Michelle Obama's China Tour Looks: For her current goodwill tour of China, the First Lady has opted for "soft diplomacy," sending subtle diplomatic messages through her fashion selections. Obama arrived in a black, tan, and white dress by Derek Lam, a designer of Chinese-American descent; to meet with China's First Lady, Peng Liyuan, and attend a Beijing school, she sported a black vest and pants with a white button-down by Phillip Lim, who also boasts a strong Chinese heritage; for her visit with President Xi Jinping, Obama donned a lace, three-quarter-sleeve dress in red, "a color that symbolizes happiness and good fortune in China." [Racked]
Stella McCartney's Maleficent Children's Line: Disney, Angelina Jolie, and Stella McCartney are reportedly teaming up for a capsule children's collection based on the upcoming film Maleficent. “I’ve always been a huge fan of Disney growing up, as was my mother, and I grew up watching all the films like most kids did,” McCartney told WWD. “When the opportunity presented itself and I was invited by Angelina Jolie to visit the film set, I jumped at the chance.” The eight-piece collection, available in stores at the end of April, will include dresses, sneakers, t-shirts, and sandals. [WWD]
Bulgari to Restore Rome's Spanish Steps: To mark its 130th anniversary, Italian design house Bulgari is investing over $2 million to refurbish Rome's Spanish Steps. Considered a "special gift from Bulgari to its city," restoration of the 18th-century landmark will begin in 2015. [Vogue UK]