• Kate Upton landed a DirecTV commercial, which relies heavily on the old “sex sells” adage. [Jezebel]
• Anthropologie debuted a new website, called Made in Kind, to showcase its designer collaborations. Eleven new collaborative lines will debut on April 5, including Karen Walker, Gregory Parkinson, John Patrick, and Samantha Pleet. [Fashionista]
• Emily Blunt covers the new issue of British Elle. [Tom & Lorenzo]
• The British government accepted a proposal to rejuvenate the high street shopping environment/business model in light of increased competition from e-tailing and outlets. [Vogue UK]
• Watch artsy model Naomi Preizler paint a self-portrait. [Telegraph UK]
• The Coveteur’s latest decor-porn showcase is courtesy of designer Erdem Moralioglu’s home. [The Coveteur]
• Anya Hindmarch and Net-a-Porter’s Natalie Massenet will run “MBA [courses] for creatives” as part of a new British furthered-education venture, the School for Creative Startups. [Vogue UK]
• Prada will design uniforms for the Italian national sailing team for the 2012 Olympics. [Fashion Etc]
• Chloé will offer a prize of $20,000 at the 27th Hyères fashion festival to the participant who creates the best silhouette inspired by the label’s designs. [WWD]
• Bottega Veneta will launch a contest in partnership with a digital camera manufacturer to discover new talent in photography. [WWD]
• Jenny Packham credits her older brother, Chris Packham, a zoologist who fronts BBC1’s Springwatch, for her not-so-normal childhood. “I lived in a seemingly normal house but, in fact, it was very weird and wonderful. There were smooth snakes coming down the stairs when I came home from school. I’d reach into the freezer and there would be a frozen peregrine falcon in there. He had animals everywhere. Looking back, I probably withdrew into my room and started designing.” [Telegraph UK]
• Reese Witherspoon went shopping for maternity pants over the weekend — and spent $600. [Us Magazine]
• Joe’s Jeans regained compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements after maintaining a closing bid price of $1 or above for more than 10 consecutive trading days. [WWD]
