Claiming $12 million in sales in 2010, Sternberg took on an undisclosed amount of money from investors in 2013 for “a really important expansion phase.” {WWD} That coincided with the opening of a standalone store in Tokyo the same year.

Rumors of trouble emerged in February when the brand canceled their Fall 2015 show at New York Fashion Week, but a spokeswoman specifically denied that business or financial issues were behind the move.

“According to several people who have worked at, or with, the company, Band of Outsiders has laid off the majority of its staff, and canceled all fall wholesale orders. The brand was low on funds and chose not to produce its next collection.” {Fashionista}

Band of Outsiders has not commented.

Blue and black (and better looking off the hanger).

Tumblr user swiked posted a photo of the dress, worn by a friend’s mother, and ignited a color debate. A lot of people saw white and gold, others argued blue and black. Others argued that the dress in question was too ugly to even think about.

Sorry white and gold crowd – we were fervently with you after looking at the picture above in a brightly lit room from the top down. But after a few minutes in a darker area, and looking again from the bottom up, it seemingly changed color entirely and stuck. We’ve seen the lack of light, can’t unsee it, and are firmly entrenched in the blue and black camp.

Don’t take our word for it, there’s a scientific explanation for why your eyes may be playing color tricks on you.

Light enters the eye through the lens—different wavelengths corresponding to different colors….Without you having to worry about it, your brain figures out what color light is bouncing off the thing your eyes are looking at, and essentially subtracts that color from the “real” color of the object….Usually that system works just fine. This image, though, hits some kind of perceptual boundary. {Wired}

In a completely unscientific explanation, what color you see tends to vary depending on where you first look. Starting at the top, the first panel in the middle does indeed appear to be a dull gold, and the blue tones seem to be a poorly lit white. If you look at the photo from the bottom up, the first portion of the middle panel appears to have a more clear bluish tone.

If you’re still not convinced, here’s a color balanced photo, in all its true blue and black glory, from the retailer who sells it.

That dress, and the pictured jacket, are available at UK retailer Roman for £50 (approximately $77 at current exchange rates), in a variety of more clearly defined colors. Pick your favorite Instagram filter, try them all and see how much of an internet debate you can ignite.

Oscar de la Renta in September 2014 at the close of his Spring/Summer 2015 fashion show

At 82, it’s difficult to describe a death as surprising. Yet that was the feeling after it was announced that fashion designer Oscar de la Renta had died.

Just over a month ago, de la Renta made his appearance at the close of his Spring/Summer 2015 fashion show, looking as vibrant as the dresses which preceded him. In an even more recent photo with Amal Alamuddin, who wore an Oscar de la Renta bridal gown to marry George Clooney, the designer sits at a workbench while the bride’s dress is fitted. Though he isn’t the primary subject of the photo, his presence can’t be missed.

An active designer for more than 60 years, de la Renta’s namesake label has existed for almost 50. Long associated with “ladies who lunch,” (a term the designer reportedly disliked) and first ladies on both sides of the aisle, one of the most remarkable aspects of the brand is the way it resonates with the selfie generation. An Instagram picture posted by Karlie Kloss with the designer in September garnered more than 38,000 likes, and de la Renta’s collections were often some of the most organically shared on social media.

While his credentials as a creative were well established through couture shows in Paris, and decades of patronage from socialites and celebrities, it’s the continued relevance and inspiration for a generation which sets de la Renta apart. The internet and social media have pushed fashion to go at a pace unlike any in its history, and it’s no small task just to keep up.

It’s no longer enough to impress a select group of editors and buyers, because now consumers have the same level of access. Fashion houses established well before de la Renta’s have struggled to adapt, often bearing heritage as a hindrance to progress.

At 82, Oscar de la Renta battled cancer for 8 years, was a design legend and still very relevant to an industry that saw numerous changes from the time he started in it. Surviving cancer is no small feat, but accomplishing the latter two couldn’t have been much easier.

