Jay Z Takes Lead Role in Examining Barneys Racial Profiling Scandal: Although Jay Z has been under pressure to cancel his Christmas collection with Barneys, the rap mogul chose to move forward under the condition that he will have a “leadership role” in examining the store's recent racial profiling issues. Jay Z and Barneys agreed to increase the percentage of the collaboration's profits that will be given to the Shawn Carter Foundation, which “provides education opportunities to young people facing difficulties” to 100 percent, compared to the original 25 percent. "While I await the findings of the Attorney General's office, I have agreed to move forward with the launch of BNY SCC collection under the condition that I have a leadership role and seat on a council specifically convened to deal with the issue of racial profiling," Jay Z wrote in an official statement on his website. [Vogue UK]
Net-A-Porter Launches Hunger Games Collection: The British e-tailer will launch a 19-piece Hunger Games-inspired collection, aptly named "Capitol Couture," the day before the Catching Fire premiere. The line, designed by the film's costume designer Trish Summerville, will include a metallic laser-cut dress, LOVE arrow graphic t-shirts and accessories, a leather bomber jacket, and a jumpsuit, all channelling heroine Katniss Everdeen. In addition, Net-A-Porter will also sell a version of the high-tech, Lucas Hugh training kit worn by Katniss and Peta in the trilogy. [The Telegraph]
Ashley Olsen Joins the CFDA Board: Earlier this month, the CFDA elected three new influential style-makers to join its board. Ashley Olsen, one-half of the design team behind The Row and Elizabeth and James, Kate Spade president and chief creative officer Deborah Lloyd, and designer Prabal Gurung have been officially added to the board. The three succeed Yeohlee Teng, Kenneth Cole, and Isabel Toledo “who will join the special Emeritus Board-for designers who have given up their CFDA responsibilities” but keep their title. [WWD]
Iran Hosts First Fashion Shoot in Decades: California-based magazine, FSHN (Fashionable, Sexy, Haute and Naughty) commissioned photographer Afra Pourdad to shoot an editorial spread starring model Shabnam Molavi in the heart of Iran's capital, Tehran. The shoot, which took place at the Tajrish Bazaar and the Manouchehri House in Kashan, was a startling sight for on-lookers—although Molavi covered her head for modesty, she is not dressed in a chador, a common Iranian outer garmet, and is wearing bright colors and patterns. NPR noted that FSHN's shoot may be the first to take place in Iran for international press since Vogue's shoot in 1969. [Refinery29]