Jesus Luiz For Dolce & Gabbana

With the golden hand of Madonna, you, too, can land a Dolce & Gabbana F/W 09 ad campaign. In his first major campaign, yes, that's Mr. Jesus Luiz himself placed very prominently on the right hand side of the photo, while real top male models David Gandy, Noah Mills, Adam Senn and Julianne Quevenne linger in the background. Shot my Steven Klein, the ad is as sultry and seductive as you'd expect from D&G. 

Quickies: Margiela Leaving? New Faces at Next Month's Men's Shows, Karl Lagerfeld Hates Swans, +

Rumors are again afloat that Martin Margiela is leaving or has already left his Maison. Eventually, Mr. Margiela, publicity stunts just turn annoyances. [JC Report] 

Next month's men's shows in Paris and Milan should be a bit more energetic than last season's dreary showing. A slew of new and old favorite designers will show and present collections, which will hopefully amp up both weeks. [WWD] via [The Cut] 

Dolce & Gabbana won't ever do a diffusion line. When asked about the possibility of working with H&M 

Stefano Gabbana responded "No, we don’t need to. That kind of exposure could be dangerous for us." [Telegraph UK] 

Fashion types apparently love NYC's park-in-the-sky, The High Line. Calvin Klein is throwing a pary there this summer. Layman's would also probably love it if a) invited to CK's party or b) if they would open it to the public already. [WWD]

Karl Lagerfeld DOES NOT like swans. [The Cut]

Swine Flu strikes Vogue offices. That is so last month. [Gawker] 

Jesus Luiz. Shirtless. In a bathing suit. [Socialite Life]

A Vivienne Westwood penknife and a Natalia Brilli leather skateboard. Recession? What Recession!?[Selectism] and [Luxist]

Quickies: Dolce & Gabbana get priestly, Speedo sticks with Phelps and more

Photo: Getty Images

Stafano Gabbana and Domenic Dolce will play priests in the upcoming film version of Nine. Expect religious backlash at any moment. [British Vogue]  

Kelloggs may have dropped their sponsorship, but Speedo is still behind Michael Phelps. After his now notorious bong rip, they say, "Speedo would like to make it clear that it does no condone such behavior, and we know that Michael truly regrets his actions. Michael Phelps is a valued member of the Speedo team and a great champion. We will do all that we can do support him and his family." We wonder if munchie runs are included in that support? [WWD]

Jude Law in drag. Again -- Jude Law in drag. [Towleroad] 

Smell this: DKNY's new men's fragrance, DKNY Men 2009, said to be inspired by the city. Let's hope they don't mean hot trash and roasted nuts.

Opening for Business:  Creative Director of Bottega Veneta Thomas Mair's Wainscott boutique. (That's The Hamptons for non-New Yorkers.)

-- SETH PLATTNER

Chatter: Stefano Gabbana

"Our relationship is also a very good example for everybody in the world, gay and straight. Because our love story continued, without sex and without living together. Why not? He was the first big love story in my life. Why do we need to cancel that? And I don't want to forget it."

-- Stefano Gabbana on his lasting relationship with designer partner, Domenico Dolce 

Quickies: Whitewashed runways in Milan, Armani and D&G go head to head and more

Photo: Getty Images

> In Milan, models of color are hardly to be seen. Not a single non-white model walked the catwalk Jil Sander, Missoni, Burberry, Trussardi, Bottega Veneta, Gianfranco Ferré, Roberto Cavalli, or Prada, and only black models walked in Emoporio Armani and Versace. Some are calling it ironic given the inauguration. Editors are just saying it's due to lack of options. We're calling someone's bluff. [NYT]

> In other Milan news, Girogio Armani is accusing D&G of ripping of one of their looks. Said look is the quilted trouser seen in both shows and the well groomed Italian claws are out! [The Guardian]

> In other D&G news, Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana are working on a new concept store for D&G. It will reflect the evolution of their second brand and blue prints are being kept under wraps. The concept will be unveiled in September and the first boutiques to be renovated are the Milan, Paris, London and New York units. [WWD]

> Formula 1-ers were at Dolce & Gabbana (enough already, right?!), and Italy's soccer stars were at Versace. Inter Milan soccer stars Luis Figo, Francesco Toldo and Julio Ricardo Cruz sat front row for the show. [WWD]

> Vogue Italia editor Franca Sozzani presented her new London-based t-shirt line, Dodoski, in Milan. Inspired by Romonov Russia, we think socialite Beatrice Borromeo has the right idea: "“[The T-shirts] are perfect for stealing from your boyfriend." [WWD]

> Here come the new denim campaigns! Jonathan Rhys Meyer for Energie and Ben Taylor (son of James Taylor and Carly Simon) for Lucky Brand. Via People and WWD.

