Quickies: Neil Barrett teams with Herno, Rock & Republic slashes prices and more

Photo: Getty Images

Neil Barrett is getting down. Down jackets that is. He's joining forces with Herno, a high-end Italian sportswear specialist, to produce a co-branded capsule collection of eight down jackets called Neil Barrett for Herno.

First they cancel their runway show, now Rock & Republic is lowering its prices. Hey -- their loss, our gain. [WSJ]

Some of your fashion favorites share their New Year's resolutions. We like photographer Todd Selby's: "My New Year's resolution is I want to be able to touch my toes doing a forward bend." [Refinery 29]

Opening for Business: Tom Ford on Rodeo Drive.

-- SETH PLATTNER

Quickies: More Fashion Week bad news, the Hipsters get bangs and more

Photo: Getty Images

Insiders are saying that Rock & Republic are canceling their runways show. They'll instead do a presentation in Paris and then throw a party. [Division Street]

L.A. Fashion Week could be in just as much trouble as New York. Sadly, we doubt the west coast will weather the storm. [L.A. Times]

In Hipster fashion news, man bangs are the next irreverent style. And we are NOT OK with it. [Hipster Runoff] via [Haute Concept]

Where are the fashion elite going for vacation over the holidays? St. Barts, Dominican Republic and Thailand, just to name a few hot spots. We'll enjoy our time in Wisconsin. It's just as magical. [Cityfile]

Open for business: The best of 2008. [Refinery 29]

-- SETH PLATTNER

Scene at Fashion Week

Photo: Getty Images

> A forecast for possible flash floods left us daydreaming that the Rock & Republic show would turn into a water park, rivers rushing through those flappy white walls, models shrieking, editors taking off their Louboutins to avoid water damage -- and (hey, it's our fantasy!) Chace Crawford (left) in a wet t-shirt, offering to run away with us to dry ground. Reality was a bit of a let-down: No flood and not much new or exciting on the runway either. But we did spy Chace, Mary-Kate Olsen and John Legend backstage.

> Marc Jacobs model (and Popnog fave) Cole Mohr didn't walk at Obedient Sons and Daughters, scoring instead a seat in the crowd. Looked cute and somewhat disheveled.

> We hear Dolce & Gabbanna stole all the thunder (and A-listers) from the Rag & Bone party...

> Do we give off some kind of vibe or something? A woman sitting next to us leaned over to ask, "How many of these models do you think are gay? I mean, gay or just really young..."

Previously on Scene...

No Love For Posh's Men's Denim Line; Marc Jacobs--Denied!; Hedi Slimane The Muse; Showing Some Ankle the Right Way; Alexander McQueen Online

Photo: Getty Images

Despite the continued success of Rock n' Republic denim, it turns out retailers aren't quite as excited about Victoria Beckham's men's line from her other denim collection, dVb.  Retailers are unwilling to stock the baggier, more casual denim because of poor sales and her shoddy promotions.  Put her husband in those jeans with an oiled body and no shirt--we'll pick up a few pairs then. [This Is London]

Marc Jacobs rolled into the 303 Gallery in Chelsea apparently looking "scruffy and homeless," according to the employee who asked him to leave when he didn't recognize him.  Though Jacobs left without any hoopla, the poor low-level staffer was fired on the spot when the owner found out. [NYP]

While Hedi Slimane has always been a muse of sorts for us, he is now the inspiration behind the debut issue of Vogue Homme in Japan.  However, it doesn't stop there.  Not only is the 20-page spread being modeled after his own skinny boyish type model, but he is also photographing the whole thing for the magazine. Does this man ever stop? (We hope not.) [WWD]

So we all know that cropped pants are raging this summer; and that means you have to show off your ankles sans socks (you aren't Michael Jackson, after all).  Word to the wise: don't go sockless. Slippery, sweaty leather is just as gross as the smell that will come from it. [NYT]

Alexander McQueen launches his online store today.  You're only a click away from fur hats, ponchos and, at least, a good pair of boots. For $50 extra, Manhattanites can get their clothes same day if ordered before noon. [WWD]

-- SETH PLATTNER

Rock & Republic Runway Show Video

Earlier: On The Runway: Rock & Republic

On The Runway: Rock & Republic Fall/Winter 2008

All Photos: Getty Images

Rock & Republic is always up for putting on a great show. The black lacquered runway, the live orchestra, and of course a grip of well-known models and celebrities sitting front row (Out's very own Aaron Hicklin sat next to Russell Simmons). For the brand's Fall/Winter 2008 collection, he took inspiration from Film Noir of the 40s and 50s. With that in mind, the clothes stuck to the color palette of the silver screen with touches of vibrant color that were reminiscent of black and white films with technicolor touches added years later.

Overall, the collection was fantastic and lived up to its rock roots while being totally wearable. The brand, known mostly among guys for its denim (and a brief stint of Victoria Beckham cutting her design teeth in a collaboration with the brand), upped the bar with beautifully detailed and luxurious looking suits, trenches, officers jackets, James Dean-worthy leather coats, fedoras and shoes.

More photos after the jump!