“Yes, I had cancer. Right now, I am totally clean. The only realities in life are that you are born, and that you die. We always think we are going to live forever. The dying aspect we will never accept. The one thing about having this kind of warning is how you appreciate every single day of life.” – Oscar de la Renta in 2013

As someone who defied the odds and challenged the norms until the very end, perhaps that’s why it’s a loss that still feels a bit unexpected, even if not a surprise.

Image via Style.com

Current Chloé creative director Clare Waight Keller poses with founder Gaby Aghion in 2013

Credited with coining the phrase “prêt-à-porter,” and building a business on it at a time when haute couture and custom made fashion dominated, Chloé founder Gaby Aghion died in Paris on September 27th at the age of 93.

Just one day away from the Spring/Summer 2015 runway collection, scheduled for September 28th, the French fashion house announced that the show will be dedicated to her memory. {Fashionista}

Born in Egypt, Aghion moved to Paris in 1945 and launched Chloé seven years later in 1952. At the time, luxury fashion typically existed only through made-to-order haute couture creations. Aghion provided “nicely sewn, accessible” dresses as a modern alternative to time consuming salon appointments and fittings.

The brand, originally launched for Aghion’s friends, “not grandes dames more suited to rarefied designs peddled by 1950s couture salons,” is rooted in simplicity. Through multiple creative directors, and many decades, it remains one of the most recognizable hallmarks of the label.

Her reputation as a champion of other designers also helped cement her place as a fashion legend. One of the first to employ a young Karl Lagerfeld, Chloé has been a launch pad for the careers of notable designers like Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo.

Image credit: WWD

In a study by psychologists at the University of North Carolina, Duke and Carnegie Mellon, researchers found that overly coordinated outfits weren’t deemed fashionable. While Google translate has let us down on an exact translation, we believe that “compositus compositus” is the Latin form of “matchy matchy.” You’re welcome, scientific fashion community.

In a new study, psychologists asked 239 subjects from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk service to rate drawings of men and women’s clothing based on how fashionable they were. The subjects saw 30 different color combinations of outfits that were either “matchy-matchy,” “clashing,” or somewhere in between. The researchers found that the Goldilocks Principle, which says people prefer to strike a balance between too [sic] extremes, applies to matching our clothes, too. {Fast Company Design}

While 239 people aren’t the broadest representative sample, the art of the clash (colors, patterns) is a somewhat recent hallmark of fashion or style. While Susie Bubble and Leandra Medine capture reader and advertiser interest based (in part) on their stylish mixing abilities, it wasn’t that long ago when the arbiters of style practiced and preached extreme coordination.

Diana Vreeland counters with Compositus Compositus perfection

At least according to this somewhat scientific observation though, a healthy mix of complimentary (but not exactly coordinated) colors is the modern height of style.

Top photo via Awkward Family Photos

Carven Cutout Cotton Dress, $830

Carven’s take on the style has a minimally gathered front and uncovered contrasting back panel, with a lining that stops a few inches short of the hem to play up the pattern.

Looks great with: thick strapped, dark metallic sandals that keep the cutout theme running from head to toe, and a statement necklace with rectangular stones.

From top to bottom

Venessa Arizaga Rock With You Necklace, $475

Steve Madden Spycee Platform Pump, $90

Nocturne Reem Necklace, $298

Dr. Martens Clarissa Sandal, $110

Under $100

eShakti Fiona Dress in Black Cotton Eyelet, $95

eShakti’s version has a more classic fit and all-over eyelet, but the same silhouette overall. Aside from the obvious price advantage, eShakti offers standard sizing from 0 up to 36W, customizes according to height – always an advantage for the petite or tall shopper – and offers a number of customization options. If your perfect version of this dress involves a maxi-skirt and a v-neck, for example, they can make it happen.

