WTB is actually the name Richie Sambora, of rock and roll superstar band Bon Jovi, gave his new clothing line, which was recently reviewed by Vogue UK. The collection was designed in collaboration with Nikki Lund, who interned for Anna Sui and Jill Stuart in New York.

“We wanted to make something for strong, empowered women who are in touch with their soft, sensitive sides and who are comfortable with their femininity – who can also kick ass,” said Lund. Or, judging by some of the zipper placements, women who are comfortable with flashing a few roadies for a backstage pass.

The clothes were shown in March at L.A. fashion week, and a menswear line is in the works. Sambora has worn some of the WTB pieces on stage already and supposedly they have made a jacket for lead singer Jon Bon Jovi. {Fashionista}

As for the clothes – one of the dresses has a long train that does look like it could be made out of black trash bags. Perhaps the collection should have been called Trash Bag Beautiful.

The review? “Exactly what you would expect the lead guitarist of one of the world’s most famous rock ‘n’ roll bands to want women to wear: seductively revealing, often spray-on and always dramatic. Fabrics are leather, suede, silk, stretchy snake print and lots of elastane, while detailing focuses on zips – there’s even a zip-crotch leotard.” {Vogue UK}

Some of the pieces – particularly the jackets and vests, could actually work well paired with basics to tone them down a bit for a chic rock and roll look. The Glory Vest is pretty funky and cool and so are the Drifter and King Sport Jackets.

However, Sambora wants to dress Jennifer Anniston, aka the unofficial queen of understated California classy, in WTB clothing. Sorry, Richie; we donâ€t see that happening, but we still love you anyway.

We’re jealous of all our Japanese readers after taking a look at the latest Jack Purcells for the exclusive Converse Japan collection.

The newest drop includes leather kicks in the classic Purcell shape fabricated in solid red or black, as well as — our favorite — a black-and-white wingtip/saddle shoe-inspired look called the Dresscode 1/2.

What we love most about these new Purcells is that they’re clean enough to wear with more grown-up ensembles, yet they still pack a fun, youthful punch — factors which translate the shoes into something sporty-chic that makes them easy to dress either up or down.

Read the full story {High Snobiety}

Amid all the hullabaloo about the economy, it’s easy to criticize the fashion industry and say that the financial woes of companies like Gucci and Versace are just deserts for encouraging frivolity.  It’s easy to say simply that this is no longer a world for luxury, and too bad if luxury fashion doesn’t sell anymore.

Yet let’s not lose sight of the fact that there are little people in every industry, including the seemingly-superficial luxury market.  NY Times writer Campbell Robertson reports on the struggles of independent alligator farmers in Louisiana, who are suffering hard times because of the current financial situation.  Orders for skins have slowed significantly, not only because of more somber recession-driven trends but also because luxury brands like Hermès are taking over smaller farms in suspiciously monopoly-like fashion.

We like that this economic situation allows more alligators to stay in the wild and keep their skins for themselves, but we’re turned off by the fact that big-time fashion names have seemed to turn away and ignore the independent suppliers who have quietly helped them through for all these years.  Although in light of present times we appreciate the general toning-down of the luxury market, we’re reluctant to fully embrace the change because of the small-scale suppliers who rely on business from the fashion industry to put food on the table.

Where do you stand?  Are you happy to see the end of luxury, no matter who else goes down with the ship, or do you think the welfare of everyone within the supply chain (including those at the very bottom) is reason enough to keep selling diamonds and croco loafers?

Read the full story {NY Times}

Leather inspired by Celineâ€s new minimalism, Balenciagaâ€s neon shots and Rodarteâ€s draped warriors:

Celine

Skirts in Celine-inspired shades of olive, or something brighter.

$1450 from Oscar de la Renta at Bergdorf Goodman.

Urban Outfitters renewal, $58.

Two-toned shift with neon back-zip placket. $264 from Alice and Olivia at Chickdowntown.

Faux for the lovers. Comme de Garcon shorts with heart cutout on thigh. $308 from Yoox.

Make Up For Ever Pure pigments for eyes or lips, as a shadow, liner or gel. Wield at will. $19 from Sephora.

Battle-accessories:

Brass hook, gray leather bracelet: $125 from Giles  Brother at net-a-porter.

Gold plated and white pave accented leather bangle by House of Harlow, $110 at Singer22.