-- When our Melissa Magsaysay visited Taraji P. Henson's closet last summer, the actress was down to earth, warm and passionate about her clothes. But she's also passionate about animals and willing to bare all for the cause. She is featured in the latest PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) ad, dressed in nothing but the vine tattoo around her waist. "Be comfortable in your own skin," the ad reads, "and let animals keeps theirs." [New York Daily News]

-- Two princesses-in-waiting are having to contend with the large shadows of their princes' fashion icon mothers. For Kate Middleton, it's Britain's Princess Diana. For Charlene Wittstock, Monaco's Princess Grace. Women's Wear Daily has a fun comparison of the two and predictions about how they might (or might not) influence fashion. Kate "who hasn’t had a public misstep since she began dating Prince William, risks treading safe fashion ground for the rest of her life, which would result in a collective yawn in Britain and abroad," WWD concludes. Charlene, who has been taken under Armani's wing and is being courted by Dior, "can tend to look stiff and slightly uncomfortable in designer duds. She needs to relax and smile more. She will be a princess, after all." [WWD]

-- If you can't get enough of all this royal wedding madness -- like me! --Lifetime is preparing a movie about Kate and Prince William's courtship and wedding. [EOnline] [People]

-- In the world of rock royalty, Tali Lennox, daughter of music legend Annie Lennox and Israeli film producer Uri Fruchtmann, stars in cult Swedish label Acne's newest lookbook shoot. [Telegraph]

-- Paris Couture Fashion Week just wrapped up, with some "awe-inspiring" collections. [FabSugar]

-- Norma Kamali was a keynote speaker at Fashion Group International’s Rising Star Awards Thursday. Among the designers taking home honors were Loris Diran for men's apparel; Fabiola Arias and Bradley Scott, in a tie for women's apparel; Jennifer Fleiss and Jennifer Hyman of Rent the Runway for retail; Marc Marmel for accessories and Betty Lou Moscot for fine jewelry. [WWD]  

--The Obama factor is working for niche jewelry designer Kara Ross, who is getting lots of attention since the first lady wore pieces she designed at the White House Christmas tree ceremony and at the State of the Union address. [WWD] (subscription required)

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Actress Taraji P. Henson, in her closet. Photo: Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

Wow, am I glad to be in California right now! Just took a quick look at Google Trends and as I write, it seems that 16 of the top 20 searches have something to do with how to commute through the snow in the Northeast, which was pounded by a major storm overnight. If you're stuck in those conditions -- or soon to travel to a colder clime -- All the Rage can at least help with what to wear. Our Jenn Harris explains some options for creating one of the cutest cold-weather looks seen at Sundance in her Frugal Fashion column. [LAT] 

Other looks at Sundance involved animal print scarves, like the one Elizabeth Banks is wearing here, puffer coats and adorable kooky hats. [WWD]

But for really bundled-up-to-stay-warm style, check out what guys were wearing last week when they hit the slopes at Aspen's Gay Ski Week. [WWD] 

The stunning engagement ring on Natalie Portman's finger is more than just beautiful. It's also eco-friendly and socially conscious. Designed by her choreographer fiance Benjamin Millepied and jewelry designer Jamie Wolf, the stone is an antique round diamond; the pave diamonds are certified as conflict-free, (meaning no one was hurt or treated unfairly in the mining) and the platinum is recycled metal. [InStyle]

Emma Watson has unveiled her third collection -- it's supposed to be her last -- for ethical fashion label People Tree. The British actress made famous by the "Harry Potter" series started the collection after she began college in the U.S.  [Telegraph]  

Meanwhile a somewhat more established designer is the subject of a just-announced retrospective, "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk." The exhibit is scheduled to open at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) on June 17 and will be on display there through Oct. 2. The retrospective marks the 35th anniversary of Gaultier's label. [Vogue]

Does this put the "gag" in Gaga? Sources say Lady Gaga is developing a new fragrance that will smell like bodily fluids. Ewww! [Fashionista]

Italian fashion house Prada plans to go ahead with an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. [WWD] (Subscription required.) 

