>> ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL —Spring 2009 campaigns are all about going with the straightforward, traditional house image, and David Sims's interpretation of Balenciaga in all its robo-avant garde glory is no exception.  Although there are ten campaign faces, Elsa Sylvan's shot is first out of the gates — fellow campaign model Diana Farkhullina confirmed back in November that each girl has her own ad. [TFS]

UPDATE: Hanne-Gaby Odiele's (below) and Iris Strubegger's Balenciaga ad just showed up. [Women Paris]

>> Dame Vivienne never ceases to surprise.  First, the choice of Pam Anderson as her Spring 2009 campaign face — shot by Juergen Teller at a trailer, no less — and now she's got her eyes on a film.  Not that biopic that has been rumored for years, but rather the Sex and the City sequel — and she doesn't want to just design another dress this time; she wants to write the whole screenplay.

Apparently she's quite set on the idea.  In fact, she's been in contact with the production staff, trying to pitch her storyline, according to a spokesman: "She's been obsessed with the film ever since she saw it. One of her designs was used as the wedding dress.  She has even put in calls to Sarah Jessica Parker about it."

So far, no dice — it's been a case of "don't call us, we'll call you," says the spokesman. "We haven't had any news about it yet, so we don't know what's happening."  Maybe Viv should stick to her day job for now?
*image: source

>> INSIDER WIRE —While we're watching for the vaunted Lara Stone-themed February 2009 issue of Vogue Paris to surface — Jan. 21 is said to be the date — it doesn't hurt to think ahead to March.  A hint, which seems to indicate a new cover star for the magazine: "That haute fresh new face striking a stark but elegant pose. A new generation star is born. Trust." [The Imagist]

A few fashion week happenings just announced--it seems Paul Wilmot's Monique Lhuillier and Naeem Khan will be showing off-site this season while Oscar de la Renta will hold two off-site showings back to back. Oscar de la Renta was quoted in saying that this year was, in spite of everything, a profitable one for his brand. Other than having the financial means to hold two showings, we're a little stumped as to why such a gesture was penciled in to the 2009 budget. Is Oscar trying to stimulate the economy? Will he show the buyers one thing and the press another? Or is it that with all of the editors, buyers, and fashionistas scooting all over town to off-site shows (no doubt in some pretty serious heels), that two showings are just, in the end, necessary? 

Mull it over while checking out our exclusive photos from the Spring 09 Oscar de la Renta show shot by our friend Justin William Lin!