Abraham Lincoln was one dapper guy -- even a fashion muse, of sorts, with his trademark black bow tie and top hat. Decades later, Franklin D. Roosevelt used his cravat to make a political style statement, forming the “bow tie alliance” with Winston Churchill during World War II in opposition to Hitler’s four-in-hand.

Having ebbed to nerd lows in the 1970s, bow ties have made quite a comeback, from “Mad Men” to Johnny Depp’s Mad Hatter. And they’re not just for gentlemen. Style-setting ladies such as Sarah Jessica Parker, J. Crew’s Jenna Lyons and Chloë Sevigny have demonstrated quite a knack for the cravat. We’d love to see one on a future madam president. But until then, we’re pinning our hopes on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and our first lady.

Hint, hint, Mrs. Obama — we spied the adorable Alexis Bittar bow-tie cuff bracelets, above and at right, on the spring runway of one of your favorite designers, Jason Wu.

 
Creative Nail Design, the San Diego-based company that designs the manis for many of the runway shows during New York Fashion Week, has teamed up with Jason Wu to launch a capsule collection of nail polishes created by the designer.

Staying true to his elegant aesthetic, Wu tapped 3 iconic beauties and one modern woman for  inspiration. Veronica is a deep and undeniably glamorous ox blood red, Sophia is a mushroom-y gray, Brigitte is a muted rose-pink and Miss Wu is the designer’s signature shade -- a light gray that dries with an opaque matte finish.

The fifth bottle in the set is what CND calls an “effect,” a top coat that adds a sheen or texture to the polish. Wu’s effect is called Anna and once brushed over dry nail polish, tiny microfibers attach to the nail, supposedly giving it the look of tweed.

The colors will made their debut on the nails of models during Wu’s Spring 2011 runway show, but won’t be available for purchase until May, which means we may be seeing a lot of classic colored nails and a few "tweedy" ones, come summer.

The limited edition set of four polishes and one effect is $47 and will be available in salons and at www.cnd.com in May.

 --Melissa Magsaysay

Photos: Jason Wu and CND's nail polish collection/courtesy of Creative Nail Design

Camila, a soft Mexican rock band, won for song and record of the year for "Mientes" on Thursday at the Latin Grammys -- which took place at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas -- as our colleague Reed Johnson reports. But Alex Cuba may have been among the most interestingly dressed (which, or course, is our main concern here at All the Rage). Cuba, who won for best artist, sported silver high-top sneakers, a purple leather tie, white blazer and jeans and a glittery belt buckle. It was the tie that really turned our heads. There were plenty of beautiful looks on the red carpet, such as singer Paloma Michelle, above, in a sweep of scarlet. [LAT] 

Reed Krakoff's first fragrance will be in keeping with his modernist style and the upscale position of the brand. We're talking hand-crafted Murano glass bottles and rare French hyacinth absolute in the scent.  [WWD] (Subscription required.) 

Meanwhile, to mark the 150th anniversary of it founder's birth, Lalique is pulling out all the stops with its new Fleur di Cristal scent. It contains top notes of bergamot from Calabria, pink peppercorn and jasmine sambac. [WWD]  (Subscription required.)

You like chocolate? You like fashion? We give you the Chocolate Fashion Show, held in New York this week, where the clothes on the runway were made out of...chocolate! [StyleList] 

Actress Eva Mendes is ahead of the crowd. She was recently spotted wearing one of Prada's carnival-themed dresses from the atelier's collection for next spring -- possibly the first time the dress has been seen off the runway. And she looked adorable. [Telegraph]

Designer Jason Wu is coming out with a capsule collection of five wedding dresses for Net-a-Porter. [StyleSectionLA]

That's all for now, but come back for more! Later Friday on All the Rage we'll tell you about weekend shopping, the latest on the controversial Brazilian Blowout hair straightening treatment and take you to a get-together of Hello, Kitty fanatics!

--Susan Denley

Photo: Paloma Michelle at the Latin Grammys. Credit: AFP/Getty

Michelle Obama, speaking Tuesday at the annual Women's Conference in Long Beach, donned a Jason Wu sheath dress with an Alaia belt. [The Cut] And speaking of the first lady, a new study suggests her wardrobe choices have boosted the retail world by about $2.6 billion. [Vogue UK]

Ever wonder who is buying all those luxury goods during these tough economic times? Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) points to China, whose economy defies the trends and continues to grow.

