Founder of Elite Model Management Dies: John Casablancas, the man who turned models like Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Iman, and Gisele Bündchen into supermodels, died from cancer on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 70. Casablancas invented what it means to be a celebrity supermodel today, encouraging models to lead glamorous and extravagant lifestyles. But by the end of his career, Casablancas felt he had created a monster, telling The Telegraph in 2000 that inventing the idea of the supermodel was "one of [his] biggest regrets. "They can be impossible," he said. "I've had enough." [NYTimes]
Cameron Diaz Named Artistic Director for Shoe Company: Actress Cameron Diaz jumped at the opportunity to become involved in fashion when Pour La Victoire, the contemporary footwear and accessories brand, offered her the position of artistic director. "Pour La Victoire gives me the opportunity to create something timeless," she tells WWD. With no previous business experience in the fashion industry, she admits "there's a lot I have to learn," but she's already brainstorming ideas for a "functional," "fashionable," and "quality" shoe collection. [WWD]
MSNBC Host Wears Tampon Earrings in Protest of Texas Abortion Bill: MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry wore tampon earrings on live television on Sunday morning in protest of the Texas abortion bill. At a tense moment on July 12 before the law passed, security at the Texas capitol in Austin temporarily banned tampons from the building to prevent protesters from throwing them at lawmakers. "Just in case that ever happens again, ladies," says Harris-Perry, "you can just bring them on your earrings." [Daily Mail]
Dolce and Gabbana Close Milan Stores Temporarily: In protest of their recent convictions for tax evasion, Dolce and Gabbana have decided to close their nine Milan stores, their Martini bar, and Gold restaurant for three days beginning on Saturday. Signs on the front door read "Closed in indignation." In a self-published statement the designers said: "The closing of our shops in Milan is a symbol of our disdain. We are no longer willing to suffer undeservedly the accusations of the financial police and income revenue authority … We are tired of being subjected to continuous slander and insults …" The designers were sentenced in June to 20 months in jail for around £860 million in tax evasions. [Telegraph]