Is it safe to go back in the water?

Kristen McMenamy: Photo: Vanity Fair 90's

In Paris this season when Kristen McMenamy came bounding out at the Givenchy SS08 with her signature madwoman-on-the go walk, one newbie was heard to exclaim, "Who's that old lady". Oh if only she knew. That old lady is a living legend, not only for the face, walk or poses but because of the entertainment she brought to the trade. Kristen has morphed from glamazon to androgyne to Career Woman back to glamazon into her Grand Dame incarnation this October. Here are our Top 10 Legendary Kristen Moments. She's so Marquess ( By way of Philadelphia)!

Stylists: The Interpreters Of Fashion: Rizzoli 2007

The talk this week? Rachel Zoe's bold claim about possibly being more influential than Anna Wintour. The cabal is in a frenzy at this sacrilege. Its the best fashion sound byte since “We don't get out of bed for less than 10,000 a day” But given the high altitude Rachel now lives at (and the corresponding lack of oxygen) Rachel Zoe is entitled to be as megalomaniac as she wants to be. I mean maybe she means more influential in malls...or more influential with the 18 and unders. There is even a rumor in circulation that Zoe has first pull at Calvin. A rumor probably...possibly started by the Zoe camp. But it gets you thinking. Whose eyes, tastes, preferences inform the idea of what is fashion now? And how does the tastes and preferences (and talent) of these forces affect how fashionable women dress? . I spent my entire Saturday ringing up some kids in the trade to form an informal style council. Not only was Wintour with her fashion funds, speed dial to billionaire CEO's and Met Costume Balls PR machines in another universe of influence, the conclusion was there were easily 5 forces in the world of styling who could eat Zoe for lunch...and use her ribcage as toothpicks.

THE FIVE:
Grace Coddington: