FASHION Magazine

Zac Posen is launching a low-priced line called Z Spoke set to launch initially as a Saks exclusive. Posen claims the line has an “urban hipster quality” and is not just “Zac-for-less.” The line starts at $78 for a t-shirt–not quite as “lower-priced” as hipsters would hope. [The Cut]

Project Runway season six contestant and resident crank Irina Shabayeva stole her reasons on “Reasons to Love New York” T-shirt print directly from New York Magazine’s 2008 article of the same name. This after she accused fellow contestant Althea Harper of cribbing one of her designs and after Shabayeva attempted to put someone else’s drawing on one of her final collection pieces. [The Cut]

Mark Fast’s show at London Fashion Week is causing a stir for his use of three average-sized models. Two staff members–the stylist and creative designer–quit because of the decision. The real upset here is that it’s even a big deal that these girls are giving the rake-thin beanpoles a run for their money. There’s plenty of room on the runway for everyone, right? [Fashionista] [YouTube]

What do you think of Fast’s decision? Do you want to see more realistic sizes on the runway? Tell us in the comments!

Down the open back of one dress, a waterfall of hard drive platters and spindles spill along the model’s spine. On another, vinyl records make up a dramatic, bell-shaped skirt. Anti-slip fabric folded into box pleats puffs out below a bodice of cassette tape on a third cocktail dress, and a fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh pull together even more shiny bits, from silver-sprayed Christmas tree light bulbs to strips of film and strings of CDs. These are the ingenious creations hatched from week one of Off the Cuff, a fashion competition and runway show that has taken its inspiration from Project Runway and found its home in Halifax’s Argyle Fine Art gallery (1869 Upper Water St., 902-425-9456).

With great talent and a whole lot of personality, Jessica Biffi became instant BFFs with fans of the hit reality show, Project Runway Canada. For this promising designer, reality beyond TV only gets more exciting. In addition to working on the launch of her private label, she is dreaming up some ambitious endeavors to tackle both the plus size and menswear markets.I caught up with Biffi over Italian soda as she prepares sketches for her upcoming spring collection. Between fans snatching photos on the street, we shop for sneakers, try on makeup and talk fashion.

What!?! There’s a Balenciaga outlet opening today in upstate New York. Topshop who? [The Cut]

Coco’s bestie, Behati Prinsloo, on everything from breakfast to books to backstage photographers. Save this one for your lunch break–it’s long. [Fashionista]

For a female hedge-fund exec, getting dressed is fraught with peril. [WSJ]