>> Vera Wang's Pre-Fall 2012 starting points were Jane Birkin and Yves Saint Laurent circa the late 1960s, but she ended up with a layered collection of modern looks. Ribbed knee socks and minidresses were paired with coats, cropped sweaters, or vests, and rounding out the collection was a sweep of evening gowns, surely prepared for the upcoming awards season.
>> With Marc Jacobs out of the picture, Raf Simons — who recently came under consideration, alongside Jason Wu and Alexander Wang — has emerged as frontrunner for the Dior job.
According to WWD's sources, Dior is closing in on a contract with 43-year-old Simons, although the deal has yet to be concluded. Among the details that still need to be worked out: a start date (Simons, who has been at Jil Sander since 2005, reportedly just recently extended his contract with that house for an unknown duration) and when his first Dior collection would debut (likely not for Spring 2012 couture in January nor Fall 2012 in March).
Dior CEO Sidney Toledano is currently traveling in Asia and was not immediately reachable for comment, and Simons did not return phone calls.
>> Lace, chiffon, patchworking, and accordion pleats were all on heavy rotation in Max and Lubov Azria's Pre-Fall 2012 BCBG collection. A succinct offering of 19 floaty frocks, the collection channels "slavic soul" and "bohemian spirit."
>> They're making their lists — and checking them twice. Here come the holidays, and who better to spread the cheer than some of our favorite fashionable insiders? From the super-luxe accessories topping Melissa Coker's and Leandra Medine's lists to the souped-up sporting goods desired by Yigal Azrouel and Peter Som, here's a look at what those in the know are coveting this season. See who's hoping for Burberry, who's hoping for Hermes, and who's just hoping for some sleep — plus, glean gift-giving ideas from Anna Sheffield, Lauren Bush Lauren, Derek Lam, Stephanie LaCava, and more — all here, in the slideshow.
>> Sasha Pivovarova and her husband, photographer Igor Vishnyakov, 43, are expecting their first child. 26-year-old Pivovarova, who just recently unveiled her lingerie collaboration with Gap, is reportedly three months along and plans to take a break from modeling. [Vogue.ru]
>> Nary a pant was in sight at Francisco Costa's Pre-Fall 2012 Calvin Klein show. Pleated skirts, emphasized shoulders, and nipped-in waists were painted in a palette of khaki, mahogany, and gray with a pop of orange.
>> Winter white came out to play this week — much to our pleasure. See who chose the snowy hue — and who chose otherwise — in the slideshow.
>> Chinoiserie and couture shapes come to a head in Zac Posen's Pre-Fall 2012 collection. Or, as the designer put his inspiration: "American Royalty takes a trip east — this collection was inspired by 50s American couture, Charles James, and Cristobal Balenciaga." Nipped waists and flared skirts were Posen's silhouette of choice for this opulent outing.
