line, No. 21, at Milan Fashion Week in February. [WWD]

Show: Alexander McQueen—and I wasn’t even present. Too sick that night to crawl from bed, I—and thousands upon thousands of other obsessives—watched McQ’s first live-to-air catwalk on ShowStudio.com. Even from afar, I was spun in, so totally entranced by his entire underworld of alien warrior princesses. (And those shoes! The most wondrously physics-defying footwear since Theyskens’ heelless hooves for Nina Ricci. Which was just last season…but still.) Magnificent in scope, meticulous in execution, it was a show to write home about. Unless you were already there.

Alexander McQueen is taking Steve Madden to court; the designer is being sued for allegedly copying the Faithful bootie. McQueen’s attempt to halt production of the shoe with a cease and desist order was greeted with refusal from Madden. What can we say–imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? [The Cut]

Miu Miu wants to be the centre of attention. At least in stores carrying the designer label’s bags. The brand has recently pulled out of several U.S. department stores—the company wanted their merchandise to be displayed on its own, while many stores mixed the purses with other designers. [WSJ]