BEHOLD

The newest David Beckham for Armani underwear ad. Not surprisingly, it caused mass hysteria in London today when it was unveiled at Selfridge's. 

Quickies: Madonna's garb up for grabs, who got duped by Bruno and much more

Photo: Getty Images

Some of Madonna's most memorable outfits are on display in London. More than 300 dresses, costume, artifacts and personal items will be up for viewing at the Old Truman Brewery through March 22nd. And, at the end of the exhibit, viewers will be able to bid on the pink gown and gloves she wore in her "Material Girl" video. What a drag show that would make! [People/StyleWatch]

Who was punked by Bruno in Sacha Baron Cohen's upcoming spoof on the fashion industry? A few of his victims came forward during Fashion Week. [Gawker] 

Remember Giorgio Armani's NYT blog? Yeah -- it was done by a ghostwriter. Shocker. [Jezebel] 

Look! Male models have talents other than being pretty! They can beatbox! [The Cut]

Only because it's so fun to watch: The top 10 best model spills on the runway. [Jezebel] 

Hellooo Justin Gaston! Miley Cyrus's boyfriend gets a saucy spread in VMan. [Towleroad] 

-- SETH PLATTNER

Quickies: The gays outdress Kanye, Girogio Armani starts blogging and more

Photo: Getty Images

Giorgio Armani is blogging for The Times. His first post is an account of his time in New York, including where he eats and how he can't sleep properly in America. Riveting. [The Moment] 

In other Armani news, he's donating $1M to New York City Schools. Poor blogging skills aside, we're impressed. [WWD]

Kanye West does not, in fact, think he dresses better than gay people. Or Michael Jackson. Or Stefano Pilati. Or Ralph Lauren. An unusual show of humility from Mr. West at last. [The Cut] 

Overheard this week at New York Fashion Week: "The models need more beer," at Tim Hamilton. A few other gems are also included. [Valet] 

Open for business: Diesel Planet on NYC's 5th Avenue, its largest outpost in the word.

-- SETH PLATTNER

Chatter: Giorgio Armani

"Sophia Loren said 'Grazie' to America when she received the Oscar, this is my way of saying 'Merci' to the market to open up to my world."

-- Giorgio Armani commenting on the opening of his new Fifth Avenue flagship, which opens to day in New York City. 

Quickies: Lady GaGa -- future designer? Giorgio Armani slams Rome Fashion Week and more

Photo: Getty Images

Lady GaGa wants to do her own fashion. While it's directed at teenage girls, a gay boy can dream of a latex suit of his own right? We also have to wonder allowed what mother will allow her teenage daughter to wear bows made out of hair and leotards on a daily basis. [My Fashion Life] 

Girogio Armani slammed Rome Fashion Week. Their shows ended yesterday and Armani claimed that Rome "has killed high fashion by showcasing people who didn't merit it." Naturally, the Romans are up in arms. [Reuters]  

Are you still carrying plastic bags? Well, if you live in NYC, you're going to have to pay for it. Mayor Bloomberg officially proposed a tax on all plastic bags, including those sold at retailers like Gap and H&M. So start budgeting in an extra five cents per bag on those shopping sprees. [DI]

Aquascutum is back on the red carpet. The British luxury label that once dressed Carey Grant, is, for the second year in a row, the official men's stylist for the BAFTA awards. Dressed in the label will be cutie Dev Patel, Noel Clarke, Jamie Dornan and Nicholas Hoult. [WWD]

Open for Business: Dutch design store Droog, yeah, in New York. Goyard on London's Mount Street (this summer) 

-- SETH PLATTNER

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: Madonna's dating Jesus, Prince William's new beard and more

Photo: Getty Images

Brazilian tabloids are reporting that Madonna is dating one of the models form her W photo shoot. He's only 20, his name is Jesus, and he will supposedly be her New Year's date. That Madge -- such a showoff. [Made in Brazil]

Prince William (pictured) has a new beard. He's being nicknamed Prince "Hairy" and was also runner-up for Beard of the Year Award. [People]