--Susan Denley

Photo: Elizabeth Banks with Paul Rudd at "My Idiot Brother" afterparty at Sundance. Credit: Michael Buckner / Getty Images for Bing  

It’s that time of year again, when Hollywood and heavy snow descend on Park City, Utah, for the Sundance Film Festival. Prepare to see plenty of stars in puffy jackets, enormous sunglasses and, God forbid, furry Ugg boots (It should be noted that these oversized boots look like a Sasquatch has swallowed each of your feet whole and won’t let go but if you need to keep your toes from turning blue, they get the job done). Sure, the stars are battling frigid conditions but is that a reason to look less than chic?

Thankfully, Liv Tyler ignored the cold when she ditched the eskimo jacket look in favor of some lighter attire for the premiere of "The Ledge" at the Eccles Center Theatre. Tyler created the perfect balance of comfort and style in a dark gray coat, patterned tights and tall, black suede boots. I love the jacket because it's not your typical peacoat. The oversized lapels look dressy, create the illusion of a super blazer/coat hybrid and give the piece a distinct menswear vibe. The patterned leggings are just plain fun, and the suede boots are functional. The fact that they don't bring to mind a certain furry animal is a definite bonus.

If you're tired of the classic peacoat styles, spruce up your winter wardrobe with one of these fun finds: The Adam by Adam Lippes coat on Yoox.com for $59, Globetrotting in Grey coat from ModCloth.com for $79, the Plush College coat from Zara for $59 or the coat with gathering on the side for $39, also from Zara.

Draw some attention to your legs without leaving them bare in a pair of patterned leggings. You can find them at most stores for $20 or under but here are our picks for the top four under $10: Split pattern tights by Free People for $9.95, Fashion-forward patterned tights from Charlotte Russe for $7.50, Basketweave tights from Anthropologie for $9.95, and the Hue Bold lace tights from Lord and Taylor for $9.44.

As someone who will willingly kill my feet all night for a divine pair of shoes, I'm always thrilled when I find a pair that looks great without the pain. These frugal finds should keep you warm and still turn some heads: Merona Kamiyah suede boots for $39.99 and the Mossimo Kailli Over the knee boots for $39.99. Victoria's Secret proves it can tackle more than just sexy lingerie with the Report Side-tie boot for $49.99.

Happy Shopping.

-- Jenn Harris

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

Photo top: Actress Liv Tyler attends "The Ledge" premiere at the Eccles Center Theatre during the 2011 Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 21 in Park City, Utah. Credit: George Pimentel / Getty Images.

Coat photo from left: The Adam by Adam Lippes coat. Credit: Yoox.com. Globetrotting in Grey coat. Credit: ModCloth.com. Plush College coat. Credit: Zara. Coat with gathering on the side. Credit: Zara.

Tights photo from left: Split-pattern tights. Credit: Free People. Fashion-forward patterned tights: Charlotte Russe. Basketweave tights. Credit: Anthropologie. Hue Bold lace tights. Credit: Lord and Taylor.

Boots photo from left: Merona Kamiyah boots. Credit: Target. Mossimo Kailli boots. Credit: Target. Report Side-tie boots. Credit: Victoria's Secret.

Today's royal wedding news: Noble families all over Europe are receiving faxes -- faxes! -- telling them to hold April 29 open for Prince William and Kate Middleton's big date.  Sheesh. If the royals can get away with this I'm wondering if I was wrong to tell a friend recently she absolutely could NOT send baby shower invites via Facebook. "There are just a handful of occasions in a person's life that are so special they require -- deserve -- real, old-fashioned, printed stationery," said I. And I'm blaming Kate, even though the faxes came from Buckingham Palace. You gotta take charge and stop the madness; step up and act like a princess!  [People]

What's Heidi Klum thinking? Heidi, the world loves you on "Project Runway," but a new show whose premise is playing pranks on children? It's set to debut on Lifetime Feb. 1. Let's see. Adults setting up children to be fall guys. On TV.  Sounds pretty tacky to me. [People]

Tsk, tsk, ladies. On to better news.

