The dynamic duo of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana paid a visit to New York City for the first time in two years this past week. No, it wasn't to see the lighting of the tree at Rockefeller Center. The reason for their visit was the re-opening of their namesake boutique on Madison Avenue. The boutique has had a full face-lift and is beautiful. Now the two designers are no strangers to the big Apple or to face lifts for that matter! (google pictures of the two to watch the progression) With a larger than life image and Ad campaigns featuring naked male models whenever possible, D&G should be commended for having the nerve to push the envelope year after year. The boutique is clean, sleek and don't forget Gold. They love gold and even opened a restaurant in Milan called Gold!

In other D&G news, Mr. Beach boy himself Matthew McConaughy was spotted shooting new ads for the brand. Shocking to see him fully dressed I know! He even made it to the party and yes - kept his clothes on.

FENDI took the concept of runway to a whole new level last month. The Italian fashion house staged their runway show atop the great wall of china! The show was the first for both the wall and the fashion house who is owned by LVMH. While the event got great press, it is strange timing - considering the backlash building from reports that several "luxury" companies are producing goods sweatshop style in China and sending them back to Italy for a "made it Italy" tag to be sewn in. Author Dana Thomas wrote an excellent report of the state of affairs happening in the luxury sector titled Deluxe - how luxury lost its lustre. Published by Penguin press, the book has started a conversation that is getting louder and louder!

Madonna is hitting the fashion scene once again in early February to help Gucci unveil its new boutique (don't gag) in Trump Tower in NYC.
Never one to miss an opportunity to help out a charity - the party will benefit her charitable foundation Raising Malawi and UNICEF.
Also in the news this week is Madonna's battle with her NY co-op who appear to be trying to prevent her from buying the next door neighbors apartment to expand her Central Park West digs. Who did they think they were dealing with? some shrinking violet??

**the title of this post was an homage to the BEP song "my humps". - not the real version but the parody by Alanis Morisette