With so many retail spaces closing, it’s nice to see a new, colorful and all around happy store open on the popular stretch of Robertson between Beverly Boulevardand 3rd Street.

Moods of Norway's wacky plaids, kaleidoscope maxi dresses and graphic print hoodies have hit L.A. at the brand’s first stand-alone store in the U.S. Co-owners Simen Staalnacke, Peder Borresen and Stefan Dahlkvist flew in from Stryn, Norway, dressed in loud, party-ready plaid shorts and hot pink satin suits to kick off their newest storefront and U.S. flagship boutique. 

The event was a circus, complete with a waffle making station and 3 feet of real snow in the back parking lot in case anyone felt like throwing a snowball or showing off their best ski moves between swigging Peronis.  

Adding to the amusement was a motley crew of celebrities who showed up. Rumer Willis, Estella Warren, Chris Klein and Kellan Lutz (dressed in head to toe Moods of Norway) all turned out for the party.

Ultimately an amusing and somewhat random event, but with “For Lease” signs everywhere, the positive energy of the Moods of Norway crew is a welcome addition to the area.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

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Photos: At top, Simen and Stefan with "Twilight’s" Kellan Lutz. At bottom, Moods of Norway co-owners and designers Simen Staalnacke, Stefan Dahlkvist and Peder Burregen. Photo credit: Wireimage

Calder, an American sculptor who spent part of his childhood in Pasadena, is credited with inventing the mobile and crafted distinctive outdoor works as well as jewelry, which was the focus of an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York this spring. Calder, who died in 1976, set found objects -- beach glass, ceramic crockery -- in wire or alongside undulating metal pieces, to make necklaces and bracelets he gave to family and friends.

"Project Runway" fans can now breathe a sigh of relief.  The show’s sixth season has an official air date of Aug. 20 -- that’s just 42 days, 6 hours and 13 minutes (from the time this post went up) away, according to the Countdown to the Premiere Clock on Lifetime's website. 

Also on the site are bios and videos of the Season 6 contestants, including L.A. local Johnny Sakalis, a 30-year-old designer who lives in West Hollywood.  In his audition video, he presents the panel (which includes Tim Gunn and Santino Rice), with a swing coat and hoodie made from red-and-cream striped French damask fabric that had previously covered his friend’s wall.  Judging from those two pieces I’m not convinced by our hometown boy, but maybe he’ll prove me wrong come Aug. 20.…

--Melissa Magsaysay

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Photo: "Project Runway" Season 6 contestants/PR Newswire

At Valentino, Barchfield, writes, "the new design team aimed to seduce a younger, hipper clientele with a racy tulle and lace collection [check out the model at right] that projected the Valentino woman out of the past and into fashion’s future." She continues:

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli — who last year replaced Valentino’s successor just two seasons after the maestro retired — had been stuck in the label’s archives. For their first two collections at the helm of the house, they delivered up couture and pret-a-porter collections that were "more Valentino than Valentino," full of gorgeous-but-dated coats and dresses embellished with oversized bows and roses.

This time around, however, they swapped stateliness for sexiness, delivering bustiers in nude tulle with panels of black peek-a-boo lace and thigh-skimming skirts.

As for Josep Font, Barchfield proclaimed the Spanish designer "crazy" and, possibly, "brilliant."

"Font pushes haute couture — that anything-goes laboratory of fashion — to its avant-garde extreme.

"Models in his show Wednesday could barely walk — and it wasn’t on account of the vertiginous heels, as it is on many catwalks. Enveloped in a small mountain of mohair shag — a funnel-shaped coat — or swathed in endless in yards (meters) of featherlight chiffon — an embroidered tunic dress — and with pointy plastic collages balanced on their heads, the models did a strange geriatric shuffle around the catwalk."

Indeed, some of Font's creations [that's one of his at left] look like illustrations from a modern version of "Through the Looking-Glass." We could envision a slimmer version of the Red Queen mincing "about in a white cocktail dress with a single red sleeve with an enormous puff that in profile resembled an oversized Sacred Heart" (to quote Barchfield).

Lim will showcase his fall 3.1 Phillip Lim collection for women, men and kids, as well as accessories. Of note: his new breakaway coats for women. “You can wear them buttoned up by day and then at night you can unbutton the bottom section for an edgier feel,” he advises. “Two-in-one look, perfect for this economy.”

Browsers can also preview and pre-order from the holiday and resort collections. The first 100 buyers will receive a tote bag Lim designed for the event, packed with goodies from Nars Cosmetics and Frederic Fekkai. The new 3.1 shoe collection, exclusive to the West Hollywood store on the West Coast, features jazz flats and studded ankle boots ($410 to $750).

