And, Of Course, More New Labels and Collaborations

At Milan Fashion Week, which wrapped up at the end of September, song diva Rihanna strutted down the runway at the Dsquared show and told WWD.com that she’s keen to launch her own clothing collection. While the 19 year old is not yet in talks with any particular manufacturer or design firm, here’s hoping that the line will include an umbrella, ella, ella …

Speaking of musical stars, OutKast’s André Benjamin (otherwise known as Andre 3000), has revealed that he will be launching a menswear line this spring, with a women’s line to follow shortly after. Benjamin told WWD.com that the collection “[W]ill be based on vintage classics with modern twists,” and added that denim made from Japanese salvage fabrics is also in the works.

And that’s not all: former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham is also expanding her empire to include a makeup collection called V-Sculpt. Women’s Wear Daily reported that the line launched in the Japanese boutique Omotesando Hills at the end of last month, and included blush, eyeshadow, mascara, and lip gloss. Unfortunately for North Americans, the collection will be sold exclusively in Japan, but State-side, Beckham and her soccer-star husband have a beauty deal with Coty.

Another notable new collection was recently presented by Italian Fiat heir and notorious playboy, Lapo Elkann. According to WWD.com, Elkann, who made Vanity Fair’s2007 Best Dressed List, showed a collection of jackets, pants, and bags constructed from high-tech materials such as Gore-Tex® for his label, Italia Independent.

WWD.com has also reported that Loulou de la Falaise, a long-time collaborator of Yves Saint Laurent’s and one of his most notable muses, has announced that she will be creating a new jewellery collection with New York-based designer Oscar de la Renta. The pair has reportedly already held design meetings, the product of which may be seen as early as February at de la Renta’s runway show.

Meanwhile, luxury jewellery and watch brand David Yurman has announced that it will launch an eyewear line this coming spring. According to WWD.com, the collection will be manufactured by Legacie, the company responsible for Leiber and Betsey Johnson branded merchandise. The David Yurman Eyewear optical collection will include styles for women and men, and will be sold in company flagships, select retail locations, and fine optical boutiques.