loose threads

Mayor Bloomberg Announces New Fashion Initiative; Joseph Altuzarra Invites Lana Del Rey to the Met Ball

Natalia Vodianova, shot by Mario Testino for Stuart Weitzman.
Natalia Vodianova, shot by Mario Testino for Stuart Weitzman. Photo: Mario Testino for Stuart Weitzman

•  Mayor Michel Bloomberg announced his Fashion NYC 2020 program, which will include initiatives like a free mini-MBA program for designers at F.I.T. and better job placement programs for those looking to break into the fashion industry. He also noted that New York’s runway shows are expected to generate $865 million in economic development for the city this year. [WWD]

•  Lana Del Rey is going to the Met Ball with Joseph Altuzarra this year. [Fashionista]

•  Natalia Vodianova is the new face of Stuart Weitzman. [WWD]

•  Beyoncé’s stylist says Blue Ivy “is a very calm, happy baby.” [NYP]

•  Lara Stone finds it difficult to drive in London. “It’s hard not to get road rage in London because of those buses,” she says. “They’re so big and red. They know they can cut you off and drive right into you because you’ll stop!” [NYP]

•  Anne Slowey brought her very cute baby to the Zero + Maria Cornejo show. [BFA]

•  Coach taps Anna Sui to redesign the brand’s Duffle Sac. [The Gloss]

•  The butterflies at Edun’s after-party repeatedly escaped from their cages and landed on guests. [NYP]

•  Agnes b. sponsors a new 30-month-long expedition to monitor climate change at sea. [WWD]

•  Hervé Léger designer Lubov Azria says that Rachel Zoe helped kick off the red-carpet obsession for Léger’s signature bandage dresses. [FabSugar

Bloomberg’s New Initiative; Del Rey at Met Ball