This Converse running shoe featuring materials designed by Misonni was shown on the label’s Spring 2012 men’s runway. It’s kind of like a sweater for the foot, right? According to HS,  it was only for show and won’ sell at retail….awwww.

Given that the world of streetwear is the ultimate hostile work environment for women, we’re loving that Married to the Mob (No. 17) and Hellz (No. 20) were listed by The Hundreds’ designer, Bobby Hundreds, in his “The 50 Greatest Streetwear Brands Of All Time” list, compiled for Complex.

Here’s what the article said about MTTM:

Let’s give it up for Married to the Mob, because they were the first true women’s streetwear brand and are still carrying the torch for the ladies. It’s a pretty monumental task considering the Boys Only nature of streetwear, but founder Leah McSweeney has accomplished more with MTTM than most male streetwear labels have in their entire career.

And Hellz:

As far as design goes, Hellz wins first place in the niche women’s streetwear department. Under the auspices of creator Lanie B., the brand follows a contemporary design trajectory, interjecting a street element around her edgy female couture. It’s a little bit punk, a little bit girly, and a whole lotta style—so much so that Hellz truly stands alone in its category. You know what? I take it back. Hellz isn’t just the best-designed women’s streetwear line, it’s one of the best-designed streetwear lines period.

And because of the forementioned anti-female tendencies, we’re not at all shocked–though totally bummed–that Claw Money was left off the list. Her Claw logo is legendary and her credentials are airtight so not sure how that is even possible…..No matter, we see you woman and 100 percent recognize.

We wondered last week whether Beyonce’s newest album, “4,” had been leaked because it was looking like a flop. And today there’s an article in the NY Post today speaking to just that problem:

Columbia Records executives fear Beyoncé’s new album, “4,” could be a dud after she refused to return to the studio to re-record new tracks, sources say. “They’re very nervous about Beyoncé’s new record,” an industry insider told us. “It doesn’t have the hit songs that her fans are used to. They asked her to make changes, but she said no.”

Bracing for the worst, Columbia suits are strategizing in case of slower sales and have had “quiet discussions” about the reunion of Destiny’s Child. “Beyoncé’s career has stalled a bit,” a source told us. “Columbia seems to think they can get some mileage out of a comeback record with all of the girls.” Another source tells us Destiny’s Child could start recording together as early as October, with a suggested album title “Family Reunion.”

Every legendary artist stumbles. It’s hard to imagine Beyonce putting her tail between her legs and reuniting with Destiny’s Child even if “4″ should fail spectacularly. My guess is that she brushes that dirt off her shoulders and keeps it moving and recovers with her next effort.

Image above is part of a series of photographs her label is releasing in the lead up to the launch of “4″ on June 28th.

For the first time since their creation in 2006 Comme des Garcons will exhibit their collection of pearl jewellery at  Dover street Market .Handpicked natural pearls from the Pacific Ocean and the finest quality cultured pearls from Japan.  Take a closer look on the next page. Images courtesy of comme des garçons. 

Cala & Jade  designers Nina Amble Sandaas and Tina C. Skaar partnered with Norweigian denim brand Mardou &Dean to create “The Denim Bag Journey,” a capsule collection  that marries the functionality of leather with the versatility of denim. On the next page enjoy a look at the bags , the lookbook and short filem  featuring creatives from Oslo. Luv!

Virginie Magazine features an in depth interview with icon Azzedine Alaïa, in which he openly shares his opinions about fashion, Karl Lagerfeld and even Anna Wintour:

How do you feel about Karl Lagerfeld?

I don’t like his fashion, his spirit, his attitude. It’s too much caricature. Karl Lagerfeld never touched a pair of scissors in his life. That doesn’t mean that he’s not great, but he’s part of another system. He has capacity. One day he does photography, the next he does advertisements for Coca-Cola. I would rather die than see my face in a car advertisement. We don’t do the same work. And I think that he is not doing a favor to young stylists who might think it works that way. They’re going to fall before they retire.

Read the entire interview here, definitely a must read.

Prada showed these caps on its recent Spring 2012 runway show. We’re hoping they foreshadow some similarly cute chapeau for the ladies….like maybe visors even?

As lovers of style and fashion we firmly believe that knowledge of the industry and its key players is vital. Carine Roitfeld a name we admire and respect has a book in her name: Carine Roitfeld, Irreverent. Published earlier this year, a must have. Available at Rizzoli and Amazon.

Gucci, Gucci, Louis, Louis, Fendi, Fendi, Prada…..Autumn goodies are starting to hit retail and in the handbag category we’re spotting lots of fur. Prada offers up this “Cavallino” leopard print bag which you can preorder for an October ship.

W magazine zones in on the intersection between fashion and music in a photo shoot that matches currently hot designers with the same from the pop music world. This one of Versace Donatell with MIA is by far the best. See Kanye with the Rodarte sisters, Esperanza Spalding with Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein and Janelle Monae with Karl Lagerfeld.