'Obama Effect' Gives Black Models a Boost

And Lana Del Rey has a lot of implants, says fashion designer

(NEWSER) - It's always fun when Karl Lagerfeld opens his mouth , which he did quite a bit during a recent stint as guest editor of Metro . His most buzz-generating quote is about Adele: "The thing at the moment is Adele," he says. "She is a little too fat, but she has a beautiful face and a divine voice." More of his thoughts:

• On Lana Del Rey : "She looks very much like a modern-time singer. In her photos she is beautiful. Is she a construct with all her implants? She's not alone with implants."

'Jazzy' family embraces 'white' and 'chic' fashion codes, says columnist

(NEWSER) - French Elle's outrageous "compliments" for the Obama family's "jazzy" style have sparked a race row. Finally, Elle gushes , the First Family is following "white fashion" codes. "Chic" has at last become a "plausible option" for a community until now pegged to "streetwear," writes columnist Nathalie Dolivo. As if that wasn't a big enough foot in the mouth, Dolivo adds that the "black-geosie" can always add "ethnic" touches from their "roots," such as a "batik-printed turban," to keep it real. More»

German designer makes eco-friendly clothes from drink

(NEWSER) - For the fashion industry, cows provide more than just leather. Combining her knowledge of biochemistry and clothing design, a German designer has begun making clothes from a textile that’s made of pure milk, the AP reports. It feels like silk, is as washable as cotton, and is good for the environment—and on top of that, it’s great for those with sensitive skin. Anke Domaske aims to start mass-producing the material, called Qmilch, next year. (The process involves reducing milk to a protein powder that gets boiled and pressed into strands that are woven into fabric, writes Melissa Eddy.) More»

Underage model's family seeking $28M

(NEWSER) - The parents of a 15-year-old model aren't happy about sexually suggestive pictures of their daughter appearing on T-shirts all over the country. The mom and pop are suing Urban Outfitters and a commercial photographer for $28 million, claiming that they never gave permission for the "salacious" photos to be used on clothing and other merchandise, the New York Daily News reports. More»

Spots aim to address fashion industry pressures

(NEWSER) - The Girl Scouts have hired four plus-sized models for a new self-esteem campaign dubbed “The Changing Face of Fashion.” In a series of spots that Emili Vesilind of the LA Times calls “viral videos," though that seems overly hopeful, the models talk about their lives and careers. One of the women—"none of whom, unfortunately, look larger than a size 10", notes Vesilind—describes her first modeling contract, saying, “It was the first time someone said I was perfect.” More»