>> 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.
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Chanel Mobile Art Opening Misses Anna Wintour, Brings Back McBeha
>> Despite a scathing review in The New York Times yesterday, the" black hole of bad art and superficial temptations," otherwise known as the Chanel Mobile Art exhibition, brought out the well-heeled last night. Editors were in full force — Carine Roitfeld and Franca Sozzani swarmed Karl Lagerfeld upon his arrival, Glenda Bailey and Amy Astley made early cameos — but there was no Anna Wintour in sight . . . nor Bee Shaffer for that matter. Strange, considering how close they are with Karl — Bee was at the Versace-hosted Whitney gala the night before, but no Anna there either. But speaking of missing persons — Catherine McNeil and Freja Beha Erichsen fans will be happy to know that after their well-documented disappearances during Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks, they've popped up again — together, no less.
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Opening Party Chanel Mobile Art
The Chanel Contemporary Art Container by Zaha Hadid at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park may have opened yesterday to the public but the party was Tuesday night as style conscious New Yorkers turned out in droves to pay homage to Karl Lagerfeld's latest extravagance despite the blustery weather. We have photos of the interior as well as a few socialite and fashionista photos by Astrid Stawiarz and Andrew H. Walker
Harper's Bazaar Stoops Low For an Advertising Pick-Me-Up
>> Depending on where you're standing, Harper's Bazaar has either reached a new high or a new low. As reported yesterday by The New York Times, the Hearst-owned magazine forked over 40, yes 40, editorial pages, plus the cover of its July 2008 issue, to advertiser Estee Lauder. The cosmetic company is keen to sell the socks off of its new perfume, Sensuous, and is using its four stable girls, Gwyneth Paltrow, Carolyn Murphy, Elizabeth Hurley, and Hilary Rhoda to give it their all.
Desperate economic times call for desperate measures, it seems, but Allan Mottus, a beauty industry analyst, said it best: "Boy, they really sold out — Hearst — didn’t they?"
It's no secret that advertisers and magazines have long been in cahoots — Nylon collaborated in a similar way with Chloe earlier this year, placing the faces of the brand's new fragrance on their "Beauty Issue" cover, with an accompanying editorial inside. Some seem to think Glenda Bailey and Hearst have taken it too far this time, but before getting in a huff about this specific incident, realize: Hearst has been pulling these shenanigans for years now. Also, just by talking about it, we're giving Estee Lauder all the press they aimed for . . .
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The Stars Align For Rachel Zoe at Harper's Bazaar
Despite the recent Rachel Zoe/Anna Wintour fashion feud, Harper's Bazaar has had no qualms in taking in the stray fashionista. I guess Editor-in-Chief Glenda Bailey wants to cause a little ruckus in the fashion world. I overheard Ms. Bailey and another editor discussing a shoot styled by, da duh da duh, Ms. Zoe herself.
Will her first editorial styling gig put her up top with the likes of Brana Wolf or confirm that she should stick to dressing Hollywood starlets? My guess is . . . the latter. The issue should be out this Fall.

Sounds like Rachel is doing a throwback to her days at YM — she already styled Gwyneth Paltrow for Bazaar in the July 2008 issue, so maybe a more permanent gig is in the works?
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