Theory

Who says a turtleneck has to be stuffy? Certainly not model Jessica Stam, whose cool chick turtleneck is proof that pulling off this wintery look is all in the styling. To keep things from becoming too bulky, just pick a lighter fabric, even sheer if you please. As for the rest of your ensemble, try a mini or tap shorts and tights, and if you're going to do denim, go skinny and sexy to keep up the cool vibe — customizable Prada shades are optional but always encouraged.

Besides her hot strut, we're eying Victoria Beckham because of her Fab little sheath. It's modern mod at its best — simple silhouette, rounded neckline, and no bells and whistles. It's all about the fit — not too body-conscious, not too billowy — it should have a body-skimming, ladylike fit. For extra flair, go with a retro palette; bold yellows, orange, blue, and the rest of the primaries are perfect. And also look to Mrs. Beckham for the right accoutrements: oversize sunnies and a pair of pretty pumps.

Catch a glimpse of Zoe Saldana, and it's not hard to see why we're loving the demure LBD. The look is totally in tune with the ladylike craze but with a sexier body-con fit. The longer hemline leaves a little more to the imagination, while a sleek silhouette hugs in all the right places. It's a demure alternative but hardly a diminutive style statement.

>> Before he officially settled at Theory earlier this week, Olivier Theyskens's name was batted around for numerous top design jobs. He'll have complete creative control over both his Theyskens' Theory line and the Theory mainline. The difference — he explains: "In Theyskens’ Theory, there is a large possibility for bringing ideas and new designs, and probably it is more like a laboratory. But in the main Theory collection you are working more on what people wear every day." But what if Chanel comes calling? "This is the question that I hear for 10 years. The important thing that I believe very strongly is that there is a right thing at the right time and the right place. The ‘if’ is not something that I really consider. I am putting myself fully into the development of Theory, and I have always been like that. As a designer, I am known for more of a creativity point of view. But for Theyskens’ Theory, I was so pleased to see the orders that balanced the sharply cut jackets with the T-shirts and the jeans. In addition to creativity, simplicity has always been very important to me and in my work, so I feel the position here is right for what I want to do." [On the Runway]

>> After yesterday's announcement that Olivier Theyskens is joining Theory as artistic director, today brings a little more insight. Theyskens, who will head up a team of 25 people, says that Theory has promised him total creative freedom. He added that despite his high fashion background, he feels capable of designing anything from a glass to a cellphone: “I feel completely in tune with this new orientation.”

Andrew Rosen, founder and co-CEO of Theory, says that since Theyskens starting working with the brand on his Theyskens' Theory capsule collection back in May, the idea of expanding the designer's role had been on his mind: “Working with Olivier on the initial concept for Theyskens’ Theory, I can’t say that I wasn’t thinking about this all along. This was a natural progression. In some ways, it may seem radical, but for Olivier and me, it was not radical at all. He has been involved in the culture of the company for the past six months.”

Theory has sales of over $500 million globally, and Rosen hopes that Theyskens, whose name is recognizable in fashion circles worldwide, will help build the brand's global profile. “I feel that Olivier’s creativity and energy is what we need for our global expansion,” he said. “The world evolves; people’s tastes evolve; and the way of life evolves. Fashion has to evolve too. This is a natural evolution. Companies cannot get stuck in one place. The culture of the company won’t change, but the energy and creativity will change because there is a new force involved. Even though the Theory business is very strong, I felt it was important to step up the game. I saw a great opportunity to infuse Theory not only creatively but also energetically with someone like Olivier.”

Theyskens will be responsible for building out everything from accessories to menswear, the latter which he hasn't done in the past. “I can’t wait,” Theyskens told WWD. “I haven’t designed men’s wear yet, but it’s been on my mind. I feel very comfortable doing men’s wear.” As for designing for the Theory brand at large, Theyskens notes: “It’s much bigger and slightly different, more an expression of a designer line, while the Theyskens' Theory was quite personal."

Theyskens just secured an apartment in New York's West Village, and though he will continue to spend time in Paris, he says of Manhattan living: “Everybody says there is such a good energy here and I agree.” Like Paris, he's also not leaving designer clothes behind; Theyskens said he is open to creating one-of-a-kind pieces for special occasions, but for now, he is interested in exploring more democratic fashion.

>> Olivier Theyskens, who began working with Theory in May, is strengthening his ties with the brand; he was just named artistic director and will take over design responsibility for the entire Theory brand.

Theyskens first began working with Theory on a capsule collection under the moniker Theyskens' Theory, which he debuted during New York Fashion Week in September. Now, in addition to designing the Theyskens' Theory label, which is launching for Spring 2011, Theyskens will also be designing Theory, with his first collection for the Fall 2011 season. In his newly-created artistic director role, Theyskens is expected to give Theory a fashion slant while still appealing to the brand's existing customer.