A look from Chloé's AW11 collection, Hannah MacGibbon's last. Photo: Imaxtree

In March, amidst what may have been the most scandalous Paris Fashion Week ever, Eric Wilson wrote in the New York Times that Chloé would not renew Hannah MacGibbon’s contract. The house quickly denied the claim swearing their loyalty to MacGibbon as well as their satisfaction with her designs. Last month, there were rumors she had in fact quietly re-signed her contract, though a statement said, “Hannah is still with us, that’s all I can say.” That was less than a month ago.

This morning, Chloé announced she’d been replaced with Clare Waight Keller. Keller was most recently the Creative Director of Pringle of Scotland (she went there in 2005 after working for Tom Ford at Gucci). In six years she managed to turn the Scottish heritage brand into something quite hip thanks to Ryan McGinley shot campaigns starring Tilda Swinton as well as great design and a more accessible diffusion line.   She left Pringle just two months ago to spend more time with her family. Keller will start at Chloé on June 1st while MacGibbon will work on “personal projects.” Chloé’s CEO said, “We are grateful to Hannah for her contribution and commitment to Chloé. Her considerable talents will be missed.”

Photo: Nine West

Karen Elson’s adding a new slash to her name—designer. After modeling, the flame-haired Brit is best known for 1. her red hair, 2. her husband (Jack White), 3. her own charming singing voice and 4. The Citizen’s Band. But now she’s pairing with Nine West to be both the designer and face of their new Vintage America collection.

Elson worked with Nine West Creative Director Fred Allard to whip up a capsule collection of pieces that match her own style—a mostly-vintage-with-a-touch-of-Victorian look that favors lace, velvet and all things ladylike. She said, “My dream of designing a collection that’s a true reflection of me has now come to life through this collaboration.” It’s kind of an odd move on both accounts—Nine West isn’t the first brand we’d imagine Elson attaching herself to and she’s not the first name we’d expect them to go for, but each will attract a fresh audience. And based on the sketches, anyone looking to appropriate Elson’s style will be in luck. The pieces will be available for pre-order in July and hit stores in September.

Calvin Klein spring 2011, Imaxtree

It’s official. White and Labor Day are going their separate ways, allowing  you to get the most out of the season’s hottest color. Between Calvin Klein’s slinky ’70s-inspired dresses and Alexander Wang’s sporty vests and tailored jackets, the absence of color is going both hard and soft. If you would like to pull a Casper for a day, here are a few tips to consider:

Photo: Getty (Disney Store President, Jim Felding, Kidada and Rashida Jones)

Celeb designer Kidada Jones recently celebrated the release of her Kidada for Disney Store collection this week. For the first designer collab for the retailer, the first daughter of Quincy Jones (and older sister to Rashida Jones) designed jewelry, accessories, apparel, and some of the cutest figurines we’ve seen: the Wish-a-Littles are mini versions of Disney princesses, and inside each Belle, Cinderella, Snow White, and Tiana Princess with a charm necklace inside to inspire girls to pursue their own dreams. The pieces are totally adorable and range from $9.50-$49.50.

ELLEgirl had the chance to chat with the designer at the launch of the collection about what makes this collection different from past ones and her favorite princesses. Check out the interview and some pieces of Kidada’s exclusive collection at Disney stores near you!

Molly Yestadt (L) and Jane Pincus (R)

Molly Yestadt and Jane Pincus, childhood friends and self-described style junkies, have joined forces and talents to form Yestadt Millinery, an up-and-coming brand that’s destined to give Stephen Jones a run for his money. Although much has changed since they met at Actionville, an alternative arts school in Westchester, (Molly was doing a report dressed as an Indian, Jane as a Dutch girl making pretzels), the duo still relies on one another to keep the business thriving. Whether it’s a feathered fedora, an elaborate cocktail fascinator, an explosive, printed turban, or a Blair Waldorf-worthy headband (incidentally worn by her on Gossip Girl), their playful, detail-driven line is difficult to resist, but always easy to wear.

Now that you can find them at stores such as Anthropologie, Henri Bendel, and Barneys CO-OP, Yestadt Millinery is poised to be on the heads of more than a lucky few. Between collaborating with the likes of Marc by Marc Jacobs, Vena Cava, and Thom Browne, a capsule collection for Trendland’s pop-up shop TOUCH, and full bridal and ready-to-wear lines, the women are far busier than their laid-back attitudes belie. They took a break from their hectic schedule to dish to ELLEgirl about the language of fashion, owning their business, and some seriously gorgeous chapeaux:

Robinson at last year's Gap sponsored Met Ball. Photo: Getty Images

Gap’s problems can’t be blamed on Patrick Robinson—the designer was named Creative Director long after sales started to falter and stores like J.Crew and Abercrombie ate up all their customers. But in the four years Robinson’s been at the helm, he hasn’t done much to help matters either. Though Robinson’s focused on re-inventing the jean (which he’s done well, we’re wearing them now) he’s missed the mark when it comes to getting Gap’s core customer back into the store.

A retail analyst told the Times, “Gap really resonates when there’s color and pop and vibrancy. Part of what Gap had done well is use bright colors to connect with customers’ emotions, particularly around the holiday season, and we didn’t see as much of that,” and a press release announcing Robinson’s dismissal confirms disappointment with his neutral palette. Until they find a successor, a designer from Gap kids will work on the mainline. In the meantime, if they pluck another fashion world insider, who do you think should be given a shot?

Emilio Pucci, Imaxtree

Yes, you read that correctly. While most designers decided to shrink down the size of our carryalls into envelope clutches or cross-body bags, a few decided to go old school with the fanny pack. It might not appear fashionable at first glance, but it is certainly practical. A waist-purse would be perfect to have for a day out shopping, at a concert, or while babysitting—basically anytime that you really need to have both hands free. Our suggestion for wearing this trend without looking like a soccer mom or lost tourist? Besides the obvious (don’t wear it with sneakers or sweatpants), look for a small purse that is made of leather or another rich material, one that’s attached to an actual belt with a belt buckle, and has stylish detailing such as a fringe or leather work. What do you think—are you fashion risky enough to bring back the fanny pack?

Photo: Courtesy of keshasparty.com

Gritty, eccentric, and often scantily-clad, Kesha ushered in a new wave of hippie-punk. Littered with glitter, tribal paint, and mounds of bracelets, the chart-topping artist’s more-is-more approach is both experimental and fearless. Her dynamic sense of style includes studs, vintage tee’s, ripped stockings, sequins, and scarves—typically black and worn all at once. The starlet’s distinct fashion sense is met with mixed reviews but is, after all, undeniably unique—and mimic-worthy. After wearing feathers in her trademark disheveled hair, salons* experienced high demand from clients for the same type of extensions. Though she’s openly admitted to rummaging through trash to find discarded clothing, we found multiple ways to maintain the integrity of her style—no garbage sifting necessary.

Antonio Berardi, Imaxtree

All the feather extensions, neons, and crazy lip tattoos have us pining for  a clear, natural-looking palette, and thankfully some spring 2011 beauty trends are right on target. Subtly sexy and understated, a minimalist makeup look is easy to wear: just prep and smooth out your skin with a moisturizing primer, choose one area (eyes or cheeks) to blend in a single sheer color (apply using your fingertips), finish off with a swipe of mascara and lip balm, and voilà. Check out these clean, almost celestial makeup looks from the spring runways, and the products that promise a gorgeous look less loud and in-your-face than KeSha’s, starting at just $3.