Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott shot the photos for the new campaign, and while Stoneâ€s fall 2010 ad pictures were stunning, we have to say weâ€re less than impressed with the new shots. Stoneâ€s face looks absolutely beautiful, as always, and we love the black and white effect that nearly erases her hair, but the model should not be the main focus of a fashion ad. The clothes should be, and weâ€re not sold on the outfit because what Lara is wearing looks like it does not fit her. The pants in the left photo appear to be way too long and loose in the upper inseam, and the white jacketâ€s sleeves are too short. And is that a skirt she’s wearing over the pants?

Dare we say, Christina Binkley seems to be on to something in her suggestion that less tailored, poorly fitting clothes are foisted upon women under the guise of being on trend?

Perhaps Calvin Klein was going for this look on purpose, and Stoneâ€s stunning face does help make up for it. We wouldâ€ve liked to see more photos like the fall 2010 ones, and clothes that aren’t wearing the model though.

Alexander McQueen Moves Forward

Goodbye Mr. McQueen, hello Ms. Burton. Long live McQueen.

Style.com covered the passing of Alexander McQueen and the showing of the final collection he designed, but something that was equally important this year was the success of Sarah Burtonâ€s first show as the new designer for the McQueen label. The passing of such a genius creative mind was indeed tragic, and the showing of McQueenâ€s last collection was a special moment, but Burtonâ€s signal that the brand can honor McQueenâ€s legacy while moving forward was absolutely stellar.

John Gallianoâ€s Dior Couture Wows

Dior haute couture was in full bloom this year when John Galliano showed his Spring 2011 collection of flower-inspired looks. The imagery and execution of the designs combined with the high, tulip-like hair of the models for a full package display of gorgeousness and perhaps our favorite moment in fashion of 2010.

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.

Burberry models were forced to remove their killer heels to make it down the runway at London Fashion Week

The fashion business being what it is (and by “what it is,” we mean obsessively terrified of the Internet and of the firm belief that if everyone ignores it, it will go away), the other general consensus is that Burberry produced a sub-par collection because the label was too focused on its online push and embrace of Internet business tools to create a high quality, inspired line.

Indeed Burberry has been one of the few members of the fashion community to embrace technology and work to use the Internet to its advantage. In addition to broadcasting past shows live in 3-D for a worldwide audience, they have an entire site devoted to the Art of the Trench and once enlisted Elle‘s Joe Zee, a top Twitter user in the fashion biz, to hijack their feed and tweet coverage of a Burberry show. Their recent show in London was available in live-stream online, with many of the clothes made available for purchase immediately afterward and set to be delivered in a few months. {The Cut}

Stupid question alert: why on earth do these smart initiatives mean Bailey cannot turn out a high quality, impressive collection? Weâ€re not mad that critics, as a whole, did not like the clothes. That is fair enough. Weâ€re just wondering how anyone comes to the conclusion that the cause is Bailey focusing too much attention on Internet business tools.

For one thing, Bailey probably does not have much to do with creating Burberryâ€s online presence. The label likely has a public relations and digital marketing team that is responsible for their push into cyber land. For another, fashion designers have been juggling creativity and business management for decades. Their ability to do so should not change just because certain business practices are evolving.

Cathy Horyn at The New York Times made the only legitimate argument for why focusing on Internet initiatives would cause a designer to turn out a less impressive collection:

“Indeed, the many leather jackets and coats — plain, studded and in gold snakeskin with stretch pants and skimpy dresses — seemed primed for Web sales; much of the collection was to be offered for immediate sale and delivered in about two months. Hence a style that was seasonless rather than overtly spring.”

That makes perfect sense. So maybe Bailey and Burberry did get this one wrong, but you know what? The Internet is the future, and everyone in fashion cannot run and hide from it forever. Those that refuse to embrace it will likely end up irrelevant very soon. Therefore, we applaud Bailey and his team at Burberry for at least making an attempt to adapt to the times. After all, what good is a high quality, outstandingly creative collection if no one outside a few magazine editors knows about it or wants to buy the clothes from it?

“Victoria has been trying to persuade him to do it for a while and he’s finally succumbed,” a source close to the Beckhams told the Mail on Sunday. “She has reassured him that he has an eye for fashion.”

The line will supposedly include “an entire range of menâ€s couture clothing of fitted suits, smart day wear and an evening range.” {Styleite}

We can only hope the good-looking soccer star will appear in the ads for the line as well. Something akin to his previous Armani underwear photos would at least draw attention from the ladies (and a few guys as well).

This isnâ€t Beckhamâ€s first reported foray into fashion design. Last year, WWD wrote that he would be collaborating on an Adidas Originals collection with Designer James Bond. {Styleite}

The new menswear collection is sure to be stellar, especially if the designs reflect Beckhamâ€s crisp style – and if Victoria and her team are overseeing it. Weâ€ll keep you posted when the inevitable sneak peeks of the line leak their way onto the fashion Internet.

Over the past 5 years Nicole has transformed her image, and seemingly herself into a mother, wife, and serious business woman. Her fashion lines of apparel, maternity wear, shoes and jewelry have been a success and now comes word that she will expand her growing empire.

Slated for release in Spring 2011 is a handbag line designed entirely by Nicole, and reflective of her personal style and taste.

The line will be “very, very, very Nicole…Nicole has been really all over doing this,” according to Ricky Cytrynbaum, co-founder of the production company for Richie’s House of Harlow and Winter Kate lines, in WWD. “If you look at the clothing and you look at the footwear, you get an idea of what the bags are going to be.” {Stylelist}

The bags won’t be available until next spring (expansions into sunglasses and footwear hit stores first), but they’ll range from $295 to $595. {WWD}Even though the luxury industry is rebounding, those are price points that should do well with consumers who shop the middle, as opposed to the highest or lowest ends.

We love Nicole and think her eye for fashion is classy and chic. House of Harlow and Winter Kate have been well received, so we’re looking forward to seeing what she has in store.

It has yet to be confirmed, but there is talk that the singer will collaborate on the brand’s spring 2011 collection. In past interviews, McQueen has stated that Gaga has served as one of his “unofficial muses” for previous lines, and her worldwide appeal makes her an ideal partner. {Styleite}

Ever since she rose to stardom, Lady Gaga has turned heads with her outrageous and theatrical fashion choices. For this she is seen as a fearless, fashion forward individual who starts trends, not follows them.

Although we think her choices in designs for her public image are possibly more geared for publicity than for a true love of the crazy things she wears, we still think that if McQueen saw something he drew inspiration from, she’s probably not the worst choice for a seat at the design table.