Did you notice all the stars-- like Annette Bening, pictured here with husband Warren Beatty -- wearing chic eyeglasses at the Golden Globes? Now model Kate Moss is doing her part to show that glasses can be a great accessory, appearing in ads for Vogue Eyewear. [WWD]

Kristin Bell has signed on to be the new face of Neutrogena Naturals, a skincare line that contains no dyes, chemical sulfates, parabens or petrochemicals. “I strive to live a healthy lifestyle, and … to be able to represent a line that I actually use and like to incorporate into my daily routine is ideal,” she explains. [People]

Vanessa Hudgens slipped into Britney Spears' shoes, taking over for the pop star as the new, um, foot for Candies. [USA Today] 

Gucci celebrated the renovation of its flagship on Paris' Rue Royale with a cocktail party and dinner hosted by Carine Roitfeld, who recently left her 10-year post as editor of Vogue Paris after putting the March issue to bed. Glittering guests included Diane Kruger, Jessica Alba, Olivia Wilde and model Yasmin le Bon. [WWD]

Meanwhile Tory Burch marked the opening of her first store in London with a dinner attended by about 100 people. “We Brits can do hardcore glamour," guest Joely Richardson is quoted as saying. "What this city can use is some casual glamour, and that's what Tory delivers." [WWD]

And finally, people are still talking about the Alexander McQueen gown Michelle Obama wore to last week's state dinner. We told you previously that Oscar de la Renta complained that it wasn't by an American designer. Now the Council of Fashion Designers of America has weighed in with a statement backing De La Renta. “CFDA believes in promoting American fashion,” the statement read. “Our First Lady Michelle Obama has been wonderful at promoting our designers, so we were surprised and a little disappointed not to be represented for this major state dinner.” Mrs. Obama wears a variety of designers, both American and from other countries, but this was the first time she wore a non-American to a state dinner, and that's what seems to be causing the ruckus. [The Cut] 

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Annette Bening and Warren Beatty at this year's Golden Globes.  Credit: Katy Winn / Associated Press 

It's officially Oscar season! The nominations for the 83rd Annual Academy Awards were only just announced this morning but there's already buzz about possible winners. Here at the Image section there's only one award that we're biting our nails over, stressing out about and placing bets for -- just kidding about that last part -- but we're seriously excited about who will take home the Oscar in costume design. Among other places, the films nominated took viewers on an adventure to Wonderland, back in time to visit King George VI and out to the cowboy gunslinging of the West. Here are the nominees in the costume design category: "True Grit" (costumes by Mary Zophres), "The King's Speech" (costumes by Jenny Beavan), “Alice in Wonderland” (costumes by Colleen Atwood), "I Am Love" (costumes by Antonella Cannarozzi) and "The Tempest" (costumes by Sandy Powell). And the Oscar goes to.... Well, we won't know until Feb. 27 but I've always wanted to say that.

-- Jenn Harris

Top photo: A scene from the movie "Alice and Wonderland," nominated for costume design. Credit: Disney Enterprises.

Bottom photo: Jeff Bridges in "True Grit," also nominated for costume design. Credit: Sebastian Lorey / Associated Press.

As the Oscars were being announced Tuesday morning, we waited breathlessly for our favorite category: best costume design. After all, how could Jeff Bridges have pulled off the Rooster Cogburn character without the right clothes, much less Colin Firth have made a convincing King George VI without the royal look? Sure enough, both "True Grit" (Mary Zophres) and "The King's Speech" (Jenny Beavan) were among the nominees. The others were “Alice in Wonderland” (Colleen Atwood), "I Am Love" (Antonella Cannarozzi) and "The Tempest" (Sandy Powell). But there was no Oscar costume design love for "Black Swan," which had received a lot of pre-Oscar attention because some of the costumes were by L.A.-based designers Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte. [LAT]

Five American designers trumped their French counterparts in a legendary showdown at the Palace of Versailles in 1973, and the Americans are still celebrating. The competition's two surviving U.S. designers, Steven Burrows and Oscar de la Renta, hosted a luncheon Monday at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to toast the models who helped them to victory. "It wasn't the designers; it was the girls in this room," said Donna Karan (who worked the original event as a dresser for Anne Klein) of the eight original models who attended: Billie Blair, Alva Chinn, Pat Cleveland, Norma Jean Darden, Charlene Dash, Bethann Hardison, China Machado and Amina Warsuma. [WWD]

Designers' spring couture shows are underway in Paris [TheCut], and Chanel's biggest fans turned out in force for Karl Lagerfeld's couture show. Current and former brand ambassadors Inès de la Fressange, Diane Kruger, Vanessa Paradis, Anna Mouglalis, Baptiste Giabiconi and Gaspard Ulliel joined celebrity guests including Jerry Hall, Pedro Almodovar, Kirsten Dunst, Alexa Chung, Karen Elson and Janelle Monae. [WWD]

Meanwhile, John Galliano was in fine feather with his mesmerizing Christian Dior show, where the word "clothes" may have been too mundane to apply to what walked down the runway. [WWD] (Subscription required.) 

