Elle MacPherson

DESIGN STAR: MEDIOCRITY IS THE PARAGON

We’ve been bombarded with publicity for “Fashion Star” that debuted last night, and being big fans of “Project Runway,” we made a point to see it. It’s much glitzier than “Runway” – the set is extravagant and features a runway for the numerous mini-fashion shows. Host Elle Macpherson is a bit more likeable than Heidi Klum, and the judges, Nicole Richie, John Varvatos, (yes, they have men’s wear too!) and Jessica Simpson, are observant and talkative. The gimmick of having buyers from H&M, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s, purchasing the designs they like for their stores is innovative. But there’s one big fat problem: the fashions are beyond boring! The first group of designers presented creations we’ve already seen and walked past in stores for YEARS. “Runway” designers are encouraged to be innovative, “Fashion Star” competitors are urged to please the masses. It’s difficult to imagine any of these designers becoming successful with such UNMEMORABLE clothes. Perhaps having to please chain store buyers stifles creativity- it might be better to have cool boutiques doing the buying.

ELLE MACPHERSON: IS IT POSSIBLE TO LOOK GOOD AND HAVE FUN, TOO?

Having seen the myriad of flouncy form fitting mermaid dresses on the Golden Globes red carpet, we find ourselves puzzled in many ways. Besides wondering how Angelina managed to arrive without wrinkling her dress, we cannot figure out how Elle Macpherson (who looks dazzling) and many others similarly attired, managed to actually SIT DOWN for the dinner and show. How many seats did they take up? Where did they stuff their long trains? How did they manage to attend the crowded parties with those extended trains? Also, few people realize that the temperature in the Beverly Hilton is adjusted low so that men in tuxedos don’t get too hot. (The banquet manager told us.) That means the women in strapless dresses are FREEZING. Looking pretty is NOT easy.

ELLE MACPHERSON HAS ANOTHER MODEL IN THE FAMILY

It’s supermodel Elle Macpherson and her little boy Aurelius, 6, (that’s SOME name to live up to) and her labradoodle Bella. Two of the three are successful models. Elle is a given, but the other up and coming model is not her cute son – it’s Bella. The fuzzy pooch has a five figure modeling contract to star in a national ad campaign for Dogside.com.

HALLOWEEN IS ELLE MACPHERSON’S FAVORITE HOLIDAY

Who knew Elle Macpherson was such a big fan of Halloween? She never gets tired of dressing up. Elle just had a lavish “pre-Halloween” bash in New York that cost her around $100,000. Guests were encouraged to talk about the costumes they plan to wear to her “real” Halloween party next month. THAT one is expected to cost around $250,000. And she’s not cheap with the waiters – they get paid around $60 an hour and last year she tipped each one $100.

MODELS WITH PROBLEMS

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The Meadows $4000 per day treatment facility in Arizona has officially become headquarters for Models With Problems. Almost any kind of problems. Elle MacPherson spent time there treating a bout of depression. Kate Moss checked in for her highly publicized substance abuse. Elle recommended the place to Amber Valletta, who just completed a week of treatment there for “work stress, and image issues.” It’s difficult to imagine anyone THAT successful and beautiful being stressed about career and appearance, but it happens. The facility also offers treatment for compulsive disorders – eating, gambling, love, and sex addiction. Maybe someone should tell Janice Dickinson about this place.

HONEY, I'M HOME!

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Elle Macpherson may not know it, but she’s doing her part to keep Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas’ love life simmering. Recently Catherine, wearing jeans and big sunglasses, dashed into Bloomingdales lingerie department in the Bevelry Center. She breathlessly told the clerk “I’m in a hurry but I want the SEXIEST, most beautiful and expensive bras and panties you’ve got!” The experienced clerk estimated her size (36C) and gave her several lacy sheer bra and panty sets from the Elle Macpherson lingerie line to try on. In the dressing room Catherine squealed “Everything fits PERFECTLY!” She snapped up a half dozen sets of skimpy undies in assorted colors. As the saleswoman wrapped up her $600 purchase, Catherine was so happy she thanked her with a hug and a kiss before dashing off. And THAT’S how Elle Macpherson adds pizazz to the Douglas marriage.