Top L: Louise Wilson in a classroom at Central Saint Martens, Top R: With partner Timmi, at Buckingham Palace to receive her OBE, Bottom: At the 2012 British Fashion Awards

Louise Wilson, who instructed legendary fashion designer Alexander McQueen in her role as director of Central Saint Martin’s fashion MA program, died in Scotland at the age of 52. {The Independent}

Her students run the gamut from established names like Stella McCartney, to emerging designers including Christopher Kane, Mary Katrantzou and Roksanda Ilincic, who are credited with reviving London’s fashion week as a necessary visit among larger counterparts in New York, Milan and Paris.

“Louise Wilson played a remarkable role in making the British fashion scene as successful and relevant as it is today. Her teaching and influence made a mark on so many of our leading designers. I will miss her outspoken views and her clever and often very funny observations.”

UK Vogue Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Shulman {Vogue UK}

Throughout her career, students and colleagues offered their praise of her instruction and career guidance.

“I have only superlatives to use. She is so emotional, so sensitive, so intelligent, so personal. I am so honoured that I have the chance to know her and work with her. Some of my best assistants were introduced to me by Louise.” – Alber Elbaz, Creative Director of Lanvin

“It was like going back to school myself. Louise trains and develops the best.” – Donna Karan

“There are no words to describe Louise, sheâ€s one of kind. Sheâ€s a great friend to me as well as having been my teacher. I love her. Sheâ€s very honest, there arenâ€t many people that say what they really think anymore.” – Christopher Kane

“It doesnâ€t matter what your taste is or what you think youâ€re into – to Louise, itâ€s totally irrelevant. Her primary concern is whether or not you are confident in your idea, irrespective of what it is – and she will push you and continually criticise you to breaking point, to test what youâ€re made of when defending your ideas. At times, you wouldâ€ve thought you were in a psychology course instead of a fashion course, but itâ€s an exact reflection of what the industry is like. And she prepares you for that. Along with her tough approach, she has a wicked sense of humour.”  – Jonathan Saunders

“Louise has a great ability to push the boundaries of her students, while nurturing their creativity. Itâ€s about learning how to give you the best that you have and a bit more. She told me: “There are no rules or wrong answers, as long as what is created is fresh and new.” – Roksanda Ilincic

Wilson received treatment for breast cancer, and mentioned its return in passing during a 2012 interview, though there is no confirmation that the illness is related to her death. She is survived by her long-time partner and teenage son, and a host of former students and colleagues who will miss her commitment to voicing an honest opinion in an industry where straightforward feedback is often lacking.

“What would I do [about having breast cancer]? I can’t imagine taking up running. I’m not going to do needlework. I’ve got a gardener now. What do others do? It’s very bad but I do enjoy my job. Actually, that sounds a bit radical. But the industry is a wonderful industry. It gets slammed but I’ve rarely met a person I don’t like, and I mean that. And the other privilege of being in education is that it gives you an autonomy. I don’t have to sell anything. People think I’m rude. I’m not rude, I’m just not networking, it’s just honesty. In Who’s Who my hobbies are listed as eating, sleeping and voicing one’s opinion. Not necessarily the right opinion but it’s mine.” – Louise Wilson, 1962-2014 {The Telegraph}

The clothes and shoes in Victoria Beckham‘s closet probably cost more than some houses, but this Friday (November 22nd) she’s giving some of them up to benefit people whose homes were destroyed or damaged by Typhoon Haiyan. {@victoriabeckham}

David Beckham also got into the closet clearing spirit of things and contributed a few suits, though we’re sure the Mrs. puts his shoe collection to shame. Considering most of the soccer star’s recent wardrobe choices have been of the underwear variety, we’re also going to go with Victoria as the Beckham with the “gently used” wardrobe that you’d want in a non-fetish way.

If you’re in the London area, you may want to camp out tonight to get the first shot at snagging a piece of Beckham-worn memorabilia. Pretty sure this is the first garage sale that will rival the crowds normally reserved for designer/discount chain collaborations.

