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Return of the Supermodel

The time is here. Supermodels are set to win the showdown with actresses who stole their thunder in the late 90s. It would take a 'super' model to dethrone their nemesis, the movie star. Not to say the whole celebrity phenomenon has totally lost its steam, celebs are still bankable. Eva Mendes works double-shifts at Calvin Klein with Vanessa Paradis starring in Miu Miu. But models, old and new are back in the game. This fall, the original supermodels are set for a rebirth appearing in the heavy-weight fashion ad campaigns. Linda (Prada), Eva (Louis Vuitton), Claudia (Chanel, Salvatore Ferragamo), Christie (Escada), Stephanie (Loewe), Amber (Dsquared, Iceburg, David Yurman), and Naomi (Yves Saint Laurent) .

Maybe the industry is starting to see that a 30 something woman can be alluring and more valuable than a 20 year-old woman-child beauty. Since when did you become old in your 30s? A fulfilling, more experienced life adds substance and has the power to transcend and enhance beauty. I strongly feel women indistinctly gravitate to authenticity in advertising. Rather than a barely 20 year-old model playing dress-up in an adult's world. To me that image reads, "killer dress on a teenage girl." As with all euphemisms, this one rings true- fine wine ages with time. - Laina Whitney Faber

Amber Valletta for Dsquared Fall 2008 shot by Steven Meisel

Flip for Fashion

Chloë Sevigny can add publisher to her laundry list of her successful creative exploits wrapped around her nimble fashionable finger. Sevigny's limited-edition Opening Ceremony line inspired the actress to create an old-school fashion flip book showcasing the collections. The project was a true collaboration between Sevigny, Humberto Leon (co-founder of Opening Ceremony), designer Benjamin Cho, Dan Colen, and Rita Ackerman. The Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony ($65) book was produced in a limted-print run of 2,000 copies and available exclusively at Amazon.com and Open Ceremony.

A Stone's Throw Away

Sharon Stone has offended and angered many regarding her controversial remarks on China's recent catastrophic Sichuan province earthquake at the Cannes Film Festival. The resulting fallout over Stone's comments incited Dior China to remove and recall all advertisements featuring Stone. Stone stated the earthquake may have been a result of bad karma following China's treatment of Tibetans.

“In light of Sharon Stone’s inappropriate comments and their negative impact, Dior China has decided to withdraw [her ads] immediately and stop using Sharon Stone’s image in any advertising, marketing and commercial activities," the company said. A spokeswoman said Stone had only been used for limited advertising on select cosmetic product lines and plans were in place before this controversy to use a different model.

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuttion, managing director Toni Belloni implied the company may be forced to disassociate itself from the actress. "I think that it was an unfortunate comment from her," he said. "If she doesn't agree, I think we have to, you know, acknowledge that she doesn't agree and detach us from her. But there's a possibility of putting things in the right perspective."

Watch the Cannes interview that started the furor.

Fashion Stripes

Campbell may be one Louboutin step closer to the penitentiary. The infamous cell-phone slinger and habitual personal assistant abuser has been formally charged with six offenses related to her alleged violent outburst at Heathrow Airport last month. The alleged dispute occurred over Campbell's lost luggage on a British Airways flight, resulting in her being forcibly removed. The supermodel has been charged with three counts of assaulting a policeman, two counts of using threatening behavior and abusive words to cabin crew members, and one count of disorderly conduct. The maximum sentence for Campbell's purported behavior is a six-month jail penalty and a fine up to $10,000. The trial date is set for June 20 at London's Uxbridge Magistrates' Court.

Pretty In Pink

Manhattan socialite, girl-about-town, and Dior Beauty Ambassador Tinsley Mortimer débuted her first beauty collabo, Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect in Tinsley Pink ($24.50). Mortimer has declared "pink's my favorite color" and been spotted at all the events a modern socialite is known to frequent in varying shades of the girly hue. The limited-edition Tinsley Pink is a bubble-gum pink shade speckled with light-reflecting pigments with high-wattage shine. A portion of the sales from Tinsley Pink will benefit Operation Smile. Available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Smooch Worthy

Lulu Guinness, the witty-Brit accessory designer sense of humor never ceases. Guinness's comedic flow flourishes with her snakeskin "Lip" clutch ($295). The high-sheen ruby red clutch is a literal fashion mouth-piece guaranteed to spice up any outfit. Plus, you'll need an extra set of lips to kiss and tell! -LWF

Whoa, Mama!

Olian Maternity is the essential attire for fashionable, trendsetting mommies-to-be. Designer Lili Del Cueto, a early '90s pioneer in the maternity apparel industry, freed women from dowdy, outdated preggers apparel to chic fashion that accentuated a women's natural curves with a heady dose of style. Billowy dresses with exotic prints, skinny denim, and slinky jersey tops are hot items for sexy mommies. In February, Lili opened a new Olian boutique in the heart off Coral Gables, Florida. The new year also brought a new fashion direction for the designer. After a decade of designing for expectant women, Del Cueto is catching customers before and after the ninth month with analili, a contemporary collection featuring signature silhouettes and trendy prints.

Olian Boutique 365 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL (305) 446-2306 www.olianmaternity.com

Supreme Style

Motown's quintessential female trio, the Supremes, broke records, racial barriers, and produced consecutive chart-toppers. The Supremes, fronted by the bird-like Diana Ross with Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard were paragons of style. The ladies shimmied and harmonized their way into America’s heart. Glamour has always been a winning asset, and the Supremes had it in spades. Their Bob Mackie bling-worthy ensembles, uptown brown chicness, meticulous coifs and primped faces (Diana’s lashes were always to die for) inspired a generation and in the process inked the rulebook for successful girl groups 101.

The Supremes rock on at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum with an exhibit, The Story of The Supremes from the Mary Wilson Collection that pays homage to their legendary style. The exhibit features 50 plus vintage outfits, album covers, photographs, and live performance footage on view.
So, stop in the name of style and check out the supremely divine retrospective.

Runs May 13- October 19, at the Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London.

Hot Tune: I'm Going On by Gnarls Barkley

Gnarls Barkley, the musical collective featuring Cee-Lo, the crooning honey-syrup tinged Southern soul preacher, and the electronica DJ Danger Mouse are back on the scene with their hotly anticipated second disc The Odd Couple. There latest single, I'm Going On, posses infectious rhythms and soul-stirring testaments. It's pure feel-good energy. The duo shot the perfect video- unselfishly removing themselves from the equation and leaving the work up to a group of friends dancing the hell out of a frenetic choreographed routine that takes them to a place unknown. - Laina Whitney Faber

Check it out below.

Style File: Natalie Portman at Cannes

Natalie Portman served double-duty at Cannes as a jury member and a fashion plate. Portman, clearly a fashion girl, is having a love affair with one of spring's hottest trend- delicate ruffles. Portman appeared at Cannes in two splendid Lanvin by Alber Elbaz dresses. At amfAR's Cinema Against AIDS gala, Portman stayed true to the trend in a Givenchy avant-garde confection. C'est chic.