Raf Simons Bags It For Eastpak

On sale now (read: GO!) are Raf Simons' super cool Spring/Summer 2009 Eastpak collabration bags which, in their final series, are inspired by "‘Haute’ travel with a futuristic, modern approach to the romance of old fashioned travelling." They're oversized. They're slouchy. They're perfect for a weekend getaway or a jaunt around the city. Available now at oki-ni.com.

-- Seth Plattner

Sydney Boutique Hits The Web

Toronto. So close, yet so far away -- and thus missing out on the designer shopping orgy that is Sydney. Sydney, for the uninitiated, is a clean, well curated place: Raf, Dries, Marc, Rick, et al. Now, the store has launched an e-commerce site. Phew. And what with this pesky recession, they're even offering 10% off online purchases through the end of the month. 

-- Seth Plattner

Jil Sander + Aloha Rag Spring Sneaks

The Raf Simons helmed label Jil Sander has artfully joined forces with Aloha Rag to produce these perfect-for-spring sneakers, marking Jil Sander's first collaboration with a boutique. Hopefully it's not the last.

The shoes -- created directly under Simons -- will be available in Aloha Rag's New York Store beginning April 2nd, but the release will be rather limited: Fifty-five pairs of each style with low-tops for $325 and high-tops for $395. Start your engines.

Aloha Rag, 505 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013, 212.925.0082

-- Seth Plattner

Quickies: L'uomo Vogue heats up Miami, Ram Simons does denim and more

The new issue of L'uomo Vogue has Javier Bardem on the cover. But the hotness doesn't stop there. In a tribute to Miami, Bruce Weber brings boys, bathing suits and bare bottoms. [Towleroad]

Jil Sander Creative Director Raf Simons will debut premium denim pieces for the Sander label in Spring. Including 5 pocket jeans and blazers, they're sleek and sexy -- pretty much everything you'd expect from Raf. [WWD]

Matthew Williamson is hard at work on his men's line: "In menswear, there is a fine line between boring and 'costume,' and I want to hit that sweet spot. It won't be about minimalism, but it also won't be about this for men. I think Dries Van Noten, for example, gets the balance right," says the designer. [British Vogue]

Fancy a fashion cruise? In Brazil, MSC Musica cruise liner will take passengers on a seven day, eight night shopping trip around Brazil, and will also features daily fashion shows and a model scout looking for one lucky passenger to become the next big face. This might be gayer than an actual gay cruise. [Cool Hunting]

Phillip Lim is starting a line for dogs. The designer's own French Bulldog, Oliver supplied the inspiration. Look for the puppy pieces to start popping up in L.A. and New York stores. [Fashionista]

-- SETH PLATTNER

Quickies: Gap wants you to vote, Todd Palin's new wardrob and more

Photo: Getty Images

Yesterday Gap unveiled their new "Vote For" campaign to inspire election participation. Giving 70 everyday people the chance to voice themselves, each participant created a "Vote for ____" t-shirt customized to express their personal election passions. You can personalize your own tee online, or buy a pre-designed one in stores for $15. [Market Watch]

As part of her $150,000 shopping spree, Sarah Palin spent 5K of it at NYC men's store Atelier. The store carries conceptual labels like Yohji Yamamoto, Raf Simons and Ann Demeulemeester, and, while not what we usually picture a conservative wearing, thank God someone is doing something about Todd Palin's (pictured) less-than-winning style. [Material Interest]

Steven Alan is designing both the men's and women's uniforms for the Gild Hall hotel in New York City. We're guessing the hotel is going to have a rather comfortable vibe. [WWD]

Open for Business: Earnest Sewn opens in L.A. (right next to Nobu, no less). Marc Jacobs now has not one, but two stores in Paris.

-- SETH PLATTNER

UK GAP is Best; Pet Fashion Week; Raf by Raf

Photo: Getty Images

Everything is better in the U.K.—including GAP ads. Instead choosing B-list celebrities like Sarah Silverman to star in the U.K. GAP ads, they get super models and better looking (read: less frumpy) clothes. [Fashionista]

Pet Fashion Week hits NYC—Because your pussies and bitches deserve alligator and diamond accessories, too.  [NY Post]

Raf Simons, designer of Jil Sander and Raf Simons, debuts Raf by Raf Simons, a new line of youth-oriented, graphic clothes and jeans. But don't call it a diffusion line. [Dazed & Confused via Fashionista]