Jezebel
- The body of former model Katoucha Niane, one of the first major black models, has been found in the Seine river, in Paris. Missing since January, she lived in a houseboat and is presumed to have fallen off after a night of partying and drinking. Her career highlights included walking for Thierry Mugler, Paco Rabanne, Lacroix and serving as a muse to Yves Saint Laurent himself. [AP]
- Tom Brady is rumored to be the next face (well, chest) of Calvin Klein underwear. [Page Six]
- The BCBG Max Azria Group: 100% fur-free starting with its Spring 2009 collections. This is a huge sacrifice for them since BCBG has always been sooooo closely associated with fur coats, so don't forget to spend more money next time you're there! [Fashion Week Daily]
- Rag Trade quote of the day: "Any woman over 40 has extra flesh here and here. I never hesitate to say to Alber [Elbaz, Lanvin's designer], 'Think of older women!'" Lanvin chairwoman Shaw-Lan Chu-Wang. [WSJ]
- Halle Berry is doing a fragrance deal with the sophisticated likes of Coty. [WWD, sub req'd]
- Why is Fendi excited that its new Paris flagship store has a courtyard? So that they can stage fur fashion shows there during couture season. Are you reading, Ingrid Newkirk? [WWD, sub req'd]
- In other Fendi news: Amy Winehouse is performing at the party for the store tonight. [WWD, 1st item]
- Twiggy's daughter is an assistant designer at Stella McCartney. [WWD, 3rd item]
- Julia Restoin-Roitfeld was given free clothes straight off the motherfucking runway by Givenchy. Because we all know she's truly a girl in need. [Fashion Week Daily, 6th item]
- Armani and Chanel are in the tennis racket business now. [Sassybella]
- Lutz & Patmos is doing a more "affordable" secondary line called Leroy & Perry. T-shirts retail for $300. [WWD, sub req'd]
- The Gap's key to success: shutting stores. [WWD, sub req'd]
- New Zealand: has a fashion industry?! [Economist]
- Shocker: Nicole Richie wears hair extensions. [BellaSugar]
