Style News

Reuters /Landov

A little rain didn’t stop the fashionistas from celebrating the unveiling of the D&G flagship store on Robertson Boulevard, benefiting Art of Elysium. Lauren Conrad planned ahead for the chilly night. “I wanted to wear tights, so I asked for a mini.” she tells PEOPLE of her black chiffon cocktail dress, which she paired with a Top Shop hair bow. Conrad says she has yet to decrease her shopping budget. “For me I’m cutting back everywhere except for shopping. I think being a designer I want to continue to support them right now. I think it’s a really scary time but if people stop spending it’s only going to get worse.” Jennifer Morrison, in a black velvet mini cocktail frock, had her own strategy to keep from shopping. “I’m trying not to look. I’ve already spent way more money in D&G stores than I ever should!” she says. But the 6,136-square-foot store contained plenty of temptation for the House actress. “In here they have space to really show the whole collection, which is so nice,” Morrison says. And Ginnifer Goodwin, also in all black, pointed out the “convenient” location. “Robertson definitely has its own following as a street. It’s a younger, hipper Rodeo,” says the actress, who chatted with host Rachel Bilson inside. Sister act Paris and Nicky Hilton chatted and happily posed for photos on the red carpet. D&G devotees also included some men, like Danny Masterson, who spun tunes under his moniker DJ Momjeans; Corbin Bleu, who chatted with Rumer Willis; Joel Madden, who hung tight with girlfriend Nicole Richie; and Golden Globe nominee Kevin Connolly who wants the fashion house to dress him for the big day. “It’s already a done deal. They’re always the nicest.” – Jenny Sundel

Matt Baron/BEImages

Victoria Beckham is bringing her designs home to the UK. On the eve of her 10 dress collection hitting Selfridges in both London and Manchester, the designer herself sits down with the London Times and gives them a look at her “fourth child”. Victoria tells the London Times that fashion was always her first love — even before singing. “I was never that good a singer but I think I am good at fashion. Even when I was at school, I was always customizing my uniform.” And her fame as Posh didn’t help her fashion career. “Being in the Spice Girls, fashion-wise probably didn’t open any doors. If anything it shut doors and I’ve had to bang them down.” Now the pop star has left the stage for the drawing board and takes a hands-on approach to all her dVb lines. “Do I draw? No. Then again, nor do lots of designers,” admits Victoria. “But I know how a dress should sit. I’ve worn so many in the past and when I see the photographs I think, crikey, my boobs are up round my neck again because the corsets are too short and not cut high enough.” Victoria used all her fashion mishaps to help make her line better. “I knew I would spend a lot on the best-quality zips because, I’ve had my share of crappy zips,” she says. “I wanted a zip that undoes from both ends because then you can either put the dress on over your head or, if you don’t want to mess up your hair, you can step into it - and also, you know, going to the loo wouldn’t be this whole big palaver.” With her exacting attention to detail, luxurious fabrics and classic silhouettes, she isn’t worried about the recession hurting business despites the dresses’ four-figure price tags. “In these recessionary times, and at these prices, women are looking for something that will be an investment, aren’t they?” Click here to see all of the styles from Beckham’s new line.

Courtesy Wetseal

The American Idol winner can now add designer to her list of accomplishments. Jordin Sparks is the newest celebrity designer with a line of holiday dresses for Wet Seal. Jordin is in good company, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz also did a T-Shirt line with the teen-favorite retailer. Jordin’s line , appropiately called “Sparks”, will begin with an assortment of holiday dresses delivering to stores just in time for Thanksgiving and will later include casual apparel and accessories. “I am so excited that Wet Seal and I have been able to create a line of clothing that will appeal to more girls than ever before! The holiday season is my favorite time of year, and I can’t wait to see girls look cute, feel good and celebrate in style!,” Jordin says in a released statement. Wet Seal’s CEO Ed Thomas, couldn’t be happier to have Jordin on his team. “Jordin is a great role model for the young girls that shop Wet Seal. Not only does she have a youthful, yet refined, fashion sense, she has not lost sight of who she is through her rise to stardom,” he said in a press release. Jordin’s “Sparks” line of dresses is already available online at wetseal.com. The dresses range in size from XS to XL and in price from $30-55. get Jordin’s exact cheetah print dress, $30, at wetseal.com Tell us: What do you think of Jordin’s “Sparks” dress collection for Wet Seal? Will you buy it?

Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty; Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Beyonce Knowles is known for her glamorous wardrobe choice, tending to glittering gowns, curve-hugging minis and elegant creations from Armani for her many red carpet events. Which is why we did a double take when the singer turned up at the MTV Europe Awards in not one, but two dresses from notoriously edgy British designer Gareth Pugh. Beyonce’s stylist Ty Hunter tells PEOPLE, “Gareth Pugh’s work is explosive and she had to wear it. She thinks he is an amazing talent.” The young Brit is a master of dark, almost-goth looks with incredible architectural details. Beyonce’s performance dress, which is made of elastic bands and rows and rows of YKK zippers, first appeared on the designer’s Fall 2008 runway with matching leggings that Knowles wisely skipped. Pugh himself tells PEOPLE, “I’m delighted she wore my dresses, she looked fantastic.” We agree, and we love that Beyonce is supporting up-and-coming young designers while trying out cool, new looks. That metallic robot glove, we’re a little less sure about. Tell us: What do you think of Beyonce’s fashion choice? – reporting by Monique Jessen

INF

Statement necklaces are the “it” accessory this season, but what about a dress with a statement necklace built in? Jennifer Lopez’s hot Givenchy number is just that — a black long-sleeved mini blinged out with layers of gold and silver chains. It certainly takes the guesswork out of accessorizing! For a bit of extra sparkle, Jennifer adds gold heels, flashy earrings and a large cocktail ring. Tell us: Would you wear a dress with built-in necklaces like Jennifer’s?

London Entertainment/Splash

Forget Project Runway, for the next five weeks it’s all about Project Mariah! Starting today, in celebration of her newest signature scent, Luscious Pink, Mariah Carey is hosting an online dress competition that lets you be the designer, creating the next stage look she’ll wear on tour. Click over to Mariah’s Closet and upload your own design for the singer, or use a ready-made template to create a signature look. While you’re there, check out what other contestants are coming up with and vote on their creations. Mariah and her team will select the final winner — and we’ll see the results on the star herself!

Janet Mayer/PR Photos

Lauren Conrad isn’t the only TV star showcasing one of her designs at Primetime Emmy Awards. Project Runway’s Christian Siriano will also be creating a one-of-a-kind red carpet look for a second Emmy trophy girl. “I am honored to design a gown for this year’s Primetime Emmy Awards trophy presenter,” said Christian in a released statement. “It has been so inspiring watching the Emmys every year to see who is going to be the most fabulous diva at the show. It’s wonderful to see what the stars are wearing and which designer takes over the carpet. It will be such an experience seeing my own creation on stage.” We are sure that Christian’s dress will be nothing short of “fierce”. The Primetime Emmys will be aired on Sunday, September 21 on ABC. Tell us: Whose dress are you more excited to see, Lauren Conrad’s or Christian Siriano’s?