Vivienne Westwood is getting ready to open on Melrose in Los Angeles. [Mondette]

And New York-based hairstylist Sally Hershberger is planning a Feb. 1 opening for her new salon in the SLS Hotel's Ciel Spa in West Hollywood. She's also expanding her existing salon here. [Mondette]

Seattle-based Butter London is issuing a nail polish in honor of Kate Middleton. The name of the gray-blue shade? "No More Waity, Katie," a reference to the princess-to-be's cheeky pre-engagement nickname in British tabloids. [StyleList]

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Colin Firth as King George VI and Helena Bonham Carter as his wife in "The King's Speech." Credit: Laurie Sparham / The Weinstein Company

A special thanks this morning to fitness guru Jack LaLanne, who died Sunday at age 96. When LaLanne sprang into the national consciousness with a TV show aimed at housewives in the 1950s, his message was about keeping fit, but it was more than that. The subtext to a generation of women was, "Take charge of your life! You can do it!"  And they -- and their daughters watching alongside them -- did just that. Thank you, Jack. [LAT]

Pop star Fergie will kick off the second season of FN Shoe Star on Monday on FNshoestar.com with a special webisode of the series, in which Fashion Institute of Technology students compete to design shoes. The competition is sponsored by Footwear News and Brown Shoe Co. The winner will be offered an associate designer position at Brown Shoe. [WWD]

Tod's, known for its bags and shoes (including gladiator sandals),  has announced plans to fund the restoration of Rome's Colosseum. [Telegraph]

We told you recently about some global beauty trends, but here is a new one: in Japan some forward-thinkers are using LED attachments on their teeth, to REALLY light up their smiles! [Endless Beauty] 

FabSugar is taking its Look of the Day feature live, on Twitter, Tuesday starting at 11 a.m. PST. [FabSugar]

 Designers Isabel and Ruben Toledo will be featured on PBS' "The Artist's Toolbox," scheduled to air Feb. 3. [WWD] (Subscription required.) 

Lingerie designers are hopping on the vintage train with new collections reminiscent of the mid-20th century.  [WWD] (Subscription required.) 

André Courrèges  -- famous for 1960s go-go boots and mini-dresses -- and his wife and creative partner, Coqueline, have sold the company to two investors. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

--Susan Denley

Photo: Singer Fergie. Credit: Kevin Winter / Getty Images

Oscar de la Renta is fretting over the red and black Alexander McQueen gown Michelle Obama wore to this week's state dinner for People's Republic of China President Hu Jintao. Not that the frock by McQueen creative director Sarah Burton wasn't lovely. But it should have been made by an American or Chinese designer, not a Brit, de la Renta says. Who knew fashion was so political? [WWD]

A couple of my favorite celebs are announcing product deals as this week nears its close. 

New papa Orlando Bloom (it was a baby boy for the actor and wife, model Miranda Kerr, on Jan. 6) will be the frontman for Boss Orange Man, due out Feb. 1.  [WWD] (Subscription required.)  

"Project Runway's" Heidi Klum signed a deal with Coty to create her own fragrance, Shine, scheduled to hit stores in September. [WWD] (Subscription required.) 

Actor Vincent Cassel and director Darren Aronofsky of "Black Swan" worked with Yves Saint Laurent on a short film promoting YSL's La Nuit de L’Homme. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

Speaking of "Black Swan," here's a fun fact for you: Swarovski provided more than 250,000 crystals for the film's costumes and chandeliers. [People]

Rihanna has become the girl with the most talked about hair over the last year or so -- not counting Willow Smith! Rihanna's hair has been long, it's been short and edgy, it's been different colors. And this week, thanks to a wig, it was wild, red Afro style curls spiraling around her face like a mushroom cloud. Kids, don't try this at home! [StyleList] 

Kat Von D has been spotted wearing a Neil Lane engagement ring from fiance Jesse James. The 4-carat-plus sparkler is a large diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds in a dome shape. [People]

Foley + Corinna has closed its Los Angeles shop on Melrose. [Mondette]

