FASHION Magazine

The news on everyone’s lips right now is the break up between Hermès and Jean Paul Gaultier.  JPG is set to part ways with the fashion house after he presents his last collection for Spring 2011. Parisian designer and creative director of Lacoste, Christophe Lemaire, will be taking his place. [WWD]

The inevitable step has been taken to replace the late Alexander McQueen as creative director for his eponymous line. Sarah Burton, who’s worked by his side for more than 12 years will step up, and has promised to “stay true to [McQueen’s] legacy.” [The Cut]

Matthew Williamson will launch a men’s capsule collection next month. The line, which features tees, cashmere sweaters and silk scarves in the UK designer’s signature prints and vivid colours, will expand to a seasonal collection. [Vogue UK]

Lady Gaga has been named creative director of a specialty line for Polaroid. You may be scratching your head as to why, but just think about the innovation: a camera that adjusts for those wearing an eye patch, or, as our Halifax blogger Nadine suggested, one “that only works when you happen to have forgotten to put on your pants.” [Racked]

Oh, but Jason Wu is also going to be designing cameras, so maybe this is going to turn into a thing. The designer will launch a line of digital point-and-shoots at New York Fashion Week next month. [Styleist]

British fast-fashion chain Topshop may be part of the Bay’s renaissance, which has included a lavishly revamped The Room at the department store’s Toronto Queen Street location, and a deal to create the official Vancouver 2010 Olympics merch. Though rumours (or just wishful thinking on the part of the local fashion population) of a possible partnership have been around for a while, HBC CEO Jeff Sherman confirmed to ROB Magazine that his company is in talks with Topshop to put their boutiques in Bay stores. Say Sherman:

The Christopher Kane for Topshop line launches today. Sheer embellished dresses, high-waisted fancy panties and all the much sought-after studded pieces await your purchase in stores and online. [The Cut]

Estée Lauder has announced they are closing their Prescriptives brand after 30 years. Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer of the company said, “We believe that the difficult decision relating to Prescriptives will allow us to redirect our resources to key strategic imperatives where we see the highest growth potential.” [WWD]

Lovely in…statement accessories

Spotted: An entry from Montreal in our FASHION Lovelies/Holt Renfrew contest

Wearing: Topshop blazer, Daftbird tee, Mango pants, vintage Fendi bag and an Urban Outfitters necklace.

Why: Because this FASHION Lovely is sporting sky high heels and a floral oversize necklace, but her outfit still exudes a certain boyish charm we can’t resist.

Time to vote! Click here to tell which Lovely had the look of the month. The winner gets $500 to spend at Holt Renfrew.

Check out the full look after the jump.

Lovely in…school boy charm

Spotted: A Toronto entry in our FASHION Lovelies/Holt Renfrew contest.

Wearing: A Zara boyfriend blazer, Uniqlo tee, Topshop shorts and shoes with Marc by Marc accessories.

Why: Because we’re suckers for a jazz flat, a well-fitting boyfriend blazer, and the perfect white tee. Oversized sunnies and short-shorts girlie up this easy breezy outfit.

Tell us which Lovely had the look of the month for August. Click here to vote!

Check out the full look after the jump.

Lovely in…a girly one piece

Spotted: An entry from Vancouver in our FASHION Lovelies/Holt Renfrew contest.

Wearing: Topshop romper, Kersh cardigan, Farylrobin shoes and her mom’s bracelet. The string from a halter bikini cleverly doubles as a belt.

Why: This Lovely combines some of the seasons most daring trends–the one-shoulder, the oversize ruffle, and the onesie– and pulls them off impeccably. Pairing summer whites and creams is a favourite of ours and she gives the look some added punch with a graphic pump covered in pretty pastels.

Tell us which Lovely had the look of the month for August. Click here to vote!

See the full look after the jump.

Russian model Sasha Pivovarova, who studied art before she stalked the runways, created drawings in honour of Chanel’s Paris-Moscow pre-fall show. Pivovarova also stars in the campaign. [Chanel, via Fashionologie]

Esteban Cortazar is apparently not defecting from the house of Ungaro. He’s currently working on pre-spring and tells WWD, “For now I am here.” [The Cut]

Scuttlebutt is that Geri Halliwell is doing a range for Topshop. Meh. [Refinery 29]

An interchangeable cast of clean-cut dirty-blonde boys (Zac Efron, Chase Crawford, Chris Pine, et al.) are doing away with rugged masculinity. [Guardian]

In John Rocha’s Dover Street shop the other day, I inquired about a couple of large wire-frame rabbits. “Oh, those were going to be hats,” a charming salesboy replied, “but it turned out to be too much, so we left them as sculptures.”

“Too much?” I said, disbelieving. “For the British?”

There’s nothing quite like a lovely brekkie at the Gramercy Park Hotel Roof Club and Garden with the Topshop family, headed up by Sir Philip Green, who flew across the pond to brief us fashion folk on the forthcoming launch of the Topshop and Topman NYC flagship. First thoughts on the new spring collection: flirty fun. Think itsy-bitsy floral prints, shimmer, short-shorts, and of course Kate Moss’s rock ’n’ rolla bombers, sequined drop-waist dresses and skinny denim so slim that Ms. Moss herself might have to take a deep breath. Book your flights now for the April 2 opening. Oh, and when asked about a possible Canadian launch, Sir Philip predicted anywhere from six to nine months. Clear your credit cards now. Seems as though some shops really are recession-proof.