The British Red Cross will be hosting the sale of the items from 11am to 8pm at their Kensington & Chelsea shop, 69-71 Old Church St, London SW3 5BS with proceeds from the sale going towards relief for Typhoon Haiyan victims in the Philippines. Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli and Jimmy Choo are a few of the brands you can expect to find if you make it into the sale early enough.

For a myriad of reasons, donated items don’t actually get sent abroad, which makes sense considering even the most valuable Jimmy Choo or Manolo Blahnik shoes aren’t generally accepted as payment for food, lumber and other rebuilding necessities. Should you be inspired by the Beckhams, the British Red Cross is accepting donations from more modest wardrobes as well.

Not Idris Elba

The woman in the “gorgeous Giorgio @armani” dress pictured above is Alfre Woodard, an award winning 61-year-old actress from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Idris Elba is a 41-year-old actor from London. Aside from being black, and known for acting, the two have little in common – particularly the fact that one is a woman, and the other is a man.

The mix-up has spurred debate over whether the caption was racist or just social media incompetence. Unquestionably, the best part of this mix-up are the #ArmaniCaptions responses that re-caption photos of male celebrities with the names of vaguely similar female celebrities.

None of these dudes look like the ladies they’re captioned as (or vice versa), so while it still doesn’t feel right, it’s probably okay to laugh.

Carrot Top as Kathy Griffin

Kathy Griffin is ready for fall in this cozy flannel ensemble. #ArmaniCaptions pic.twitter.com/5dpeVrifPC

— Rusty Redenbacher (@rustymk2) November 19, 2013

Wesley Snipes as Serena Williams

Stunning Serena Williams dazzles in new Holiday Vogue shoot! #ArmaniCaptions pic.twitter.com/xK7zKA8k4L

— (@keithington) November 19, 2013

Prince as Rihanna

Rihanna sports a white turtleneck at the Grammys. #ArmaniCaptions pic.twitter.com/a46Kcm2jGk

— Down By The Bae. (@DutchessOfPink) November 19, 2013

Prince as Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys sings "This Girl Is On Fire" at the Apollo Theater. #ArmaniCaptions pic.twitter.com/c1tltAdT5R

— April (@ReignOfApril) November 19, 2013

Whoopi Goldberg as Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne looks stunning tonight #ArmaniCaptions pic.twitter.com/blPPPvLYHY

— Side Eye Shady (@uLuvDJ) November 19, 2013

Verdine White as Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child

Singer Michelle Williams in 2013 @Armani #armanicaptions pic.twitter.com/q9SpfopeHR

— M.J. (@MJ1point0) November 19, 2013

Orlando Bloom as Solange Knowles

Solange Knowles covers Vogue magazine in Armani menswear! A true beauty #ArmaniCaptions pic.twitter.com/UtuW3tSYOj

— Talisha (@charmful) November 19, 2013

Oprah as President Obama

President Obama looks absolutely fantastic in this grey suit! #ArmaniCaptions pic.twitter.com/0A8MJ7zAir

— Edna✰Krabappel (@ohitsbarbara) November 19, 2013

Kerry Washington as Forest Whitaker

#ArmaniCaptions Forest Whitaker stole the evening with this look. pic.twitter.com/UHdJHLVPeX

— BlkMagic (@JlnFrancisco) November 19, 2013

Marc Jacobs exits past a black carousel. Photo via Style.com

Though there was no shortage of speculation in prior weeks that the Spring 2014 Louis Vuitton collection would be the last with Marc Jacobs at the helm, the show left no doubts even before the official announcement was made.

The announcement of Jacobs†departure came only moments after the designer presented his Spring/Summer 2014 collection for Louis Vuitton, an all-black, gothic swan song incorporating sets from his most memorable shows for the brand — including a fountain, dual escalators, and a carousel — around which models paraded in dark, funereal clothes and black, tribal headdresses. {Business of Fashion}

Jacobs, who is credited with growing the Louis Vuitton brand beyond its luggage roots, is expected to focus on an IPO for his own eponymous label. LVMH, the parent company of Louis Vuitton owns a 96% stake in the Marc Jacobs brand.