This week, it was reported that Jean Paul Gaultierâ€s Spring 2011 runway show invitations promised a collection that would “explore the contrast between XXS and XXL.” The Gossip Lead Singer Beth Ditto, who is a reported size 26, opened the show, which also included size 10 Crystal Renn, who has become a Gaultier favorite over the past few years. {Fashionista}

The Renn we have seen lately is as gorgeous as ever, but debatable in terms of actually being full figured outside of the fashion world. Letâ€s put that aside though, since models who are anything but size 0 are still a rarity on the runway.

Fashionista points out that few critics mentioned the inclusion of Renn and Ditto in the show. Crystal Renn walked Gaultier’s runway years ago when she was heavier, and the designer has had a diverse cast of models. Variety isn’t anything new for the designer, but we think Gaultier himself should have followed the critics’ example.

By announcing in advance of the show, on the invitation, that everything from XXS to XXL will be included – as if it were some sort of novelty or main feature of the event – Gaultier only furthers the idea that bigger women are more spectacle/trend du jour than a real part of fashion. Because if it were completely normal to see women in a range of sizes in any given runway show, no one would mention it anywhere at all.

Since size 0 models are the current norm, perhaps it’s a necessary ploy to inform plus sized shoppers that Gaultier offers designer fashion options beyond a size 10.

If the designerâ€s goal was to make a statement about the widespread use of size 0 models exclusively, he would have done better to just put a size 26 model and a size 10 model in his show and shut up about it.  We applaud the action, but if more designers let women in a wider range of sizes walk the runway without saying a word of it, it could be the true start of a new norm.

The American Heart Association has been pretty successful in raising awareness for women’s heart health with their red dress campaign. The black dress is a fashion staple for most women, so hopefully we’ll see the effort at tying it to cancer awareness and research extend even further down the fashion chain. The 22 dresses up for auction are beyond beautiful, and with any luck, a high street (mass retail, if you’re not used to the British term) chain will take a cue from the high end and find a way to incorporate this into a future designer collaboration.

Participating designers and labels include Donna Karan, Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Lanvin, Jean Paul Gaultier, Givenchy, Vivienne Westwood, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alexis Mabille, Missoni, Marios Schwab and Diane von Furstenberg among others. The full list is available at Swarovski elements, view a gallery of our 10 favorite dresses below.

Apparently panties being thrown on stage has awakened a sleeping undergarment designer, or something. The weirdest part is that he wants to team with Jimmy Chooâ€s Tamara Mellon. Sheâ€s great at making shoes, and while sexy heels and lingerie are a pairing that lots of ladies (and guys) enjoy, it still seems like an odd step for the brand.

Styleite points out that Usher has been “flighty” with his plans to found a clothing line before, so perhaps heâ€s not all that serious about the idea.

Note to Usher: Stick with the fragrance promotion like countless other celebrities (now including Lady Gaga) do.

"Look guys, you've been great, but I need help from someone with better shoes. Don't take it personally."

In an effort to raise money for Dementia UK, fashion designers, interior designers and others involved in the style world have revamped the age-old tale. Instead of dwarfs, Snow White will be assisted by her seven designers in order to redesign the ugly interiors of flats across London.

Dementia UK is charity that works with Admiral Nursing and the National Health Service to train nurses to work specifically with dementia patients. Due to the deterioration of memory, dementia patients can be violent and uncooperative. Standard nursing training does not prepare nurses for work with these especially difficult patients. Dementia UK provides the opportunity for dementia patients to live a better, fuller life. The charity also works to create policies that protect the rights of older people and dementia patients. {Dementia UK}

Snow White and the Seven Designers will feature several known UK interior designers, as well as other people involved in the fashion business. Most notable however, are the costume designers: Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Giorgio Armani. The costumes will the reflect the high-fashion aspect of the show’s production.

Proceeds from the five night run will be donated to Dementia UK. {Vogue UK}

Pointy conical breasts anyone?

The collection also includes a fancy, backstitch satin bra with a shoulder-strap motif and a special garter belt, both limited edition pieces which will be shown in Paris at the French designerâ€s July 7 haute couture show.

“Lingerie is part of my DNA and of my heritage,” Gaultier said. “In my latest prêt-à-porter collection I revisited the conical bras and corsets worn as outerwear. This collaboration was a natural and logical step, especially since La Perla is the pearl of the lingerie, with the best savoir faire.” {Stylelist}

Gaultier announced his departure from Hermes a little over a month ago and has never had a full fledged lingerie line. Images of the all the pieces in the collection have not yet been released. {NBC}

“Cooperating with Jean Paul Gaultier filled us with satisfaction from the very start,” La Perla CEO Alain Prost said. “A perfect synergy immediately came to light between his vision and the values of luxury and elegance that have always been cornerstones in La Perla’s history.” 

In honor of their 40th anniversary, Interview magazine is curating Morgan’s Semi-Automatic for Miami Art Basel. The concept – sleek vending machines filled with luxury items, kicked off at last year’s show with designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier, Moschino, Boudicca and Richard Nicoll. The Interview selection will include Jil Sander, the Prada Marfa sign (in case you’ve been eyeing it on Gossip Girl) and many more items that celebrate 40 years of pop culture. The influential art show kicks off December 3rd and runs through the 6th. And now, on top of the 250 art galleries showcasing their wares, you can go for what’s arguably the best-stocked vending machine in the country. We wonder what’s on the agenda for the ice machine.

Read more {The Pipeline}
Read more {Interview}

Counterfeits, knock offs, replicas – whatever you call them, designs too similar to someone else’s create endless uproars in fashion. Fashionista dedicates an (often heavily commented) entire section to their perceived crimes against originality. While the focus is usually on Forever21, Steve Madden or another mall brand taking on the latest runway trend, what’s not reported are the often hushed cases of larger design houses taking from smaller designers without credit.

A seamstress in the south of France is suing Chanel for copying one of her crochet patterns. Carmen Colle runs World Tricot, an ethical clothing company specializing in handmade haute couture for top designers like Dior, Gaultier and Givenchy. She runs a small business, and many refugees depend on the opportunities provided by the company. Since filing the lawsuit in 2004 she reports being bullied and dumped by banks and clients. She has had to lay off many of her workers and struggles to fight for her creation stating “[Big names] treat us as things they can take up and then throw away. It’s a shame for them. The greatness of a country, and the greatness of a brand, is the respect it shows for its petites mains (translation: little hands).” Chanel has denied the allegations, and maintains the pattern was created in their studio.

The case is just being presented in court and will bring light to the other side of copyright adventures between large brands and smaller companies at high risk of such infringement.

Read the full story {Guardian}

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}

Read more {style.com}

Read more {wwd.com}