Love Rachel Zoe? Want to dress like her? You've got opportunities, especially this evening when she is scheduled to appear on QVC to hawk her new collection. [The Cut]

Rodarte’s Laura and Kate Mulleavy have a few things to say about the intricate costumes they designed for the upcoming ballet thriller film "Black Swan." [People]

Kate Moss has just designed her final collection for Topshop. Check out a video of Moss dressing some of her best buds in pieces from the new line. [People]

Supermodel Lara Stone has won a fair bit of money from French Playboy. The magazine published unauthorized photos of her earlier this year. [Vogue UK]

What would a day be without news of the Hells Angels? They are suing Alexander McQueen, suggesting the British fashion house has misused its (trademarked) winged death heads symbol. [Vogue UK]

And, finally, the Material Girl wants the rest of us to shape up. Yes, Madonna is opening up a chain of gyms called (wait for it) Hard Candy Fitness. The first location? Mexico City. [Styleist]

-- Alice Short

Photo: Michelle Obama at the Women's Conference. Credit: Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images

L'Oreal Paris has tapped Rachel Weisz to be its new face in markets around the world, excluding the U.S. [WWD] (Subscription required)

"American Idol" runner-up Crystal Bowersox wed Brian Walker over the weekend, wearing an all-natural dress of hemp and cotton, featuring macrame, sea shells and beading. It was designed by Vermonter Tara Lynn. [People]

"Brothers and Sisters" star Dave Annable married actress Odette Yustman on Sunday. No word on her dress yet, but she reportedly wore 10 carats of diamond earrings and 30-carat diamond and platinum barrettes from Neil Lane. [People] 

J.K. Rowling, creator of Harry Potter, was named the most influential woman in Britain by the National Magazine Company. Coming in second was Spice-Girl-turned-fashion-designer Victoria Beckham. Strangely, they both beat out the queen, with her majesty placing third. [the Guardian]

Designer Jason Wu, a favorite of Michelle Obama's, met with the president of Taiwan and presented him with a dress for his wife. Wu was in Taipei for his brother's wedding on Sunday. [WWD]

Starting with the collection for next fall, Alexander McQueen will take full control of its McQ contemporary line, which has been produced by an Italian firm under a licensing agreement. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

Some of L.A.'s most influential fashionistas just happen to be Filipino, including designers Monique Lhuillier and Oliver Tolentino, Women's Wear Daily West Coast chief Marcy Medina and our own Melissa Magsaysay. [Style Section L.A.]

Katy Perry is said to be in talks with shoe mogul Steve Madden about a collaboration of some kind. [New York Post] 

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Rachel Weisz.  Credit: Jason Merritt / Getty Images

In an episode scheduled to air Sept. 27, the main characters in "Gossip Girl" will be seen party-hopping in New York with Vogue editors for the shopping-party extravaganza Fashion's Night Out. It's just one of the ways the fashion-savvy show (whose stars Blake Lively and Leighton Meester do hang out at runway shows in real life) is emphasizing fashion and spotlighting the industry. [Wall Street Journal]

Missonis, Armanis and Roberto Cavalli were all out and about as Milan had its version of Fashion's Night Out. [WWD] London did the same earlier this week, and now it's finally our turn in L.A. [Los Angeles Times]

Bono and wife Ali Hewson launched the clothing line Edun five years ago with a mission in mind: to revitalize clothing manufacturing in sub-Saharan Africa. But reality got in the way. Problems in manufacturing, delivery delays and unsatisfactory products led to big problems and an eventual sale of 49% of the company to LVM Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Now the latest fashions, which will be shown on the runway Saturday, are mostly made in China. [Wall Street Journal] 

At his New York Fashion Week runway show Friday, Jason Wu is giving guests his nifty new limited-edition nail polish collection, which is slated to go on sale to us mere mortals for $47 next May. [StyleList]

Actress Jaclyn Smith is updating her venerable line for Kmart. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

Marc Jacobs is always busy, busy. Just days after opening a bookstore, Bookmarc, in New York, the designer will release a book on Monday, "The Men + Women of Marc Jacobs," a kind of photo essay featuring his employees. Next up, he'll take on food, with the planned opening of a cafe. [WWD] 

The runway shows such as those going on right now at New York Fashion Week can launch models to star status. But who has the best shot at becoming celebs to rival Gisele Bundchen? Bruna Tenorio, Tati Cotliar and Joan Smalls, among others. [BellaSugar]  

Finally, someone other than the Williams sisters is drawing fashion attention at the U.S. Open. Caroline Wozniacki's dress by Stella McCartney was the latest daring invention, leading onlookers to focus not on her power play in the quarterfinals but on the burning question: How short is too short? [StyleSectionLA]

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Caroline Wozniacki in the short-short dress by Stella McCartney. Credit: Kevin Lemarque / Reuters

Designer Jason Wu — who most famously created First Lady Michelle Obama's cream-colored inauguration ball gown — has whipped up some new outfits for a much less opinionated set of clients. 