--Susan Denley

Photo: First Lady Michelle Obama, wearing the Alexander McQueen gown, with President Barack Obama. Credit: AFP/Getty 

Megan Fox and Rafael Nadal are smokin' hot in new Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans ads. They'll start showing up on billboards and such next month. [WWD]

Diesel's new "Diesel Island" advertising campaign will also launch in February. It will feature a mythical island populated by Diesel models and fans, brought to life via online games, viral videos and a Facebook application where consumers can interact with the island and its imaginary population. There will also be a fake Wikipedia entry that will be updated weekly as the island grows. “Think ‘Lost’ but with nicer clothes," says Riccardo Bellini, Diesel’s global vice president of branding and marketing. [WWD]

We've written about all the green (as in emerald green) gowns on the Golden Globes red carpet Sunday, but Colin Firth's wife Livia Giuggioli, shown here at an after-party, wore a different kind of green -- the eco-chic kind. Her silvery gray dress was made from hand-dyed indigo "peace" silk, also known as "vegan" silk, designed by Jeff Garner. [Telegraph]

Star stylist Rachel Zoe starts a new column on StyleList with some of her greatest shoe picks for the start of this year. [StyleList]

"Project Runway's" very busy Tim Gunn is writing another book and has added Weight Watchers Fashion Consultant to his resume. He talks about why he loves the red carpet, hates jeggings and called Anna Wintour out in his last tome.  [StyleList] 

Alexander Wang has his first-ever print ad appearing in March's Interview magazine. But the designer prefers to call it an "image piece." [WWD]

--Susan Denley 

Photo: Livia Giuggioli and Colin Firth after Sunday's Golden Globes. Credit: David McNew / AFP/Getty Images

Michelle Obama greeted Chinese President Hu Jintao on Wednesday morning wearing an ensemble from Roksanda Ilincic's fall 2010 collection. It's reportedly the first time the fashion-forward first lady has worn an outfit by the Belgrade-born designer, who studied and works in London. [WWD]

Remember the "Rachel," the hairstyle made famous by Jennifer Aniston back in her "Friends" days (pictured)? The look was copied by legions of women, but Aniston reveals to Allure magazine that she hated it! [StyleList] 

Rodarte, the Los Angeles-based fashion house that designed ballet costumes for "Black Swan," won't get credit if the film wins for costume design in the many Hollywood awards shows this season. Instead, Amy Westcott will take the credit because she received the "front credit" as costume designer for the film, while Rodarte's Mulleavy sisters, Laura and Kate, only received a back-end credit for the 40 costumes they created. [Fashionista] [Hollywood Reporter]

AnnaLynne McCord wears nothing but purses in new ads for Marc Ecko's handbag line. The campaign launches in March. [People]

For grown-up Hello Kitty fans, the cute little kitten has a new makeup collaboration with Sephora. [BellaSugar]

M Cohen Handmade Designs plans to open a shop at 8362 W. 3rd St. in Los Angeles, according to the "Coming Soon" sign in the store window. Israeli designer Maor Cohen creates men's, women's and unisex jewelry. [Mondette]

We told you last week that mass retailer Target plans to expand into Canada; but now it looks like there's going to be a legal battle over who owns the rights to the name Target up north. There's already a small Canadian chain called Target Apparel. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

Bria Murphy, the 21-year-old daughter of Eddie and Nicole Murphy, will be the new face of Dark & Lovely, the leading beauty brand for women of color. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Jennifer Aniston, sporting the "Rachel." Credit: Andrew Eccles / NBC

The buzz around red carpet interviews at awards shows is almost always drowned out by the same question: "Who are you wearing?" Last week's 68th Golden Globe Awards was no different...shocking. I don't mean to sound bored with it all and I'm the first to admit that I enjoy watching the red carpet arrivals more than the actual award shows, but every year I'm always left with the same burning question: "Yea, yea, Marchesa this, Armani that...but what about the jewelry?" When you're a fashion-obsessed little girl who finally wiggles her way into her mother's closet, you don't reach for the gowns -- you put your tiny feet straight into her heels, wrap her pearls around your neck and go for the diamonds.

