>> Valentino made headlines earlier this week for his reaction to the fashion on the Costume Institute Gala red carpet — he shook his head, muttered "no, no, no," and wiggled his finger, adding: "I think now all the girls look very ugly.  I saw the pictures of the Metropolitan gala evening [in New York] last week and I never saw something more ugly, all the girls have their legs out with the most terrible proportions."

He also told the Guardian that he has "so many ideas I could design a collection in two days but don't miss it at all" — now that he's retired he "tr[ies] to have a good time."  Although he hasn't made any red carpet appearances, his yacht has been spotted docked in Cannes — wonder what he has to say about all the Cannes fashion?

Or maybe instead of joining the parties in Cannes, his idea of fun now is staying in his yacht and having a meal cooked by partner Giancarlo Giammetti's chef, Pablo — in her GOOP newsletter this week, Gwyneth Paltrow raves over "GG, as he is affectionately known" and his chef's "rustic Italian food to die for . . . that can get me over there on the darkest and rainiest of London nights."

>> THE MODELIZER —While the recent time-for-a-hair-change options among models seem to be either chopping it all off or dying it bleach blonde, Lindsay Ellingson decided to buck the trend.  She went for a simple change, adding bangs. [JDivision Twitter]

>> RIP —Luke Smalley, a photographer whose minimalist works have appeared in the likes of T magazine, V, Dazed & Confused, Vogue Hommes, and Arena Homme Plus and are typically focused on all-American looking men and inspired by 20th century fitness manuals, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 53.  His portfolio is here. [COACD, The Moment]

Urban Socialite gave a shout out to the Spring 09 range from Australian brand Illionaire. ..

The Sassy Peach told readers about a special H&M sale taking place this weekend. 

Weekly Drop reviewed a pair of sunglasses from Bless that resemble a sport visor.

Molly Cake ponders her desire to purchase sequin hotpants this summer.  

>> INSIDER WIRE —A clip from the first episode of the CW's new Mischa Barton-vehicle The Beautiful Life, about a group of New York City models who live and work together and which co-stars Elle Macpherson, was just released and features a Zac Posen show, with the designer playing himself and providing commentary backstage.

The clip! »

>> After receiving a "high level of interest" over the past few days about his health — "there have been several phone calls asking the same questions and expressing the same concerns" — Giorgio Armani issued a statement yesterday "to calm these worries in my usual direct and clear style of communication."

The 74-year-old designer confirmed that he has "in fact suffered from hepatitis by poisoning, which, certainly is not a rare illness. Nevertheless it is one which requires some time for a complete recovery."  In the meantime, he says his “commitment both on the creative and management side [of his company] has never relented,” and everything "has continued to operate normally with business as usual . . . Consequently there has been no shift in delegation of my authorities to any one of the executives and everything in the company is proceeding with the usual energy."