Here's the final runway show by Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent: the YSL women's fall/winter 2012-2013 ready to wear line, which debuted last night at Paris Fashion Week to a mostly positive reception. Pilati, who was last week unceremoniously dumped by Yves Saint Laurent, is expected to be replaced by Hedi Slimane.Continue reading...

Christian Louboutin is not about to let its very recognizable red sole get stepped on. The flash of color under spikey heels has become an identifying mark of the designer's high-priced shoes. Last August, Louboutin sought to protect that red sole in a case that pitted the iconic design house against another fashion legend, Yves Saint Laurent, who introduced shoes that were red all over, including the soles. But Louboutin was rebuffed by US District Judge Victor Marrero.

Hizzoner ruled that Christian Louboutin did not have a lock on the color red. In his opinion, Marrero wrote that "Louboutin's claim would cast a red cloud over the whole industry, cramping what other designers could do while allowing Louboutin to paint with a full palette. Louboutin would thus be able to market a total outfit in red, while other designers would not."

On Tuesday, Christian Louboutin was back in court, this time at the U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals in New York, in an attempt to defend its right to exclusively use red, and specifically a tone it calls "China Red," on the soles of it shoes. Louboutin's attorney, Harley Lewin, told a three-judge panel that "Christian Louboutin has created one of the more iconic trademarks of the 21st century. Louboutin turned a pedestrian item into a thing of beauty."

Opposing attorney David Bernstein, arguing on behalf of Yves St. Laurent, countered "Artists of this type need the full palette of colors available. In order to compete and compete fairly, we need red. We don't want to find out that we can make green, blue, purple shoes... but we are enjoined from making red."Continue reading...

New York-based dancer Benjamin Millepied may be better known for being a parent with partner Natalie Portman these days, but the Black Swan choreographer-turned-actor is also getting into the endorsement business.

Above, check out "l'Envol," a balletic ode to flight, the new global branding spot for Air France. The simplicity and minimalism of the campaign is a dramatic contrast to British Airways' new heritage-based global campaign.

Millepied clearly likes French brands, as he also can be seen in a flighty new spot for Yves Saint Laurent, which you can watch below below.Continue reading...

Christian Louboutin suffered a setback today when a New York judge rebuffed the brand's attempt to stop other brands — namely, rival French fashion brand Yves Saint Laurent — from adding a red sole to their high-heel shoes.

According to the Associated Press,

"U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero refused a request by Christian Louboutin to stop the sale of women's shoes with red soles by competitor Yves Saint Laurent S.A.S., another French company based in Paris. Though the ruling came at an early stage of consideration of a lawsuit Louboutin brought in April, the judge said it will probably be tossed out."

Marrero ruled that it's unlikely Louboutin could defend an "overly broad" trademark, which claims the lacquered red sole as a feature of its mark, that was granted in 2008 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Drawing an artistic analogy, the judge said Picasso couldn't legally prevent Monet from using a particular hue of indigo, and added that granting Louboutin exclusive use of the color red could hinder manufacturers of other items.Continue reading...

News Corp.'s Rupert Murdoch and son James prepare to testify Tuesday before a British parliamentary hearing on phone-hacking scandal as former News of the World whistleblowing journalist is found dead and The Sun's website is hacked.

Borders calls off auction, announces plans to liquidate and close doors by September.

Cisco slashes workforce by 11,500 positions.

Apple seeks to expand iPhone availability in China.

CNN is first TV network to stream 24/7 online and on mobile.

Delta cuts service to smaller markets.

Dunkin' Brands leads wave of IPOs in the US.Continue reading...

While Washington DC continues to fight over the nation's finances, the Harry Potter franchise has voted unanimously to increase its profit ceiling.

The total budget for the eight films was $1.15 billion, which has turned into $6.34 billion in profits, without the last film's take even added in yet. Deathly Hallows Part 2 had already earned $43 million overseas before even opening in America, where it's expected to break midnight show records. But the films aren't the only endeavors conjuring up cash.Continue reading...

Apple's iPhone turns 4, while company reports worst first-half since 2008.

Associated Press to open bureau in North Korea.

Bulgari acquisition by LVMH approved by EU.

Clinton Global Initiative launches micro-lending drive.

Coca-Cola details environment and corporate citizenship progress.

Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg now worth $18 billion — more than Google's founders.

GE expands Olympics sponsorship through 2020.

Google champions UK tech hub.Continue reading...

Allstate and other insurers brace for disaster claims.

Amazon finds a fierce bidder in Liberty Media's John Malone.

Armani bucks trend, vows to stay private.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America embrace social media.

British Airways among European airlines impacted by Iceland volcanic ash.

Camel Snus target smoke-restricted NYC.

Coach finds buyers returning to priciest bags.Continue reading...