Fashion Review

Designers Anonymous

By GUY TREBAY

Vittorio Zunino/Getty Images

Thom Browne took on a fox-hunting theme for Moncler.

In the Milanese men’s shows, designers discovered the appeal of being low-key and almost self-deflecting.

Slide Show

On the Runway Blog

Mrs. Obama wore a red silk organza dress, with a streaky print of black petals, by Sarah Burton of the London house Alexander McQueen.

Michelle Obama's Signals in a Red Dress

By CATHY HORYN

Michelle Obama's gown for the state dinner for President Hu Jintao of China sent out a number of signals. Fortunately, they were not mixed.

Up Close

Nice-Guy Bloggers Needn’t Finish Last

By STEPHEN HEYMAN

Jared Eng of Just Jared spares celebrities the poison pen.

A Donna Karan Infinity dress can be draped to become the Front Twist, a cap-sleeve party frock shown here.

Convertible Clothing Is a New Twist for the Cost-Conscious

By RUTH LA FERLA

One way to stretch your clothing budget: outfits as multifunctional as a Swiss Army knife.

Skin Deep

Gloria Yang uses eye shadow from T’estimo. She buys Japanese brands like Lavshuca, Kiss Me, Majolica Majorca and Fairy Drops.

Makeup From Japan to Your Mailbox

By KAYLEEN SCHAEFER

Western women who order Japanese makeup online say they are drawn in by the products’ superior quality and innovation compared with American or European brands — even when it comes to the cheapest drugstore finds.

Beauty Spots

By HILARY HOWARD

Artificial tanning options without the sun damage.

Critical Shopper

A Primer for the Wholesome, Happy Home

By CINTRA WILSON

Where to buy tools for a set of forgotten skills, tastes and virtues referred to as “the household arts.”

Front Row

Oscar de la Renta, left, who conceived the show, and Francisco Costa at the Balenciaga exhibition.

Balenciaga Show Draws Top Designers

By ERIC WILSON

An exhibition of fascinating gowns by Cristóbal Balenciaga is a great place to eavesdrop on the fashion crowd’s reverence for “the master of us all.”

Boîte

Industry Bar Hell’s Kitchen

By TIM MURPHY

Judging by the large numbers who appeared to be non-Manhattanites and tourists on a recent visit, there is no door policy.

Scene City

The crowd at the party for MTV’s show “Skins.”

Prom Night, Chaperoned by MTV

By IRINA ALEKSANDER

Pack a room full of teenagers who are fans of a show about lusty high schoolers, and guess what happens.

Slide Show

Crib Sheet

Eight Things to Talk About This Weekend

By HENRY ALFORD

Rejiggered astrology signs; people who didn’t have a Tiger Mother; Starbucks’s Trenta supersize is coming in May; and other topics.

Advertising

A promotion for Esquire magazine allows iPhone users to have their picture taken with a virtual image of the model Brooklyn Decker at Barnes & Noble stores.

Appearing Virtually at a Store Near You ...

By ANDREW ADAM NEWMAN

Through the power of technology, you can get your picture taken with the model Brooklyn Decker. Just visit your local Barnes & Noble.

ArtsBeat Blog

Detail of an Isaac Mizrahi design for the Metropolitan Opera’s production of “Orfeo ed Euridice.”

Last Chance: 'On Stage in Fashion'

By ERIK PIEPENBURG

An exhibition at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts examines what happens when the aspirational glamor of fashion meets the flesh-and-blood storytelling requirements of costume.

Slide Show

The Roberto Cavalli show in Milan on Saturday.

At Cavalli, a New Generation’s Take on the ’70s

By GUY TREBAY

Roberto Cavalli’s new collection was replete with snug corduroy suits reminiscent of Jim Morrison, kerchiefs knotted at the neck, Cuban-heeled shoes and floppy hats.