The New York-based designer has created six perfectly coiffed dolls in collaboration with doll-maker Madame Alexander.

Available in September at madamealexander.com, the dolls comprise two collections of three dolls each.

The Cissy collection ($349.95 each) features a trio of Lilliputian femmes styled in kitschy 1950s-inspired garb.

With her long cigarette holder, platform heels and hot-pink bolero, Lust looks like a retro lady of the night —  and Vice is more "New Look"-era Christian Dior, with her fit-and-flare blue jacket and saucer-shaped hat. Envy, meanwhile, affects an Auntie Mame-gone-bondage look with her taffeta coat dress and lace-up platforms (martini in hand). 

The second collection, NEOCissy ($159.95 each), features "futuristic fashion concepts," including wild hair styles (Blu Belle boasts a fluffy blue afro) and oddball accessories (Bon Bon wears a houndstooth-printed glove as a hat, and L'Enfant Terrible sports a black feather-and-sequins eye patch).

This isn't Wu's first time creating luxe looks for pint-sized ladies. He started his career as a designer making clothes for dolls. But as chic as the new collection is, its high prices beg the question — wouldn't you rather splurge on an actual Wu piece for yourself?

--Emili Vesilind

Photos: Jason Wu-designed dolls for Madame Alexander: Envy, Lust and Bon Bon. Credit: Madame Alexander.

Women's Wear Daily celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, with a large special issue this fall to commemorate the occasion. But, like fashion itself, the industry bible has changed over the years, and WWD has posted a retrospective of how it's looked over the last century. [WWD] 

What happens when Russell Brand gives fiancee Katy Perry fashion advice? She looks more grownup ... at least he thinks so. [Vogue UK] Brand's look? "Nice bondage," he says.

Jason Wu, who launched an eyewear collection in March, is going to add leather goods to the mix. [Vogue UK]

Now Isabella Rossellini has her own bag. She designed it for Bulgari. [Vogue]

Attention brides-to-be: Do copious tulle, intricate lace or silk taffeta tickle your fancy? Take a look at J. Crew's wedding collection for fall. [FabSugar]

Celebrities including Blake Lively and Jennifer Hudson are wearing Victoria Beckham's new line. [Telegraph]

Avon is buying Silpada Designs, which specializes in direct sales of sterling silver jewelry. [Wall Street Journal] 

High-fashion woes: Armani is in a sales slump ... except in China. [Wall Street Journal]

And Prada has negotiated a three-year, $445-million loan agreement to refinance longstanding debt. [WWD]

But Burberry sales are up and the company is planning to open 20 stores. [WWD] (subscription required)

The size wars show no sign of ending: For its first foray into designing dresses, lingerie company Ultimo has cast 14 "real" women as models, none of them with modelesque physiques. [Huffington Post]

Are you in Forever 21 and looking for a size 10 jeans? You'll just have to head to Faith, the plus-size section. [The Frisky]

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Katy Perry and Russell Brand. Credit: Thibault Camus / Associated Press

Queen Latifah has evolved from rap royalty to beloved movie star to arrive at a look of seemingly effortless glamor and grace. [InStyle]

Emanuel Ungaro taps British designer Giles Deacon as its new creative director. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

Sarah Jessica Parker wore Valentino, and Cynthia Nixon was in Carolina Herrera at Monday night's New York City Premiere of "Sex and the City 2." But what on Earth was SJP thinking when she changed for the after-party? [New York Post]

Designers turned out in force Monday night to honor nominees for the CFDA Fashion Awards. In the crowd were Jason Wu, Donna Karan, Elie Tahari, Nicole Miller, Thom Browne and more. [WWD]

Talbot's is planning upgrades and outlets. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

How to pick a pair of sunglasses that look just smashing! [FabSugar]

The latest word in premium denim is the "banana cut," introduced by designer Domenico Vacca with styles named after some of his celeb clients, such as The Jeremy (Piven) and The Mickey (Rourke). [StyleList]

In case you missed it: See Marc Jacobs show you exactly how sexy his new men's fragrance, Bang, is as he bares all in ad campaign. Oh, my! [StyleList]  

Consumer Reports rates the best sunscreens. [StyleList]

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Queen Latifah. Credit: Donald Miralle / Getty Images

