Global Vibes

Nominees announced
NEW YORK: The influential Council of Fashion Designers of America (CDFA) has announced the nominees for its annual fashion awards. Calvin Klein designer Francisco Costa, Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler's Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough have been nominated for the womenswear category while Tom Ford, Thom Browne and Michael Bastian will go head-to-head for the top menswear honours. Jacobs, Michael Kors and Tory Burch will also compete for the Accessory Designer of The Year Award. The gala, set to take place at the New York Public Library on June 2, will also honour designer Dries van Noten with the International Award and Carolina Herrera with the Geoffery Beene Lifetime Achievement Award.

Donatella's new role
LONDON:Legendary designer Donatella Versace has been announced as the new honorary chairperson of Fashion Fringe, a promotional runway event aimed at supporting fledgling designers in the UK. Versace, who is set to retain the position for two years, will attend her first call of duty in mid-May when she chairs an interview session between 10 semi-finalists and a panel of industry experts. The winner of the award will receive £100 000 (AU$219 200) in cash and value in kind for their next ready-to-wear collection. The four finalists will showcase their capsule collections, created during the competition's mentoring period from June, will be showcased at London Fashion Week in September.

Premium Shakeup
PARIS:Luxury fashion house Chloé is not as innocuous as its playful range of frocks might suggest. Creative director of the womenswear label Paulo Melim Andersson has been given his marching orders, barely a year on from taking the position in October 2006. The Swedish designer has been replaced by Hannah MacGibbon, a former assistant director to Roman powerhouse Valentino. MacGibbon, a graduate of Central Saint Martins fashion school in London, has been Chloe's chief designer for the last two years and was a consultant creative director for the development and launch of a house fragrance.

Woman on a mission
LONDON:One of the most powerful women in British retail has added another golden star to her portfolio. Marks and Spencer head of womenswear Kate Bostock is set to join the board of directors and assume responsibility for the company's entire clothing operation, exluding its per una fashion range. Bostock was appointed to the position four years ago, after successfully revamping flailing retailer Next and boosting George clothing sales at UK chain Asda. According to British newspaper The Guardian, Bostock is regarded as a frontrunner for the chief executive role when it is reinstated on the departure of Sir Stuart Rose in 2011.