Several well known tattooed models have come and gone in the fashion industry. Eve Salvail, a beautiful model known for her shaved head and dragon tattoo was featured in editorials, catwalks and even in movies. Soon after her career peeked she began to grow her hair out so that her tattoo could be camouflaged. Unfortunately, Rick Genest doesn’t have that option. The 25 year old model came into the industry as a mistake. More than a decade ago he decided that he wanted to have his entire body tattooed so that he would resemble a zombie. Although it took years before he was discovered, Genest has appeared in music videos alongside Lady Gaga, and he even Vogue Japan.

While Genest is currently in high demand fashion designers agree that he look will quickly become dated. Rather than being respected for his love as tattoos, Genest is being treated as somewhat of an anomaly. Lady Gaga, known for her controversial lyrics, outfits and remarks, helped to catapult Genest into the spotlight, but she will probably not require his services when she goes to work on her next record. For his part, Genest is grateful for the opportunity. Since he did not get tattooed so that he could have a long-term career in the fashion industry it likely that he will use his momentary popularity to help him with his underground career. Some say that Genest will come to regret his tattoos in his later years, but for now he is thoroughly enjoying the fame, fortune and stardom that comes from his unique look.

A lot of celebrities have been posing nude for PETA lately, however, the group decided that it would return to its roots during Toronto Fashion Week. Instead of lashing out angrily and throwing paint on models who wore fur, PETA has turned down the volume quite a bit. In fact, PETA asked some of their more attractive members to don high heels and hold up signs that tell the public of their mission. It a lot when a former fringe group begins to change its tactics in order to be taken more seriously.

Because the naked protesting members of PETA stood outside and were peaceful the rest of the Toronto Fashion Week event went off without incident. Pictures of the protesters will likely be featured on the official website, marked as another successful protest against designers who use fur. Surprisingly, a few well known designers have completely sworn off fur as well as leather. In an industry known for it’s luxury, the fact is that designers are going to give consumers what they want. Everyone may not wear fur but millions of shoppers buy leather shoes, belts and jackets because it is associated with high quality. PETA doesn’t plan on stopping it’s “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur,” campaign in the near future, but the group is definitely using the platform to bring more awareness to the issue. Wearing or not wearing fur is a completely personal issue, however, the fashion industry has responded to the demands of PETA quite gracefully.

While it is nice that Lady Gaga attributes much of success to the late Alexander McQueen, it may be far fetched to believe that the fashion designer is controlling the singer’s fashion decisions from above. Apparently, Lady Gaga just can’t stop making controversial statements. In a recent interview the pop sensation was asked about how she came up with the concept for her latest album, ‘Born This Way,’ to which she replied that McQueen was directly responsible for her latest fashion ideas. Before his untimely death, Alexander McQueen has expressed a notable interest in Lady Gaga. Having designed many of her most outrageous outfits, Lady Gaga proved to be one of his biggest and most loyal fans.

Having taken a more low key approach, the singer believes that Alexander McQueen would have approved. Perhaps her comments shouldn’t be taken out of context as it is apparent that Lady Gaga does a lot of things just for shock value. When it comes to her fashion as well as her music, you either love her or hate her. Lady Gaga isn’t exactly known for pulling any punches, however, many fashion critics believe that she has gone too far.

Alexander McQueen never took any shortcuts, and even when he was met with harsh criticism he found a way to convince his detractors that his designs were nothing short of artistic genius. Lady Gaga might want to take some pointers from the late McQueen if she wants to be taken seriously about her fashion decisions.

If there is one city that is known for bringing the most cutting edge designs and trends to the forefront of the fashion world it is definitely New York City. Bill Cunningham has been following punks, hipsters, bohemians, deconstructionists and budding designers around the city for the last 10 years, and his pictures help to tell a story that only true lovers of fashion would understand. While it is easy to pick up on a trend once it has already become popular, it takes a real pioneer to identify and put the spotlight on a look that is only known by few.

Cunningham is inspired not by money or fame or even fashion. He is true to his work, and his opinions are absolute. While Cunningham’s photographs have the power to propel a new designer into stardom, they can also tear down a career just as soon as it has begun to blossom. Although most designers draw their ideas from the clothing that is worn by everyday people, they fairly get the credit that it due to them. On the other hand, Cunningham is happy to photograph a pedestrian that has managed to put together an award winning look, he also gives equal opportunity to those who will live on in infamy without a name. The documentary directed by Richard Press wanted to bring attention to an element of the fashion world that is often overlooked – the streets. The fact of the matter is, the average New Yorker isn’t dressed up in Louboutins or even Marc Jacobs. They take bits and pieces and make them all fit together into one cohesive and eclectic style.

Nearly every woman has at least a few ‘throwaway’ pieces in her wardrobe. They might consist of sequined tops great for the club or a few cheap skirts that are only meant to be worn for a season. Created by no-name designers and usually manufactured in China, cheap, flashy clothes are quickly going out of style. The global financial crisis has not improved, but consumers are finding that poorly constructed ‘throwaway’ clothing is not worth the nominal investment.

In every mall around the world there are at least one or two stores that cater to consumers that like to change up their outfits on a whim but lack the money that is needed to purchase name brand clothing. These stores are closing in record numbers, and corporations that have been in business for years are filing for bankruptcy. This startling phenomenon is taking place in major cities across the world. In Soho, cheap clothing retailers are becoming obsolete while well known brands such as H&M struggle to remain profitable.

So if shoppers are still struggling in this economy, why are discount clothing retailers failing? The simple answer is that consumer are making due with what they have. With the exception of the wealthy, most consumers are only going shopping when they absolutely have to. Parents are visiting second hand clothing stores when it is time for their kids to go back to school, and professionals are online auction sites to buy cheap lots of previously owned clothes. Well known designers have been feeling the full brunt of the fledgling economy as well, but some of the world’s most beloved discount retailers are in serious danger.