>> The Peter Som-Bill Blass situation is rather turning into a Nina Garcia and Elle-like saga. The latest? Despite Peter submitting his resignation last week, he is now back in talks with Blass owners NexCen about the Spring 2009 collection, thanks to the orchestrative abilities of Anna Wintour.

She coaxed him back on board, "for the sake of the label," which is currently on the selling block, and is much more valuable with Peter Som at the company. A new retention deal was reportedly struck last Thursday; but Som can get out of his contract at any time.

The basis for all the unrest seems to be Nexcen's financial constraints: The company can't support what Som envisioned for Blass. However, the prospect of a Spring 2009 collection shown to retailers only is being tossed around, and if Blass is bought by a company that can lend better financial support, Som is said to be willing to stay.
*image: source