When we got wind that there may be chatter between the United States Navy and American fashion designer Ralph Lauren on the force’s new service uniforms we got pretty excited.

Aside from Michele Obama’s chic designer style, Washington, DC and New York aren’t exactly known for style exchanges. French train workers have been outfitted by Christian Lacroix, and airlines have frequently turned to designers to punch up the style for their flight crews, but we’re pretty sure designer styled military uniforms are a first.

Nothing has been confirmed but Navy Exchange Service Command spokeswoman, Kathleen Martin, commented on the rumors saying,

“The Navy has not hired Ralph Lauren to redesign female sailors†uniforms, but has opened up an initial dialogue with Ralph Lauren, one of our top-tier manufacturing resources, who has offered to provide advice regarding womenâ€s uniform sizing and help support current initiatives.” {The Gloss}

We think it’s a great idea, and who better then an all-American, functional and classic designer like Ralph Lauren to give a little input on what our Navy women wear.

Next up in eBay’s fight to attract the attention of fashionistas is Fashion Vault, a series of exclusive, limited-time-only sales offering eBay members incredible discounts on designer duds — and with free shipping to boot!

On sale now (and ending tomorrow morning) is DKNY, with up to 70% savings on some really great finds, like a Cape Cod-cool relaxed-fit twill peacoat, $129.99, and a pair of lovely secretary-chic Mary Jane pumps — a steal at $159.99 for genuine croc leather!

Sales are very short (only two or three days) and merchandise is limited, so your best bet is to sign up with eBay to receive Fashion Vault updates whenever new sales crop up.  Brands are kept secret till sales begin, so keep your eyes peeled and your trigger finger limber!

For more information, visit Fashion Vault on eBay.

Italian designer (and former architecture-trainee) Alberto Marani is rethinking the word “ethnic” in terms of fashion inspiration, choosing to forgo the tendency to lump all “different” cultures together into a muddled mess of commodified exoticism.

The re-launch collection for his main Marani line is inspired by photographer Pieter Hugo’s work in documenting hyena tamers in Nigeria; we find this extreme specificity to be so refreshing amid an industry where “ethnic” and “tribal” are buzzwords that don’t seem to mean anything anymore.

We love the movement of the tassels and think it’s absolutely genius how the incredibly strong, almost masculine skirts are paired with simple, beautifully drapey shirts for an extraordinarily contemporary feel.  There is a definite primitive look to the collection, but there are none of the trite gimmicks (generic embroidery, etc.) we’re used to.

Read the full story {Style Bubble}

Oui, the rumors are true!

Jean Paul Gaultier is the newest to come on-board with Target as a guest designer, and we have a little over four months to spend hunched over our computer screens desperately searching for leaked photos and chomping at the bits till the official release date of March 7.  We’re secretly wishing for cone bras and sexy corsets à la Madonna but would easily settle for pieces reminiscent of JPG spring 2010’s deconstructed denim looks.

Bisous, Jean Paul!  We can’t wait!

Read the full story {The Cut via NY Mag}