USA Television Network To Award Narciso Rodriguez For His Impact In American Culture

USA Network has announced the outstanding nominees for the 2nd Annual Character Approved Awards and fashion fixture Narciso Rodriguez is among the VIPS. Character Approved Awards is a campaign that pays tribute to individuals who have made a lasting impact in American culture.

The award show will air Thursday, February 25 on the USA network. Later that evening, celebs will take a break from their regular scheduled programming to join Vanity Fair and USA network for a cocktail gala at the IAC Building where invitation-only guests will enjoy live music by Green Day.

Versace Ex PR Rep Who Was Laid Off Is Now Vice President Of PR For Kenneth Cole

Lisa Hellman, formerly Versace’s public relations and communications in the U.S. has been named vice president of global public relations at Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc, effective March 8, 2010. Hellman had previously been with Versace for four years until the company closed its public relations department last month. In addition to overseeing corporate, brand, and fashion publicity for all product categories domestically and abroad, as well as special events, she will work directly with Cole on numerous fashion, social, and philanthropic initiatives.

Missioni Open Flagship Store In Beverly Hills First Boutique In California

Today, Missoni will open it's new flagship boutique in Beverly Hills California. The white storefront is accented with woven slats on Rodeo Drive and enter a modern galleria with skylight featuring kiosk-like displays on each side. On the left, you see scarves, sunglasses, men's ties and jewelry. On the right, women's and men's fashions tempt from the sidelines.

Karl Lagerfeld Sues Woman For Bootlegging His Weight Loss Pills

A company co-owned by Karl Lagerfeld, filed fraud charges against Hsiung Hsiu-hui (known locally by her stage name, Hsiung Hai-ling), 52, and her sister Hsiung Hsiu-chen.

Prosecutors charged them for endorsing a counterfeit product despite the fact that they had sold the rights to Lagerfeld's company Sunrex Sarl. The company co-owned by Lagerfeld and French physician, Jean Claude Houdret, for the popular slimming product, Spoon Light.

Bootlegging his fashions and diet pills, geez.

Valentino President Calls Designers In Charge At Valentino Collection A Circus

Honorary president of the Valentino Fashion House Giancarlo Giammetti got a little too Facebook-happy earlier this week slamming last month's couture show designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, WWD reports. Giammetti typed that he was "just speechless" after seeing the line and that he was "not sad...just surprised....We have always supported the new designers and we love them, but this time we have to distance ourselves from this ridiculous circus."

Giammetti later deleted his comments due to an overwhelming response on Facebook. I have a feeling when these designer contract expire, they'll be in the bread line.

Diane Von Furstenberg Creative Director Nathan Jenden Resigns

Valentine's Day, will be Nathan Jenden last day as creative director of Diane von Furstenberg before shipping off to focus exclusively on his own collection, launched in 2006. Jenden has been with Diane von Furstenberg since 2001; she invested in his eponymous line when it launched and will continue to do so after Jenden leaves her company. Diane von Furstenberg has hired Yvan Mispelaere, who was a member of Phoebe Philo's design team at Chloe.

Tom Ford PR Manager Andrew Fry Fired After Only Two Months

After only two months as PR director at Tom Ford, Andrew Fry has left the company. Andrew was PR manager of Burberry prior to December 2009. Fry's position at Tom Ford was eliminated due to departmental restructuring. He will not be replaced. There is more to this story (sideeye).

Rodarte Designs Customes For The 2010 Canadian Winter Olympics

The New York Times Magazine recently turned to Rodarte to wardrobe several U.S. athletes participating in the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, which will begin Feb. 12.

The Ryan McGinley portfolio, due out in the magazine this Sunday, features 13 Olympians training in custom-made Rodarte knit garments, including figure skater Johnny Weir in mid-axel sporting a full crochet knit jumpsuit.

Alexander Mcqueen Mother Joyce Dies

Alexander McQueen announced on Twitter today of his mother, Joyce McQueen: "i'm letting my followers know the my mother passed away yesterday if it she had not me nor would you RIP mum."

Dita Von Teese Team With Moschino Limited Edition Eyemask For amfAR

Burlesque artist Dita Von Teese has collaborated with Moschino to design a limited edition eyemask; to be sold exclusively on the Moschino virtual boutique www.moschino.com. The eye mask is pink silk-satin with a spotted lace overlay with “trompe l’oeil” eyelash detailing. It is embellished with ‘Dita for Moschino’ in rhinestones and comes in an attractive matching case.

Profits will be donated to amfAR a charity supported by Dita Von Teese. amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy.

Hermes Set To Open Its First Ever Men's Store This Month In New York

Hermès men's store, is set to open this month at 62nd and Madison. The storefront looks like it's made of pure dark chocolate, which is both a nice complement to the brand's signature orange and an appropriate image for a store that should hit right around Valentine's Day. I can't wait to visit the store while in town for fashion week.

Oliva Palermo And Her Boyfriend Will Appear In February Issue Of Elle

Olivia and her boyfriend, Johannes Huebl recently visited Elle magazine to shoot for the February issue. Apparently, the magazine shot New York's most fashionable couples.

Elton John Staged A Intervention For Donatella Versace During Her Daughter Birthday Party Book Reveals

"House of Versace," a book by Deborah Ball, details the June 30, 2004, soiree where Donatella was confronted about the drug use that threatened her life and her multi-million dollar company.

The "party" started with Versace slipping into a bathroom at her Milan mansion to snort a line of coke - just before Elton John's surprise arrival, the book reveals.

The showdown was timed to coincide with Allegra Versace's birthday, and the teen joined Elton John in confronting her mother. The plan worked. The drug-addicted designer climbed aboard a private plane that night and flew to The Meadows, a rehabilitation facility in Wickenberg, Ariz.

The 343-page book says that Donatella's appetite for cocaine left her paranoid, semi-coherent and erratic. Her wild mood swings frightened her two children. Donatella has admitted to past drug use but stated she had defeated her addiction. House Of Versace debuts in bookstores today.

Jimmy Choo To Launch An Affordable Range Of Sneakers

Jimmy Choo's pre-fall 2010 collection has the addition of 8 sneakers. The low (£295) and high-top (£395) suede and snake trainers bring Choo's reputation for staggering heights back down to earth. The Sneakers will be available on www.jimmychoo.com September 2010.

Balmain To Launch Eyewear

Christophe Decarin, is pulling a page from the same book as Diane Von Furstenberg, the Olsens and Alexander Wang this spring.Balmain will be launching a sunglasses line. Crafted in collaboration with Oliver Peoples, the premiere collection will include styles. "The unisex Balmain I will hit stores this March, while the second, Balmain II, arrives at the end of the

year," Starting price $595.