Sure last week's leading ladies were dressed in designer bigwigs like Lanvin, Versace, Calvin Klein and Vera Wang, and fashion websites, including our own, went on and on about the 10 best dressed ladies of the evening, but an Oscar-worthy gown is always short of amazing without the right accessories. Would Catherine Zeta-Jones really sparkle in her Golden Globes Monique Lhuillier emerald green gown without her earrings? To be honest, that woman would sparkle in something as mundane as a burlap sack, but the earrings did help! Her diamond chandelier earrings draw your eyes to her gorgeous face and were the perfect accent to her strapless dress. Natalie Portman also looked stunning in her Viktor & Rolf gown but she gave her maternity glow a boost with her Tiffany layered diamond necklace. The piece definitely made a statement but still gives the look of a soft, dainty piece of jewelry.

A pair of diamond earrings and necklace are a given when accessorizing an evening gown but when you're waving to adoring fans why not give your wrists a little extra sparkle? 'The Closer' star Kyra Sedgwick rocked a bright orange Emilio Pucci dress at the Globes and adorned her right wrist with a number of chunky, shiny gold bangles.

It might be easier to clasp a dozen gold bangles on your wrist or fix a diamond necklace around your neck with a movie star bank account, but there's no reason why you can't go glam on a budget.

A layered necklace is the perfect way to make a statement with your jewelry but keep things looking refined. If you have a flare for the dramatic try this Lydell NYC Tiered Chain Beaded Necklace from Bloomingdales for $48, or the mixed metal Peggy Necklace from Chico's for $58. For something a little softer, the Fallling stars necklace from Banana Republic is $47.99.

The chandelier earring went on hiatus for a while but I think it's safe to say they are back -- at least on the red carpet. If you're looking for the perfect pair to wear to a charity gala check out these frugal finds: Chandelier drop earrings from Arden B for $24, Durol earrings in White Nubuk from Aldo for $13.98, Apt. 9 Jet-Tone Simulated Crystal Beaded Chandelier earrings on sale for $10 at Kohl's or the Nadri Crystal Teardrop Chandelier earrings from Nordstrom for $88.

When it comes to bangles, go for the gold and the more the merrier. Budget shoppers can look for bangles sold as a set, giving you a layered look without having to buy 10 bracelets. Mix in some chunkier pieces with stone, pearl or glass accents for fun. Nordstrom has a great set of bangles by Cara for $58. Layer the bangles with a set of four Kaya bangles from Chico's for $38 or the Astronomer's bracelet from Banana Republic for $39.50.

Happy shopping.

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris

Top photos: Natalie Portman, left and Catherine Zeta Jones. Credits: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images and Mike Nelson / European Pressphoto Agency

Middle photo: Kyra Sedgwick's bangles. Credit: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images

Necklace photo from left: Lydell necklace. Credit: Bloomingdales. Peggy necklace. Credit: Chico's. Falling Stars necklace. Credit: Banana Republic. 

Earrings photo from left:Chandelier Drop earrings. Credit: Arden B. Durol earrings. Credit: Aldo. Apt. 9 earrings. Credit: Kohl's. Nadri Crystal earrings. Credit: Nordstrom.

Bangles photo from left: Cara bangles. Credit Nordstrom. Kaya bangles. Credit: Chico's. Astronomer's bracelet. Credit: Banana Republic.

Last week, Nancy Moonves, whose resume includes entries for actress and producer, opened her Brentwood home for an evening of cocktails and guilt-free “ethical shopping.” Handmade glass-beaded bracelets and necklaces were on sale, with all proceeds going to Same Sky, a trade initiative to benefit the jewelry-makers: women in Rwanda living with AIDs.

Company founder Francine LeFrak explained that as a movie producer, she spent more than eight years working on a film -- which never materialized -- about the Rwandan genocide. “I had to put all that energy somewhere,” she said, and so she took the path of social entrepreneurship.

“I believe in the trade model, not the aid model,” she said. “In order to give people dignity, you have to give them a real job. The changes I’ve seen in the women have been remarkable -- a wow, a complete wow.”

Nearly 100 people showed up to shop, including Buzz Aldrin and his wife Lois; Motown composer Lamont Dozier and his wife Barbara; Frances Fisher and her daughter Francesca Eastwood; and Geraldine James, Linda Hart and Margie Mercer.

-- Ellen Olivier

 Photo: Frances Fisher, left, and Francesca Eastwood. Credit: Rick Friedberg