>> IN PRODUCTION —Natalie Massenet, founder of Net-a-Porter, has been promising her off-price "outlet for Net-a-Porter” site, The Outnet, since April. She's been coy with details so far, except to promise designer goods at heavily reduced prices, but it looks like we've finally got a launch date: February 2009. Until then, the site is up for those who want email updates. [Telegraph UK]
Natalie Massenet
Anna Wintour Makes It Back for A Night of Stars
>> After missing out on the Chanel Mobile Art opening and the Versace-hosted Whitney gala earlier this week, Anna Wintour was back in fine form — with Karl Lagerfeld at her side and Chanel on her person — at the Fashion Group International's Night of Stars last night. It was a night of family — Donatella Versace picked up the Superstar Award as Allegra Beck Versace looked on, Franca Sozzani was honored with her son Francesco Carrozzini in attendance — and friends — honorees Christopher Bailey and Francisco Costa brought Kate Bosworth and Ashley Olsen, respectively. Host Simon Doonan kept it light, at one point joking that Carla Sozzani had to make it back to the Marriott Marquis in time for a speed-dating session.
*image: source, source
sample sale 2.0
>> Even online, sample sales create a frenzy. In order to keep up with the proliferation of online sample sale sites like Gilt Groupe and HauteLook, Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet announced today that she is launching TheOutnet.com (which I assume is a play on "outlet"), a high end designer sale site that is set to go live by the end of the year. Let the games begin.


