After singer Beyonce Knowles agreed to a photo shoot with L’Officiel Paris, a French publication, some were absolutely captivated by her pictures while others are left wondering why an African American woman would pose in ‘black face.’ The photo shoot itself was meant to honor the legacy of African singer and civil rights activist Fela Kuti. Along with Jada Pinkett, Will Smith and rapper Jay-Z, Knowles produced a play that chronicles the life of Kuti last year, so she should be more than familiar with her struggles. Even still, , as well as the Knowles camp is sticking by their decision to darken the face of the famous singer.

On one hand, the photos garnered so much attention that one would hope that some would actually pay attention to the singer that being honored. At the same time, those that participated in the shoot should have known that the public would raise an eye brow at the concept. Knowles, who has been painted and dressed in stylized African attire in order to conjure up the spirit of the ‘African Queen,’ took the pictures that are being featured on the cover of the magazine. There is a good chance that many of her fans based in the US will never find out about the photo shoot, but those that live abroad will likely see Knowledges and her substantially darkened face front and center. This may just be another case where art, as subjective as it is, has been confused for something more sinister.

Few designers are willing to make as many fashion risks as Betsey Johnson, but at this year’s Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, the style icon may have even shocked herself. Johnson showed two vastly difference collections at the event only minutes apart. Her first show, aimed at her high end clients featured the usual mixture of bold color, leopard, zebra and cheetah prints as well as raw leathers. All of the models that walked wore artistically rendered wigs fashioned with synthetic hair.

Next up was Betsey’s newest effort, a fashion line named Pink Patch aimed at consumers on a budget. This collection was more of a throwback, with models donning wigs that mimicked Johnson’s own signature locks. In total, more than 70 models were hired to show off Johnson’s new wears, and critics have been showering her with praise. Some likened Betsey Johnson’s fashion shows to a party that just didn’t know how – or when to stop. As models continued to pour out onto the catwalk, spectators were allowed only a few moments to take in her groundbreaking designs.

Johnson has been designing clothing since the late 1960s, but she has always been ahead of her time. Some credit her with many of the changes in fashion in recent years, but Betsey is far too humble to take credit for this. While Betsey may not agree, some of the most highly regarded young fashion designers have said that she inspired them to follow their hearts, and eventually, get into the fashion industry.

Macy’s has teamed up with designers Versace, Kinder Aggugini, John Galliano, Calvin Klein and others for their highly anticipated ‘Impulse’ collection, due out in stores in the spring of 2011. Major departments stores and high end fashion designers have long been collaborating together for trendy and affordable looks, but this collection promises to bring a massive amount of fresh talent to the forefront.

Aggugini’s designs have been described as delicate, edgy and of course, elegant. His collection for Macy’s is a blend of intricate patterns and flattering cuts in a somewhat limited palette. One particularly bold dress features a draped neckline, a loose fitting polka dot bow resting on the hip and a contrast of similar prints in vastly different colors. Aggugini is making a strong statement even if his efforts are slightly understated. His clothes are as appropriate for the office as they are for fun after work events.

The Macy’s ‘Impulse’ collection is conscientiously priced, with most pieces ranging from approximately $50 up to about $300. Clothing from the more well known designers are expected to sell out fast, but Macy’s has not yet announced whether or not they will be having any pre-sales. Aggugini has designed a number of mix and match pieces that are to be worn however the buyer designers. His one piece jumpsuits and sun dresses go well with chunky accessories, delicate jewelry and fashionably high heels. If this line is the success that Macy’s is hoping for, it may turn into an annual event.

When a new model appears on the runway designers, critics and fashion editors instantly take notice. Many new models burn out within a few years from all of the jet setting and multiple bookings, but she has already weathered the fashion world for nearly four years. At just 18 years old, Kloss has been booked during New York Fashion Week 2011 by Carolina Herrera, Donna Karan and Jason Wu amongst other. With a background in ballet and a 6′0 svelte frame, Karlie Kloss might just be the world’s next supermodel.

Many of the best shots of New York Fashion Week 2011 have been of Kloss. Photographers agree that she is as captivating on the catwalk as she is in front of the camera. Karlie Kloss still has a long way to go but if she can keep up with this pace there is a chance that she will become the world’s next supermodel. This isn’t a phrase that the fashion world is eager to throw around, unless of course the model is completely worthy of the title.

Kloss herself is somewhat shy and extremely humble, stating that should prefers to walk less ‘glamorous’ shows where she has to rely on the traditional rules of modeling rather than the frequently over the top embellishments that go along with New York Fashion Week. It is likely that Kloss is already booked for the rest of the year, but she will probably make room in her schedule if it means that she can work with an up and coming designer that is more her speed.

There was a time where Lady Gaga could do no wrong. Actually, most of her style choices never made much sense, but that is what attracted so many of her fans to her in the first place. After a short hiatus Lady Gaga is attempting to garner attention, but it appears that Kate Middleton has already stolen the show. Lady Gaga performed at Paris Fashion Week, and she has even talked about her dream of selling a perfume that smells like bodily fluids, but her shock value is no longer carrying as much weight.

When Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement, the dress that Middleton was wearing immediately sold out across stores such as Very.co.uk  for nearly a year. This understated yet classically styled future royal family member isn’t one for garish accessories or suggestive song lyrics, but her fan base is surprisingly similar to Lady Gaga’s. What is not surprising is that the fickle public has shifted from favoring one type of extreme style for another. Whether you are rooting for Middleton or Lady Gaga you can wear G Star womens jeans and maintain your allegiance to both of these fashion icons.

After Kate Middleton is officially married she will really need to make sure that she looks picture perfect at all times, even if she is just going on a late night munchies run. On the other hand, Lady Gaga may benefit from toning down her shocking fashion a bit, even if it is what propelled her to fame in the first place. Artists like lady Gaga are known for reinventing themselves, so in actuality the most shocking thing that should could do is to start appearing in smartly tailored suits and tastefully elegant evening wear. Until her album is released Lady Gaga won’t know whether or not her fans are completely fed up with the gimmick.

After staring in her own reality TV series, a failed attempt at a singing career and generally overwhelming the world with her presence, Paris Hilton finally took a much needed break. Paparazzi still track her every move and stylists still occasionally take shots at the heiress, but Paris Hilton seems like she has been able to grown and learn from her past fashion – and behavioral mistakes. The best thing that Hilton could have done was give her fans a chance to miss her because the minute to stepped run on the catwalk during Brazil Fashion Week, the crowd went absolutely crazy.

Her naturally lean body, striking features and diminutive smile made some designers why Paris didn’t try her hand at being a professional model sooner. Maybe she was just waiting for a personalized invitation from her favorite designer. Apparently, fashion house Triton picked the perfect model to kick off the show. Many fashion critics mused that spectators were too busy watching Hilton strut down the runway and pose for the camera to pay attention to the collection, but either way Triton will certainly benefit from the exposure. Hilton herself ate up every minute of her appearance, undoubtedly pleased that she was able to bring about such a big commotion. Triton is one of the 31 designers scheduled to model their wears during Brazil Fashion Week, and many more stars are expected to make an appearance, even if they will only be sitting alongside the stage. Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher have been spotted, and maybe they will even pick up a few pieces before the return home to the US.