>> Like everything else these days, this year's Costume Institute Gala might not be the bang-up event of the year it usually is.  Though Anna Wintour extends the brand invitations to purchase tables at the 700-person benefit dinner, prices run from $75,000 to $250,000 depending on the size of the label and its relationship with Vogue.  They're typically sold out well in advance, but some brands are balking this time around, and more profitable brands are being asked to carry a larger portion of the burden.

Burberry, Roberto Cavalli, Versace, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Alberta Ferretti have all declined to do full-table sponsorship this year, instead buying individual seats, which range from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on location.  Ralph Lauren was undecided on sponsorship, according to a spokesperson. "We of course will be supporting the event — [we're] still not sure at what level yet." Calvin Klein, Puig Fashion Group (Nina Ricci, Carolina Herrera), and Tod's, on the other hand, have all confirmed that they will be sponsoring tables.

Since the focus is on models this time around, will there be less star power?  The theme might be convenient to brands with slashed budgets — flying in celebrities to accompany a designer can cost plenty after the flight, hotel bills, hair, makeup, and car services are all taken care of.
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>> INSIDER WIRE —Nicholas Kirkwood is building a small shoe empire — his seasonal shoes for Rodarte are talked about just as much as the clothes, his namesake line has quite the cult following, and now he's about to add another gig to his consulting work at Alberta Ferretti and his accessories creative directorship at Pollini:  Alber Elbaz has tapped Kirkwood as footwear designer for Lanvin, with his first work appearing in the Spring 2010 collection. [WWD]

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»What did the men of Rag & Bone do with all those Swarovski crystals they won along with their 2007 Swarovski Award for Menswear? [Fashionista]

»Julia Stegner, Nicole Trunfio, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, Egle Tvirbutaite and more celebrate 10 years of Milk Studios [Of The Minute]

»Carla Bruni-Sarkozy continues her brand loyalty by wearing a Dior Homme tuxedo in her new album promo images [WWD]

»More on Daphne Guinness's "scorching and controversial" September 2008 Vogue Italia shoot [Page Six]

»Francisco Costa gifted CK Jeans face Toni Garrn a dress after she told him she loved it [Chic Report]

»Christopher Kane, Erdem, Marios Schwab, and Roksanda Ilincic all received funding from the British Fashion Council [Vogue UK]

»Vivienne Westwood did like the clothes in Sex and the City, after all [The Cut]

»A peek at Georgina Stoljilkovic for Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti Fall 2008 [Models.com]

»Stylists Leslie Fremar and Annabel Tollman move into an office space together [FWD]