loose threads

‘Project Runway’ Gets Record Ratings; Jessica Simpson’s Fashion Line Expands

Carry on, Tim. Carry on.Photo: Getty Images

• Almost 3 million viewers tuned in for Project Runway’s season premiere last week, making it the most watched premiere in the show’s history. [WWD]

• Hayden-Harnett is rumored to be designing a diffusion line for Target for spring 2009. [WWD]

• The Cooper Square Hotel is pitching itself to event planners for Fashion Week. It wants to host shmancy cocktail parties, dinners, etc. [Down by the Hipster]

Hermès sales are up 12.1 percent. This signals “health among Europe’s key luxury players.” [WWD]

• Jessica Simpson is going to design dresses now. [WWD]

• The 2008 holiday shopping season is expected to be one of the worst in years. Retailers hope offering lots of glitzy jeweled things and “contemporary styles with the party spirit” will put shoppers in a better mood. [WWD]

• Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, and Rihanna will perform at Fashion Rocks, the concert version of the magazine supplement that comes with a bunch of Condé Nast’s September titles. [AP]

• Matthew Mellon (Tamara Mellon’s ex) signed a contract promising Noelle Reno, ex and former partner in the label Degrees of Freedom, he’d pay her $1 million if he did cocaine. [NYP]

Lily Cole will pose nude for the cover of French Playboy. Remember, French Playboy is totally different than American Playboy. [Female First]

Valentino was caught carrying his dog like a fish at the end of a line. [Best Week Ever]

• Oh goody. Paris Hilton’s Dollhouse collection has arrived. [FabSugar]

• Lauren Conrad acted like a diva at the party she hosted at Lily Pond over the weekend. [NYP]

‘Project Runway’ Gets Record Ratings; Jessica Simpson’s Fashion Line Expands