Spring Fling: A Sneak Preview for Next Season

Even though Punxsutawney Phil condemned us to six more weeks of dreadful winter weather on Monday, we can't help but fantasize about the warmer days ahead. The boys over at Men.Style.Com decided to tease us with a preview of what the nation's top menswear stores will be stocking come March. Everyone from major retailers like Barneys and Bergorf's to smaller boutiques such as Oak and South Willard weighed in on the weighty issue of what threads you should be sporting once the winter gloom begins to dissipate. The preview, which consists of 73 hand-picked pieces predict that feather-light fabrics, deconstructed garments, short shorts, gingham and plaid will be the look du jour once the mercury begins to rise again. Thanks boys, this is exactly the inspiration we needed to bear these final wintry weeks.

-- MAX BERLINGER

Quickies: Casting Chanel, Steven Alan, Pope & PETA, Wrangler ads, Barneys maps

Photo: Getty Images

> Casting Chanel: Alessandro Nivola (above) has been confirmed to play a dashing Arthur "Boy" Capel to Audrey Tatou's Coco Chanel in the upcoming big screen biopic.

> Steven Alan opens in Brooklyn: For anyone in search of perfectly tailored basics, when price is no option.

> Will the Pope go naked rather than wear fur? The Italian Association for Defense of Animals and the Environment has launched an online petition appealing to Pope Benedict XVI, as an animal lover, to stop wearing robes trimmed with ermine.

> Artist Ryan McGinley's animalistic Wrangler ads: Banned in the US for appearing to glorify the murder and rape of young women, but still seen all over Europe (and online). Mission accomplished?

> The map to Barneys men's section: Some useful details to navigate the warehouse sale.

Quickies: Gyllenhaal, toast, West Elm, invisibility and Brooke Shields

Photo: Getty Images

> See Jake run: Photos from the set Prince of Persia: the Sands of Time -- based on the popular computer game about a sixth century prince -- show off Gyllenhaal's newly upgraded guns.

> Make grilled cheese sandwiches in your toaster: Feed your sandwich into reusable bags. All the gooey goodness, half the mess that might end up on your shirt.

> Lutz & Patmos team with West Elm: Knitwear designers collaborate with affordable chic homemakers West Elm on luxe line of pillows and throws.

> Invisibility cloak?: Scientists say they are a step closer to developing materials that could render people and objects invisible.

> Project Runway sneak peek: Bravo hosts icon Brooke Shields as a guest judge, and our guess is the designers' challenge will relate to her character on sister station NBC's Lipstick Jungle.

Quickies: Nelly drops his drawers, Justin sings as models strut & Barneys goes wild

Photo: Getty Images

> Nelly's new underwear ads revealed: This is the first time Sean Jean appoints a spokesperson for underwear -- but why is Nelly (who will strip down shirtless with little provocation) still wearing pants in this campaign?

> Justin Timberlake to show during New York Fashion Week: The pop star will grace the stage at Roseland Ballroom to perform in tandem with the runway presentation of his William Rast line.

> Barneys Warehouse Sale: Don't miss this yearly event. Doors open on Thursday, August 14 at 8 a.m. sharp!

Gossip Worth Repeating: Barneys in Dubai

Photo: Courtesy of Nakheel

If you haven't heard, Barneys New York, the famed shopping destination, was purchased by a Dubai investment firm. The bid took many by surprise! While your StyleList was in Dubai this week, he overheard some juicy gossip about why Isthimar bought the retailer.

Rumor has it that Barneys New York was invited to open a retail location on the Palm Jumeirah, the palm tree-shaped, man made island, but the former owners weren't terribly interested. Annoyed with the refusal and unwilling to take no for an answer, the Sheikh told the city's investment firm with deep pockets to buy the company entirely to ensure the store's presence on the island.

The Palm will also feature a Trump Hotel, Cirque du Soleil, the Atlantis resort, over 30 other hotels, a huge mall and numerous beachfront residences that you can't afford (But David and Victoria Beckham own one!).

Levi's Unveils Damien Hirst Collection; David Chu for Tumi; Heatherette Reschedules; Topman at Barneys

Levi's unveils its first Warhol Factory X jeans designed in collaboration with artist Damien Hirst. Think black skull shaped rhinestone designs on black denim. [Fashionista]

David Chu debuted his Spring 2008 collection of luggage for Tumi—including trunks, suitcases and hat boxes for a classic style. Can hat boxes fit in an overhead compartment? [Fashion Week Daily]

Heatherette reschedules their Fashion Week show and swaps locations to avoid a conflict with Condé Nast's Fashion Rocks event that takes place at the same time. Will Lily Allen walk the Heatherette runway alongside Amanda Lepore? Oh the rumors are flying! [Fashionista]

Barneys New York will carry clothes from Topman—the mens line from Topshop, U.K.'s fast-fashion, cheap-chic retailer that's a little better than H&M. I said "a little." [DNR]

Barneys Sold; Jay McCarroll Lied; Dollar Dips, Prices Rise; Hairstylists as Concierge

Photo: Getty Images

As the dollar loses value, high-end fashion gets more expensive. But who cares? The higher prices tickle our love of snobbery and just make us want it more. [NY Times]

NYC Hairstylists won't just give highlights and a trim but will book your dinner reservations and sew buttons. What else are they teaching in beauty school these days? [NY Times]

Jay McCarroll, winner of the first season of Project Runway, is a big fat liar. Contrary to what he told New York Magazine, he has an apartment on the Upper West Side and has been tapped to relaunch the 80s sportswear brand, Camp Beverly Hills. [Page Six]

Barneys New York is sold to Dubai-based investment firm Istithmar for $942.3 million. [WWD]