A portion of the proceeds from purchases goes to the Art of Elysium, an organization that encourages working actors, artists and musicians to share their talents with children battling serious medical conditions.

Lim has strong ties to Southern California. He grew up in Orange County and started out at two L.A.-based collections, Katayone Adeli (which later relocated to New York) and Development. He hasn’t forgotten his old haunts — while he’s in town, he says he expects to drop by an old favorite, Sanamluang Café in Hollywood’s Thai Town. “It’s a hole in the wall noodle shop that offers the best noodles all day and into the wee hours of the morning,” he says.

631 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 289-0888. Noon to 3 p.m. www.31philliplim.com

-- Max Padilla

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1740-A Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 396-1700. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. thegoldenstatestore.com

-- Max Padilla

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After entries were submitted, a panel of judges chose 10 finalists based on factors such as workmanship, originality, use of colors, accessories and, naturally, the quantity of duct tape used. More than 46,000 votes were cast during a two-week online voting period.

Brother and sister Zane and Maris Blanchard of Bixby, Okla., came in second; each received a $2,000 scholarship and $2,000 for their high school, Bixby High School. In third place, Houston's Jordan Fauser and Matthew Caughman each won a $1,000 scholarship and $1,000 for their high school, Jersey Village High School.

To view all the entries in the 2009 Duck Tape brand duct tape Stuck at Prom Contest, visit www.stuckatprom.com.

-- Whitney Friedlander

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Recession-friendly prom dresses? It can be done.

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Saab just showed his Fall/Winter 2009-2010 Couture collection today in Paris and it’s hard to tell whether any of the 46 all-white looks that floated down the runway will translate on to the red carpet. 

Every look the designer created was done in an ethereal white, with gathering and appliqués that made models look as if they were floating in a cumulus cloud.  It’s a far cry from the gold bedazzled dress Beyoncé wore or the elegant black column Evan Rachel Wood vamped it up in.  When awards season rolls back around-will Elie’s loyal celebrity fans being seeing all white?

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Pictures: Fall-Winter 2009/2010 Paris couture shows.

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Photos: Looks from the Elie Saab Fall/Winter 2009/2010 Couture Collection. Credits: Left, Maya Vidon/ EPA; top right, Remy de la Mauviniere/Associated Press; bottom right, Remy de la Mauviniere/Associated Press.

Gregory Parkinson, Wren, Jesse Kamm, Clare Vivier and Annie Costello Brown are the featured designers selling in the gallery’s temporary boutique.

A portion of sales from the boutique benefit P.S. Arts. 

L.A. Bloom July 10–Aug. 8, Taylor De Cordoba Gallery. 2660 S. La Cienega Blvd. L.A.

— Melissa Magsaysay

Jenny Barchfield of the Associated Press reports that there were a few weepy moments at what might be Lacroix's last haute couture show -- "at least for as long as it takes the legendary French designer to sort out his finances." Lacroix started insolvency proceedings in May and "looks likely to close its doors at the end of this month."

It somehow seems appropriate, then, that his winter 2010 collection was done in shades of black and navy. Barchfield writes that the "collection had a funeral feeling, and the crowd of well-heeled women wiping their eyes after the display only added to the dark mood."

Lacroix told his audience that he hopes to relaunch the haute couture line. In the meantime, he sent models down the runway with "supple draping, black lace, tone-on-tone embroidery and luscious beadwork." The bridal gown "which traditionally closes haute couture displays," Barchfield wrote, "was a Catholic icon ... the sumptuous dress underscored Lacroix's rare genius."

In the meantime, Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel "served up an haute couture collection fit for royalty ... with dangling trains adding a regal touch to everything from classic tweed skirt suits to slim cocktail dresses." And designer Eric Tibusch "delivered collections of wildly inventive pieces made from countless hours of hand labor." Tibusch, Barchfield writes, "paid homage to Michael Jackson with a collection of elaborate body suits worn over leggings, a la King of Pop from his 'Dangerous' days. A leather jacket crisscrossed with zippers recalls the late artist's wardrobe from the 'Bad' album cover."

(Thank goodness. We were concerned that the Jackson phenomenon was simply not getting enough ink.)

--Alice Short 

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Pictures: Fall-Winter 2009/2010 Paris couture shows.

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Photos, from top: Lacroix; Tibusch; Chanel. Credits, from top: European Pressphoto Agency; Thibault Camus / Associated Press; Francois Guillot / AFP/Getty Images

113 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 271-7172. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. www.moodsofnorway.com

Chip & Pepper Friday: The L.A.-based denim gurus (and identical twins) Chip and Pepper Foster launch Mill Iron, an affordable denim collection exclusively for the Buckle retail chain. Mill Iron men's jeans retail for $98 to $111 (Chip & Pepper denim regularly retails for $180 and up); a women's Mill Iron collection is set to debut later this year. The initial jeans offerings include the Sunraider (relaxed leg button-fly) and the Rally (five-pocket straight leg).