Can we blame the return of the kitten heel on the economy? [WSJ]

A sneak peak at Target's latest plus-size line, as modeled by "America's Next Top Model" winner Whitney Thompson. [FabSugar]

Long-strap bags are taking the world by storm? [Financial Times]

Designers for Swarovski's fall 2010 Crystallized collection include Jean Paul Gaultier and Catherine Malandrino. [Elle]

Teaser: Jil Sander's Navy collection. [Vogue UK]

Silly Bandz bracelets all the rage with kids? [Huffington Post]

Cosmetic Executive Women choose the best beauty products for 2010. [BellaSugar]

Naomi Campbell had one heck of a 40th birthday soiree. [Styleite]

Tracy Reese will add shoes to her Plenty collection. [WWD]

Halston unveils men's lines based on the late designer's own style. [WWD]

Elizabeth Arden launches spa collection at Bed Bath & Beyond. [StyleList]

Velvet will launch mini collection for Uniqlo. [The Cut]

Jason Wu's latest eyewear collection takes its inspiration from iconic women like "Amelia Earhart, singer Joan Jett, actress Mia Farrow, and Jane of 'Jane Eyre.'"[WWD, subscription required]

Coach sues the city of Chicago, claiming vendors at a city-controlled street market have been selling counterfeit goods. [WWD, subscription required]

-- Whitney Friedlander

Photo: A kitten heel pump from Brazilian shoe boutique Lua Cheia. Credit: Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press

With Americans and Europeans opting often for ready-to-wear, design houses are increasingly turning to fashion-savvy consumers in Russia and the Middle East to fill the void. [Wall Street Journal]

Books, movies, travel, sculpture...Designer Jason Wu, who sprang to fame with First Lady Michelle Obama's inauguration gown, talks about what inspires him. [Wall Street Journal]

"Glee" star Lea Michele sports new bangs...and how you can duplicate the look. [InStyle]

Up next from the indefatigable and ubiquitous Kardashians: a new line of bikinis, which will be available May 10. [People]

Designers from Diane Von Furstenberg to Max Azria are turning fashion inside out with reversible pieces to stretch your fashion dollar. Take a peek! [New York Post]

Twi-hards can dream along with top designers, who show us what Bella's wedding dress might look like. [InStyle]

Report: Bono may be next to appear in Louis Vuitton "core values" ad campaign. [wwd]

Is it an album? Is it a scent? Maybe it's both. Songstress Mary J. Blige talks about her new My Life fragrance. [wwd]

Celebrity hairstylist Rita Hazan launches an interactive website so you can see what's new and how it's done. [StyleList]

A word in support of neckties: they don't bind, they free men to express themselves. [Guardian]

Michael Bastian talks about his look, his new line for Gant. [Tmagazine]

New documentary tries to find the real Halston. [Style.com]

Call it the cougar effect? Lingerie sales get a boost from middle-aged women. [Daily Mail]

-- Susan Denley

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Photo: Bono. Credit: IPTC

Can a few trips to the dentist's office get rid of wrinkles and make you look younger? [Wall Street Journal]

If you need some fashion advice, help is as close as your iPhone with a new app, "Ask a Stylist." Get your fashion questions answered in real time. [Wall Street Journal]

The black taffeta gown Princess Diana wore for her first official appearance will go to the highest bidder in a June auction. [Telegraph]

Last week, All the Rage told you about toilet paper wedding gowns. Now an Iowa teen has beat the high cost of going to the prom with a gown made of gum wrappers. Seriously. [Huffington Post]

The first of what will likely be many books about the late designer Alexander McQueen, "Genius of a Generation," is slated to go on sale in May and will feature 120 photographs tracing his career. [Telegraph]

Designer Jodi Arnold collaborates with The Limited for spring. See the looks. [FabSugar] 

Vichy launches skin-care line especially for post-menopause women [StyleList] 

A Manhattan company is suing Pamela Anderson in a squabble over the name of her Muse clothing line with designer Richie Rich. [New York Post] 

Alice + Olivia is teaming with MAC for a new makeup collection. Think Alice in Wonderland falling down the rabbit hole and meeting a makeup artist. [WWD] 

Slicing? Baliage? Ribbons? Do you speak the new hair lingo? [StyleList]

10 mascara trends for spring. [StyleList]

A sign of the fashionable times: Designer Jason Wu is invited to the White House Correspondents' Assn. dinner. [WWD]

-- Susan Denley

Photo: A look from Alexander McQueen in 2009: the little black dress re-imagined and made of trash bags. Credit: Francois Guillot / AFP/Getty Images