• News flash: March was not a good month. Specialty stores cut 6,200 jobs, while department stores eliminated 300 jobs. [WWD]
• This sounds incredible: Comme des Garçons designer Rei Kawakubo is collaborating with Japanese Vogue on a pop-up shop open from the end of May until fall that’s like a “magazine you can walk into.” It features a new theme, merchandise, and exhibitions each month. Takashi Murakami, Chanel, Fendi, Loewe, Martin Margiela and Walter Van Beirendonck will participate for the first month. [WWD]
• Valentino was awarded the thirteenth annual Walk of Style award in L.A. yesterday. “I am completely drunk with compliments. In my long career, I have more or less refused other people saying nice things about me, but now that I am older, I accept this,” he said. [WWD]
• Real Housewife Kelly Killoren Bensimon is no longer modeling for Saks and has no plans to re-sign, says a source. “Working with Saks is a wonderful experience that I hope to continue in the future,” says Kelly. “Saks Fifth Avenue enjoyed working with Kelly,” says Saks. [NYP]
• Emma Roberts wants to be the face of Dolce & Gabbana. [NYDN]