Buckle, 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park. (818) 719-8651. 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.buckle.com

40th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing Saturday: Omega and Tourbillon honor Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts with an exhibit commemorating the 40th anniversary of the July 20, 1969, moon landing (Omega was the first and only watch worn on the moon). Scott Carpenter, Thomas P. Stafford and Gene Cernan, who walked on the moon, will appear at the South Coast Plaza Jewel Court for a public forum. A Lunar Rover and Apollo 10 space suit along with a Sojourner Mars Rover will be on exhibit through July 12.

3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. (800) 456-8463. 3 to 4 p.m. www.southcoastplaza.com

-- Max Padilla

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The one guest who seemed to wear what looked more like a Michael Jackson costume was Corey Feldman, who came in a military-style jacket, black fedora and dark sunglasses.  Maybe Feldman’s been dressing like this for years and this is normal for him? Who knows? We haven’t seen too much of him since his reality show “The Two Coreys” stopped airing on the A&E network.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Michael Jackson’s style: It’s all in the details

Fans pay tribute to Michael Jackson in style at Staples Center memorial

Pictures: Michael Jackson's fans turn out in style 

Pictures: Celebrities pay respect at Michael Jackson's memorial

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Photo: Janet Jackson returns to her seat after greeting Usher during the memorial service for the late pop star Michael Jackson in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Credit: Mario Anzuoni, Pool / Associated Press

Like his signature moves, Michael Jackson’s style was all about the subtle but quirky details. Fans who flocked to television monitors, churches or Staples Center to watch the world pay tribute to the pop icon today found it easy to interpret Jackson’s style and spirit simply by wearing black fedoras with silver rings on the brim, single gloves and dark, over-sized sunglasses. 

With the '80s back this fall, these accessories hardly look costumey or out of place. Jackson had such an influential look during that decade that it will be hard to decipher next season whether people are dressing with inspiration from the runways or from Jackson. Perhaps they’re not so different.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Fans pay tribute to Michael Jackson in style at Staples Center memorial 

Celebrities’ somber style at Michael Jackson tribute

Pictures: Celebrities pay respect at Michael Jackson's memorial

Pictures: Michael Jackson's fans turn out in style 

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Photo: Outside the gates of Neverland Ranch in Los Olivos, Calif., fans Monique Ransome, left, Anna Hanson and Jennifer Hanson watch the Michael Jackson memorial event in L.A. on a television network's monitor. Credit: Michael A. Mariant / Associated Press

The Michael Jackson fans who gathered around Staples Center and the 11,000 lucky enough to score a ticket and attend the service inside are expressing their love for the late pop singer in a variety of styles from subtle dark loafers and short pants covering a sliver of white trouser socks to large “Michael” belt buckles and oversized reflective aviator sunglasses.

Mariah Carey, who just sang the opening song “I’ll Be There,” opted to show some skin in a black Jenny Packham gown with a plunging V neckline.  

But the non-divas decided on items less revealing and more directly inspired by Jackson. One person created his own DIY costume, piling on various layers that all screamed “King of Pop.”  A silver mesh face mask, a white glove rolled in silver paint, silver and red sequin sashes and signature Jackson black sunglasses and a black fedora expressed his appreciation and carried out one of Jackson’s most iconic looks.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Michael Jackson’s style: It’s all in the details

Celebrities’ somber style at Michael Jackson tribute

Pictures: Celebrities pay respect at Michael Jackson's memorial

Pictures: Michael Jackson's fans turn out in style 

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Top photo: A fan outside Staples Center dressed in a look inspired by Michael Jackson. Credit: Kristian Dowling / Getty Images. Bottom photo: Mariah Carey sings at Michael Jackson's public service. Credit: John G. Mabanglo / EPA

Then the Italian designer brought out the big guns or, rather, the shiny guns, with bustier dresses covered in scintillating silver or champagne-colored crystals, sequins and beaded fringe. Models wore beaded headpieces with dangling fringe that perched at a jaunty angle on their identical dark bobbed wigs.

Not surprisingly, the show attracted its share of stars, including Cate Blanchett, who described  the show as "blinding" and "beautiful," and Megan Fox, who has made a few recent headlines with her outpouring of love for her latest film "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and its director, Michael Bay.

Blanchett wore a pagoda-shouldered dress by Armani; Fox wore a gray asymmetrical cocktail dress by the designer.

