Reuters - The adjectives hip, chic and fashionable are not usually used when speaking of Sears, an American retailer better known for selling practical items like power tools and appliances, sturdy jeans and boxy shirts.

AFP - With the help of some of the best of French haute couture, Madonna is to kick off her new "Sticky and Sweet" world tour next week in a slinky dominatrix-style frock coat in black stretch satin designed by none other than Givenchy.

AP - The upscale French fashion house Givenchy will help dress Madonna for her upcoming "Sticky & Sweet" world tour, a spokeswoman for the label said Tuesday.

Reuters - Madonna has chosen French Haute Couture house Givenchy to design clothing for her new "Sticky and Sweet" world tour which starts in Britain this month, the fashion firm said on Tuesday.

AP - Steve Hale has discovered a reason to splurge on clothing again: the slim silhouette in suits to shirts that's replacing the baggier fits of past years. But his wife, Cathy, has slashed her monthly apparel spending, saying she's "bored" by what's out there.

Fashion Wire Daily - "I'm curious how many men are actually packing out here on the runway," joked Lydia Hearst, the host of Freshpair.com's 6th Annual National Underwear Day runway show and party on Tuesday, Aug. 5, in New York.

Reuters - Joe Corre was born to rail against the establishment and now has the store to power the movement.

Fashion Wire Daily - Few trade shows can boast a lingerie runway show as part of their program of events - except, of course, Lingerie Americas, the semi-annual gathering of the intimate apparel industry in the U.S.

Fashion Wire Daily - Scarlett and Penelope and Javier, Oh My! Living Large at the "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" Premiere By Jenny Peters August 5, 2008 – Los Angeles, CA

Reuters - The fashion world has finally cottoned on that sportswear is big business with designers competing to make their mark on the Olympics and win a place in the huge Chinese market.

Fashion Wire Daily - "It's so funny, they are piping in the smell of pot to the party," someone commented as the huge crowd at the "Pineapple Express" premiere was herded away from the Mann Village Theater in Westwood and into a transformed parking lot on Thursday night.