Michelle Inspires Shoppers—All the Way to the Hospital

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."

Some frown on Ikram Goldman picking Michelle's designers

(NEWSER) - Michelle Obama may have good fashion sense, but it's Ikram Goldman who holds the lock and key to the first lady's closet, reports the New York Times in a look at their unusual relationship. The Chicago boutique owner ultimately selected four designers—each featured in her store—for the inauguration, causing some to frown on the exclusivity Goldman enjoys, the fact that she's not a stylist by trade, and her ability to profit from the arrangement. More»

Critics debate adapted designer dress, look fwd to four years of Obama style

(NEWSER) - The Narciso Rodriguez sheath Michelle Obama chose for election night has set the fashion world abuzz. The black-and-red dress—a less revealing adaptation of a frock from the American designer’s spring 2009 runway collection—was "a breath of chic air," LA Times fashion critic Booth Moore writes. But she's in the minority, says Ruth La Ferla of the New York Times. More»

'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»

Former boss of stores says it's all about customer relationships

(NEWSER) - Apple Stores’ success is about much more than Apple products; after all, you can get Macs, iPhones, and iPads elsewhere for less money. What draws customers is the fact that an Apple store is “more than a store to people,” writes Apple's former VP of retail, Ron Johnson. “People come to the Apple Store for the experience—and they're willing to pay a premium for that," writes Johnson in the Harvard Business Review . More»