-- SETH PLATTNER

Quickies: Milan heats up for Fall 2009, inaugural fashion, and more

Photo: Getty Images

The Fall 09 men's collections are making their way down the runways in Milan. Drool as you like. [Men.style]

It's inauguration morning so we'll give credit where due. Here's a slide show of inauguration style through the years -- some White House worthy, some not so much. [Material Interest]

Alexander McQueen is launching a new apparel line with Puma. The collection -- ranging from sneakers to jackets -- debuts today in Milan. [WWD]

Dolce & Gabbana's men's show in Milan was dotted with hottie Formula 1 racers. After the show they were all whisked away to watch David Beckham play soccer for AC Milan. It's a wonder anyone even cared about what was on the runway. [WWD]

Earnest Sewn and artist Rob Ryan are bringing London to New York. The brand will help to re-create his East London shop, Ryantown, in the company’s Washington Street store. Called Ryantown USA, the installation will be open for 45 days beginning April 1, in Earnest Sewn’s project space at the store. [WWD]

-- SETH PLATTNER

Quickies: Thom Browne at Pitt Uomo, Dolce & Gabbana cheer for Becks and more

Photo: Getty Images

As if Thom Browne's (pictured) fashion shows weren't weird enough, this just in from WWD: "For his show at Pitti Uomo in Florence, men’s designer Thom Browne conceived a tightly synchronized and hyper-condensed day in the life of an office drone, circa 1955. Forty models, moving in unison, typed at identical desks, ate identical lunches, and…wait for it…wore the exact same outfit. Forty of them." [WWD]

Dolce & Gabbana have more than just a fashion show planned for men's week in Milan. A lucky few will also be personally invited to watch David Beckham play for AC Milan (where he's doing a brief stint during the U.S. off season) in a private Box with not only Stefano and Domenico, but Victoria Beckham herself. [WWD]

In other D&G news, expect more controversy from their next round of ads. They will reportedly feature men on their knees praying, which the designers know will cause a ruckus, but they insist it actually promotes a return to values. Here's what we value: men with no shirts. So I think we'll be OK. [Fashionista]

Valentino is in the muck again. He and business partner Giancarlo Giammetti are being fined $39 million for tax evasion. [WWD]

Church's is expanding into lifestyle accessories. The traditional British footwear company (owned by Prada) unveiled silk ties, cashmere scarves, blankets, small leather goods and an umbrella at Pitt Uomo. [WWD]

Smell This: Burberry's new unisex fragrance, The Beat, which is targeted at the label's new younger demographic. [Fashionisto]

Who doesn't love a good mix? Kris Van Assche apparently does. Rumor has it he's commissioned former Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren to create a special mix for the Dior Homme men's fashion show. [WWD]

-- SETH PLATTNER   

Quickies: Robert Pattinson gets groomed, Dolce & Gabbana sing and dance and more

Photo: Getty Images

Robert Pattinson cut off his unkempt mane to a more favorable crew cut. In case you're wondering, yes, he still looks hot. [People]

Way back in September, Dolce & Gabbana launched an online magazine called Swide. And now it's actually worth looking at, if only to see Domenico and Stefano's  heads on little elf bodies singing Christmas carols. [Swide]

Helloooo, Mr. President! Looks like the campaign did some good for somebody... [Huffington Post]

Belstaff will outfit Harry Potter in the next film. After having been showcased most recently in The Dark Knight, and again in the upcoming The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, the label is getting some serious screen time. [WWD]

In some good Fashion Week news, Barbie will have her own runway show. For the celebration of Miss Thang's 50th birthday, designers like Jeremy Scott, Vera Wang and Alexander Wang will be showcasing looks. A closeted childhood fantasy come true. [Fashionistas]

Look everyone, sailors! Blogger Michael Williams does a great job of showcasing the vintage navy look in his recent posts featuring photos from Life magazine's photo archive, specifically shots of The Pacific Theater. [A Continuous Lean] via [Material Interest]

Opening for buisness: H&M on NYC's Upper East Side -- 86th and Lex to be exact.

Out on the scene: Rag & Bone and D & G stores openings

Photos: Getty Images

It was an ampersand party extravaganza over the last couple of days with both Rag & Bone and D&G store openings in New York and L.A.

While many are saying nay to Christmas parties, Rag & Bone said yay last night at their new store opening/holiday fete. The front windows of the Christopher street store were decked out in holiday cheer with white Christmas lights and garlands framing R&B's enviable clothing. Party-goers sipped cocktails while thumbing through wracks of clothes, perhaps making notes on last minute gifts, because, hey, who doesn't love Rag & Bone? Designers/owners Marcus Wainwright and David Neville were also on hand, looking Rag-&-Bone-dapper per usual.

On the other side of the country -- and one night earlier -- D&G opened their flagship boutique in Los Angeles, and the opening drew some big-name fans. Josh Brolin showed up, smoldering as always. Other notable males were gay-fave director Bryan Singer, High School Musical star Corbin Bleu, and everyone's real favorite member of Entourage, Kevin Connolly, whose dark suit/tie combo was spot on hot.

The night was hosted by Rachel Bilson, and, given the holiday season, D&G used the event to give back a bit: From December 15 through January 15, 15% of sales at the store will be donated to The Art of Elysium, a non-profit which develops creative projects for children battling serious medical conditions. Party for the people, we always say.

The new Rag & Bone store is located in New York City at 104 Christopher Street, and the D&G flagship boutique is at 147 N. Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles.

-- SETH PLATTNER

Previously > Obama bedazzled on his big night > D&G Opens flagship in Beijing

Chatter: Stefano Gabbana

"I don't want cherries or strawberries at Christmas anymore. I want to eat, dress and live on time. I think we all need to sit back and ponder over this anxiety we all have of constantly needing to anticipate."

-- Stefano Gabbana on the fashion industry's tendency towards overkill by showcasing collections too early.