Talking Stella
Stella McCartney appears in the fashion news this month for her upcoming collaboration with LeSportsac, purveyor of functional nylon totes and luggage. FashionWireDaily.com reports that the 17-piece collection will launch this month and, in true Stella style, will be 100 percent eco-friendly — made from recycled materials (and that goes for the biodegradable dust bags each purse will come with). Features include “shoulder jewellery,” as coined by McCartney, as well as numerous inside and outside pockets, parachute pulls, and quilted fabrics. Two colour palettes will be available: Pop, an orange-and-blue collection, and Posh, a more sophisticated line of soft mauves and dusty pink. Keep an eye out though for the kid’s bunny backpack: word on the street is that this is the piece hardcore Stella fans are clamouring for.

Make Me Up Pretty
We segue over to beauty news now, where one of this month’s stories includes L’Oreal, an industry magnate. According to FashionWatch.com, the company is expected to purchase YSL Beauté for almost $1.6 billion (USD), a deal that would include fragrance licenses for YSL, Boucheron, Zegna, Stella McCartney, and Oscar de la Renta. About the upcoming deal, L’Oreal’s CEO, Jean-Paul Agon, said, “This strategic agreement will reinforce our position in the luxury cosmetics market.”

Meanwhile, FashionWeekDaily.com reports that Elizabeth Arden, Inc. has signed a long-term licensing deal with Aeffe S.p.A. for the development, marketing, and distribution of Alberta Ferretti fragrances, cosmetics, and skincare products. The first fragrance will be launched next spring in Europe, extending the Milan-based designer’s reach from ethereal gowns worn by actresses to the world of beauty and cosmetics. It also increases Ferretti’s licensing agreements to three, the second being a new eyewear line being launched this May, and a children’s wear line called Alberta Ferretti Girls, currently licensed by Gant. Elizabeth Arden's current portfolio of fragrances includes Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue, plus the fragrances of Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Hilary Duff, Danielle Steel, as well as designer brands, such as Alfred Sung, Badgley Mischka, Bob Mackie, and Nanette Lepore.

Another designer making his foray into the world of beauty is Max Azria. WWD.com reports that Azria, the chairman, CEO, and designer of the BCBG Max Azria Group, said that his $2 billion (USD)-company is planning to visit the world of fragrances and launch a makeup brand in 2009 or 2010.

WWD has also reported that Viktor & Rolf is moving into the world of false eyelashes. Sounds strange, but it’s true. In conjunction with French company L’Oreal, the Dutch design duo will produce three different eyelash designs for Shu Uemura, a brand also owned by the beauty giant. The limited-edition collection is reportedly inspired by Viktor & Rolf’s Spring ready-to-wear line, and the lashes will retail for €75 each.