>> INSIDER WIRE —They've had a TV presence with Project Runway, Stylista, and Ugly Betty, but Elle is looking for more — especially to boost those lagging circulation numbers.  The magazine has enlisted Creative Artists Agency to help them drum up more TV and film partnerships, since they're no longer with Project Runway, and Stylista may not be back after poor ratings.  A little different approach to making money than Vogue, who decided to put ten archival images on sale, starting at $2,500. [Variety]

>> Last week, PPR/Gucci Group CEO Francois-Henri Pinault was rumored to be the father of French cabinet member Rachida Dati's daughter.  His spokesperson begs to differ: "Not true.  We deny it totally."

But this isn't the first time Pinault has become embroiled in a game of "Who's the father?" — in 2006, Linda Evangelista gave birth to a baby boy, and opted not to reveal the paternity.  At the time, Canadian Hello! quoted her saying the father was "a New York architect," but another source said it was Pinault.  Her agent denied everything: "Not true. She has never said who the father is."

As for the one child under three Pinault has acknowledged — Valentina Paloma, by Salma Hayek — there seems to something still going on between her parents.  The two announced their engagement in March 2007, but then called it off in July 2008, no reason given.  Since then, they have been spotted together numerous times — and not just when Valentina is around.

Last night, when Salma appeared on Late Show with David Letterman, Dave grilled her: "I understand you kids are engaged, is there going to be a wedding soon?"  She didn't correct him, instead replying in a way that genuinely seemed unsure: "I don't know, I don't know . . . Maybe . . . but then again maybe not."  But then Dave also referred to Pinault as her husband, and she didn't correct him then, either, so who knows . . .
*image: source

>> ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —As promised, we've got Katie Holmes for Miu Miu Spring 2009, snapped in New York by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott against a Fellini-inspired, orange-hued background.  But what about the other promise?  The nine models who are supposed to be flanking her?  Some were skeptical about their appearance making the final shots, and so far, they're right . . . [WWD]

UPDATE: Another solely Katie ad has emerged — it's not looking good for the models making an appearance in the final cut. [Off the Rack]

>> Rumors have long surrounded the nature of Diane von Furstenberg and her husband Barry Diller's relationship — before their marriage, he was presumed to be openly gay — and in the February 2009 issue of Town & Country, she addresses their unique approach: "Barry respects me so much.  We don't live together during the week, although we go out together. I live on top of my shop; he lives at the Carlyle hotel. It doesn't feel strange at all. I just need a little bit of space. If I can't be alone a little bit, then I lose myself — and I cannot lose myself."

Diane had plenty of experience with unconventional marriage from her first husband, Egon von Furstenberg, who intimated to New York Magazine that he was bisexual.  Besides, as she told Town & Country, there are more important things to her in a relationship besides the semantics of sexuality: "Egon was very eligible, good-looking; he's a prince; he's an Agnelli.  But marriage was not a goal for me at all.  When I got pregnant I was absolutely shocked.  The last thing I wanted was for people to look at me like, 'She got him!'  So then, more than ever, it was important for me to have a career.  I knew what kind of woman I wanted to be — a woman who did not depend on her husband."

See Pretty Things puts the spotlight on jewelry designer Candace Ang, whose extra large statement necklaces are a well timed statement for spring...

Capsule trade show starts next week (we'll be there!) and We Are The Market, who help put on the event every season, has a glimpse into the Fall 2009 menswear collections slated for the show. 

Trend de la Creme notices a resurgence of some very thriller-esque jackets. A plethora of red leather ensues...

ShinyStyle gives a shout out to a chic little bucket bag by Tory Burch, which comes complete with Obama-inspired insignia.