Yes, after months of the rumor mills running at a fever pitch high with will he or won't he be designing a collection, it has been confirmed just now in WWD that the uber designer Alexander MCQueen will indeed be designing a line for Target. McQueen will be one of the first designers creating a line under Target's Design Initiative, where he will be designing a version of his McQ line for the mass retailer. The line is currently being described as having a rock 'n' roll vibe with all of the requisite edgy details that go with that type of look - studs, tattoo-printed fabric, black, etc... but will also feature lightweight sweaters, skinny jeans, bubble dresses, slim skirts and cuffed shorts. There will be signature pieces as well, a coated cotton poplin black trench, a gray denim cropped studded jacket, a men’s wear-inspired tuxedo blazer. The Designer Initiative is different from's Target's current designer program, Go International, which focuses on capsule collections from popular, up and coming designers in the industry. So if in the current economy you thought the McQueen label was out of your reach, think again, as Target has just provided you a way to have a little McQueen in your day.

Florals, of all variations, were big for Fall 2008 and are still in bloom for Spring/Summer 2009. What better way to perk up an overcast fall or dreary winter day than with a lovely, flower embellished dress? We think no better way. Mix the soft with a little funky edge by pairing your floral dress with a short sleeve knitted jacket or shrug, reach for a patterned scarf knotted just so, mix in funky silver jewelry, slip on a pair of black or bordeaux colored tights, pull on a pair of edgy buckle and lace up patent leather mid-calf boots, add a decidely feminine shoulder bag and voila, pure floral fabulousness.

Couture's picks: GenerraChunky Knit Bolero Three Quarter Sleeve Jacket, French Connection Cara Empire Waist Sleeveless Floral Dress, Alexander McQueen Silk/Wool Floral and Paisley Detailed Scarf, Carlos Falchi Slim Poof Python Embossed Microfiber Shoulder Bag, Jean Paul Gaultier Pryamid Shaped Ornate Ring, Jean Paul Gaulier Opulent Pryamid Shaped Earrings, Kors Michael Kors Dual Buckle Lace Up Crinkle Patent Leather Boot

Yes, it is that time of year again in the fashion calendar, awards season. This time around it is the Accessories Council Awards that is handing out the awards for everything from Designer of the Year to Innovator of the year, and some nominations may surprise you. For Designer of the Year it is a no brainer with Nicolas Ghesquiere of Balenciaga, a man who continually modernizes the iconic brand while preserving its history. One of my favorites, Stella McCartney has been named Green Designer of the Year for her ongoing innovations with materials that are man-made, as well as her organic CARE skincare line, and her Organic capsule collection for Barneys New York. Then there is the ongoing love affair with the British brand Jimmy Choo, which is named Brand of the Year and is so ingrained in the British psyche that when ever the number 32 is called out in Bingo, it evidently means Jimmy Choo in England. Of course there are always niche brands that do a huge business without much advertisement and Lorraine Schwartz is one such brand that has been named Innovator of the Year, with the Emilio Pucci , the genius of prints, brand being named to the Hall of Fame for its enduring appeal, Banana Republic was named Retailer of the Year and costume designer for Desperate Housewives, Cate Adair, being named Influencer of the Year.

Of course this is not earth shattering news, nor does it change any of your economic woes, however, we here at Couture would be remiss if we did not keep you up to date on some of the fashion industry news, no?