Meanwhile, in other bearded news, Portland, Oregon, has been named the most bearded city in America. If they're looking for a leader, we know a certain bearded prince who could command their scruffy legions. [kempt]

Girogio Armani is, once again, campaigning for a good cause. This time for “Prevention Guides,” a new series of health books that will sell with Corriere della Sera, Italy’s most-read newspaper, in January. “I think that nowadays prevention should be considered a way to show love to yourself and to those who love you,” Armani says. [WWD]

American Apparel is being slapped with another lawsuit. This time from ex–chief of European operations Bernhard-Axel Ingo Brake. He's accusing the label of shady European employment practices, unhonored bonus promises, and tax evasion. AA is, naturally, counter-suing Brake for embezzlement and the hiring of a mistress for a high-level position in Switzerland. The claws are out, kids. [WWD]

-- SETH PLATTNER

Quickies: Kanye West off to London, Gareth Pugh to show menswear and more

Kanye West is moving to London to pursue his career in fashion. He'll be applying for a job at the Louis Vuitton headquarters and eventually debut his new line, Pastelle, in London. As for the music thing? He'll just stick to rapping "on the weekends." [Mirror]

Hot on the heels of his successful Paris Fashion Week debut in September, Gareth Pugh is showing a menswear line. The collection will bow in January at he upcoming menswear shows in Paris. We're expecting shoulder pads, heavy makeup and lost of synthetics. Fab! [Vogue.com]

Karl Lagerfled is cutting back in this economy as well. Now that he's moved into a smaller abode in Paris, the only musts in his house are his chambermaid, cook and chauffeur. See, he's just like the rest of us. [Spiegel]

Giorgio Armani is partnering with the Molteni Group to make kitchens. A designer kitchen -- exactly what we've been dreaming about since childhood. [Fashionista]

A sign of the times? Men's facial hair. Now that they've been laid off, once high-powered executives are now free to grow their facial hair to their heart's content. Ya hear that, Wall Street? We don't need your money. We have our freedom! And our hipster beards! [WSJ] 

Open for Business: Hugo Boss in Naples.

Quickies: Ralph Lauren on top, how Bruno broke Fashion Week and more

Photo: Getty Images

To no one's surprise, Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani topped DNR's list of the most powerful men in men's fashion. We didn't make the list this year, but we're expecting to roll in at a solid #98 next year. [DNR]

Remember when Sacha Baron Cohen infiltrated the runways during the shows in Europe as Bruno? Well, here is how he did it. [The Cut] via [WWD]

Andre 3000 wants Prince Charles to wear his Benjamin Bixby line. Chuck has lost a bit of street cred, so what better way to get it back? [Post Chronicle]

Rick Owen's denim and outerwear line, Drkshdw, is now available online. Owen's stuff is always well cut and a little edgy, plus, w lv lbls wth n vwls. Available at oaknyc.com. [Material Interest]

-- SETH PLATTNER

Quickies: Armani hints at retirement, Mr. Blackwell dies at 86 and more

Photo: Getty Images

Giorgio Armani (pictured) says designers need to learn to "not have any claims" over their label. He's had the fashion world guessing for years about his next move, but could he be finally hinting at retirement? [Stuff.co.nz]

Fashion critic Mr. Blackwell passes away at the age of 86. Having roasted everyone from Princess Margaret to Britney Spears on his annual worst dressed list, the biting one-time designer showed us gays the power of the "oh no she didn't!"  [IHT]

Seoul and India kick off their respective fashion weeks. Why should you care? With the global economy being as shaky as it is, you never know where the next fashion capital is going to spring up. [Popseoul] and [Times of India]

Cosby sweaters are in for fall. Thanks, Williamsburg.  We're considering extended hibernation until this trend goes back to the depths of tacky hell from which it came. [The Cut] 

Open for business: Hugo Boss in NYC's Meatpacking district. Sebastian's Closet reopens in Atlanta.

-- SETH PLATTNER