>> The end of the year isn't here yet, and neither is the end of all the upheaval.  Yesterday, Bill Blass closed its doors until further notice, and today it looks like Olivier Theyskens may be leaving Nina Ricci.

Since his time at Rochas, Theyskens has been known for creating exceptionally expensive pieces — exquisite red carpet gowns have always been his forte over everyday resort collection-type wear — and as Fashion Week Daily notes, "As fashion executives rededicate themselves to focusing on the bottom line, the industry's creatives are certain to take a hit."  Theyskens is rumored to be exiting Nina Ricci "following a Spring 2009 collection that left retailers wondering backstage if the 'real collection' was available in the showroom."

The designer met with execs at Nina Ricci-owner Puig in November to "discuss adjusting future collections to the needs of the commercial market," according to industry sources, but something must have put a kink in the works, giving his continued tenuous stance at the company.  He's an Anna Wintour darling, however, so even if things with Nina Ricci don't work out, she'll surely find him placement elsewhere.
*image: source