-- Alice Short

Pictures: Fall-Winter 2009/2010 Paris couture shows.

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Photos: Remy de la Mauviniere / Associated Press

Forget the shiny top coat, matte nails have become the biggest beauty trend this summer.  A company called Knock Out has basic colors packaged in an enviable Art Deco bottle, Essie launched their neon collection a few months ago — all matte and this month OPI starts selling its matte collection, which is a line of six of the most popular shades sans shine.   

OPI has Alpine Snow, Russian Navy, You Don’t Know Jacques, La Paz-itively Hot, Lincoln Park After Dark and Gargantuan Green Grape in its matte line.  Painting them on my nails takes me right back to junior high school when I glided a Wite-Out brush over the tips of nails as something of a boredom-induced DIY French manicure.

One thing, I think this matte trend was meant for edgy rocker type girls, not the prim and prissy girl who loves a long, shiny red nail or a perfect acrylic tip.  Matte polish looks much better when the nail is cut short and clean, rather than on a long, dainty nail and it definitely beats Wite-Out.       

Stick to one coat — it’s enough to cover the whole nail evenly. I went for two coats and started to feel like I dipped my hand in poster paint — again, junior high school flashbacks …

— Melissa Magsaysay

Photos: OPI matte nail polish collection. Top: La-Paz-itively Hot/OPI. Right: My DIY deskside mani done in the matte version of La Paz-itively Hot/Melissa Magsaysay. Middle: Russian Navy/OPI. Bottom: Gargantuan Green Grape/OPI

Although it might be easy for fashion naysayers to laugh off this dress (and perhaps some of the more arty pieces from other shows), this over-the-top outfit does (possibly inadvertently) showcase two trends Times fashion critics Adam Tschorn and Booth Moore noticed at recent runway shows: pale colors and lots of surface effects. And if we've learned anything from Meryl Streep's Miranda Priestly in "The Devil Wears Prada," it's that it's only a matter of time before a runway fashion craze trickles down to your closet.

-- Whitney Friedlander

Photos: Hong Kong Fashion Week

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Photo: Victor Fraile / Getty Images

Just look at the hats ... the vibrant colors ... the innerwear as outerwear ... and marvel at Dior designer John Galliano's homage to the 1950s. 

Jenny Barchfield of the Associated Press shares a few details:

Half-dressed models in waspwaisted jackets with outrageous bouffant sleeves and flesh-colored garter belts, or in pouffy skirts heavy with beadwork and pointy 1950s-era bras, loped languidly through the labyrinthine showrooms at Dior’s Paris flagship store, where the runway show was held.

Hourglass-shaped dresses in vibrant jewel tones dipped in the back to reveal the suggestive laces of a tightly cinched corset. A flesh-colored slip peeked out from beneath a knee-length dress, its sexy silk undermining the dress’ straight-laced seriousness. The skirt of a strapless ballgown in embroidered pink duchess satin was cut out in front and back to frame the model’s stockinged legs.

Harper's Bazaar Editor-in-Chief Glenda Bailey said "the half-dressed look was emblematic of the times," the AP reported. "It implied that things are out of kilter."

Well said.

-- Alice Short

Pictures: Fall-Winter 2009/2010 Paris couture shows.

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Photos: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

8471 Melrose Place, Los Angeles. (323) 782-1007. 112 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 247-8299. 11 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

TOMS Sample Sale Saturday: Marked-down merch from the popular shoe brand includes classic espadrilles, one-of-a-kind styles, T-shirts and hoodies. Prices start at $15. NFFTY Earth provides live music.

3025 Olympic Blvd., Studio C, Santa Monica. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. www.tomsshoes.com

Temperley London ongoing through July 20: Brit luxury label marks down its spring-summer collection, with prices up to 60% off retail. Looks straight from the runway include a $730 Mustard jacket, (original price $1,825), $234 feather jersey top ($585) and $474 flouncy Aimee white dress ($1,185). 8452 Melrose Place, West Hollywood. (323) 782-8000. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. temperleylondon.com

-- Max Padilla

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Let us confess a certain fondness for Target from the outset. The Mossimo T-shirt is a wardrobe staple and we eagerly anticipate the next wave of designer collections.

OK, sometimes when our order arrives in the mail or we inspect our purchases after a long day of shopping, some of the enchantment fades. Perhaps those hoop earrings are not quite as fabulous as they appeared online. Maybe the fabric of the new dress is a little stretchier than we remembered.

No matter. Target is fun, and even though we’d never be caught dead in a fedora with a peacock feather, we’ll include it in a quick glimpse of some fall accessories. Because it’s going to look good on someone.

-- Alice Short

Photo credit: Target