Style News

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Being in front movie cameras isn’t exactly new to iconic designer Valentino — he did have a cameo in The Devil Wears Prada, after all — but with a new documentary that’s all about him, the taste-maker is now the star of the show. And at last night’s premiere of Valentino: The Last Emperor at Venice’s Teatro La Fenice, his roster of superstar fans, including Diane Kruger, Elizabeth Hurley, Claire Danes and Natalia Vodianova, all turned out. Kruger, wearing a beige Valentino gown the designer had chosen especially for her, told PEOPLE: “I found it really emotional to see. You know, he’s one of the last greats.” And supermodel Vodianova was equally impressed: “I thought the film was so funny — Valentino’s really like that. He didn’t act different for the cameras.” As for the man himself, Valentino told PEOPLE, a bit ruefully, “I said a few things maybe I shouldn’t have said, but I’m happy.” And he certainly looked it at the premiere’s after-party at the Peggy Guggenheim museum, holding court on a candlelit rooftop terrace surrounded by VIP guests like Charlize Theron, Tilda Swinton and model Eva Herzigova who declared the night a success, telling us, “Valentino throws a great party.” –Reporting by Courtney Rubin

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Since she arrived in N.Y.C. for her Broadway role in Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, Katie Holmes has cast off her red-carpet finery for her own brand of downtown cool, rocking just about every jean trend out there — from baggy rolled “boyfriend” jeans, to super skinnies, to a retro high-waisted, wide-legged style. Tell us: Which one of her new casual looks is your favorite?

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Project Runway judge and Marie Claire editor Nina Garcia gives the fashion world another treat with her witty second book The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own. The new book is an A-Z list of fashion’s essential must-haves: those items that have stood the test of time, surviving fads and fashion-cycles — including everything from Converse sneakers to fishnet tights. At this week’s Sak’s Fifth Avenue book signing Nina told PEOPLE that of all the one hundred items, women should “splurge on a pair of shoes. It is one of those things you can’t fake. You can’t look well dressed without a nice pair of shoes, it is impossible.” And with all the trends out there — especially in denim — Nina advises to go for what works for you and not worry about what’s the newest thing. So what’s her take on the new “boyfriend” jean? “I am all for borrowing and stealing from the husband or boyfriend, so I like it.” As fall approaches, Nina tells us the season’s must-have will be the little black dress. “The little black dress took center stage at the collections. It started with the Balenciaga show. His first look down the runway was a black dangerously sexy dress,” says the editor. “If you don’t have a black dress, now is the time to find it — they are going to be everywhere at every price point.” Get more fashion advice from Nina in her new book, $22, available at amazon.com. Take a virtual tour of The One Hundred now and check out some of the book’s fabulous illustrations by Ruben Toledo at harpercollins.com.

Your wait is over to get a first-hand look at Justin Timberlake’s starring role in the William Rast video campaign. Although for the past few years Justin has kept pretty quiet about his role with the clothing label, which he co-founded in 2005 with friend Trace Ayala, he’s finally stepping in front of the cameras to star as the fictional William Rast in a series of web shorts that he wrote, directed, and composed the musical score for — and we’re bringing you a first look at his bad-boy role alongside supermodel Erin Wasson. Still don’t have your fill? Click over to williamrast.com to see two more trailers in the series, and keep checking back as seven more roll out over the next month. Tell us: What do you think of Justin’s role as William Rast on the run?

James Devaney/WireImage; Inset: Stephen Lovekin/Getty

Tim Gunn is never shy about his opinions on Project Runway — calling a dress a “pterodactyl out of a gay Jurassic Park” isn’t exactly holding back. And when PEOPLE talked to the debonair fashion expert at the Tide and Downy Total Care Launch Party, he expressed his disapproval of Katie Holmes’s recent penchant for fall’s new baggy jeans. “I have to say, Katie Holmes has become so much more sophisticated in so many ways, but I think she’s in a dip right now. I can’t explain it.” Gunn actually sees the adaptation of the new look as a move back towards her younger look, saying “She ascended from this tomboyish waif look to an incredible sexy sophisticate. We realize how much style she’s capable of. I don’t get it.” But for those of us who are digging Katie’s baggy look (also spotted on Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston), Gunn does give us hope. “With the right shape, it can work very well.” – Jessica Gold Haralson

Courtesy of YSL

Even with Yves Saint Laurent’s passing this year, his namesake company and spirit for innovation lives on. YSL designer Stefano Pilato has created a “Manifesto” with photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin and featuring Naomi Campbell in the Fall/Winter 2008 collection. And while we can all enjoy the sexy images of Naomi in our favorite magazines, over half a million people on the streets of Paris, New York, London, Milan, Tokyo and Hong Kong will actually receive a copy of the book. Even more coveted will surely be the limited edition cotton tote bag, designed by Pilati, which will be distributed with the Manifesto to the first 5,000 people in each city. A short behind-the-scenes film and the Manifesto images will debut exclusively on ysl.com on the same day.

House of Deréon; Inset: Rob Loud/Getty

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen aren’t the star designers to try their hand at a jewelry line these days. Beyonce and mom Tina Knowles are adding a jewelry line to their already-successful brand House of Dereon. The mother-daughter design team have partnered with jewelry company Carolee, who also produces jewelry for Lauren by Ralph Lauren, ABS by Allen Schwartz and Brooks Brothers, to create a complete collection of jewels consisting of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. All the pieces will incorporate various metals, man-made pearls, crystals and more. “I am so passionate about jewelry. As both a designer and a stylist, I know the important role jewelry plays in completing your total look, ” Tina Knowles said in a released statement. What’s better, the line will be completely affordable, with prices ranging from $16- $68. Look for the House of Dereon’s new jewelry collection at major department and specialty stores in Spring 2009. Tell us: Will you wear Beyonce’s jewelry?