Today, eco-friendly designer Stella McCartney released a new video with PETA wherein she discusses the harsh reality that, although leather is a style staple for many, there are a series of unethical practices involved in obtaining animal skin. The three-minute video features the designer directly addressing the audience, accompanied by scary clips of factory workers skinning animals. In a word, ew. 

We always get really excited when a new Stella McCartney campaign unveils because we know that it will involve model Natalia Vodianova, photographers Mert & Marcus, and really pretty graphics. For spring 2012, McCartney paired her perfectly printed designs with a colorful collage of botanicals that we can stare at for hours on end.

Although we've seen more than a few standout collections this Paris Fashion Week (Chanel, Balenciaga, and Givenchy are near the top of the heap), there's no designer we'd rather invade our closets than Stella McCartney. Fresh 3D prints, clever cutouts, and fluid silhouettes tugged at our heartstrings, while silk wide-leg trousers, sharp suits, and nude footwear reflected McCartney's timeless sophistication. Let's look upon the wonder, shall we?

● Stella McCartney designed the costumes for her famous father's first ballet, Ocean's Kingdom. [Telegraph] ● Italian Vogue's ballsy editor Franca Sozzani is on the attack again, and this time she's hating on fashionistas. Who does she think reads her magazine? [NYT] ● This lady is literally selling her Missoni for Target rainboots for $31k. [eBay]

Fashion Week is upon us, and I just don’t know what to wear. Last night, fur and leather were certainly not an option as I attended the PETA Fashion Week Bash. It was hosted by a man who always knows what to wear, Tim Gunn, along with the beautiful actress and Daily Show correspondent, Olivia Munn. Special guests included long time PETA proponent Russell Simmons, and actress Taraji P. Henson. Henson, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her part in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, poses without anything to wear in the latest PETA "Fur? I’d Rather Go Naked” campaign. She spoke about growing up unable to afford fur, but refused to buy it after becoming aware of the cruelty behind it. Ironically, the gala was held at the Stella McCartney boutique in the “Meatpacking” District.

Fashion Week has descended upon New York City, anointing new and yet-to-be-opened venues with its holy presence. Fashion houses and fashionable rags have shouldered their way into seen-and-be-seen restaurants and night spots, and have sold off their first born in order to offer their party guests a first look at some unopened places, like The Mondrian and the Darby's buzzy basement. The perennial question: Whether to elect tried-and-true spots (or, in the case of Alexander Wang, gas stations and bounce houses) over what could be just a flash-in-the-pan hotspot. Herewith, a rumor-mongering and totally useless look at where all the week's parties shall take place.

Stella McCartney has launched a new iPad app featuring original content, including a first look backstage at her recent Summer 2011 show in Paris and an exclusive performance by N*E*R*D at the after party. Also look for editorial stories such as "Stella's Diary," which details the day of her Spring 2011 presentation in New York and includes an animated collage of Polaroid pictures, and interactive stories like an interview with world tennis champ Caroline Wozniacki, the face of Adidas by Stella McCartney.

We all know that Stella McCartney is ecologically-inclined, but she's taken it one step further with her latest initiative. On her website under the "Stella's World" tab there's a "Green Me" section where the designer gives environmental tips, facts about her animal-free production process, and interviews. Her website also features a "Charity" section, which lists the organizations she supports (including Meat Free Monday, founded by Stella, her father Paul McCartney, and her sister Mary McCartney) and ways to get involved.

According to Urban Dictionary (a credible source, obviously), a greengasm is "the warm and fuzzy feeling one gets after becoming ecologically enlightened; usually induced by listening to a ruddy South-Westerner talk about off-the-grid construction, having an Australian permaculturist walking you through a food forest, or watching a Discovery Channel film about nature." Whether it's your Berkeley-alum sister or yoga teacher, there's always one person in your life that puts your eco-friendly game to shame. While you've been a sporadic vegan for years, they live and breathe veganism, down to their animal-friendly clothing. While you use a canvas bag for grocery shopping, they've designed a line of organic tote bags for Earth Day. And the fact that they're obscenely nice and never preachy makes you hate them even more—but really you love them and are just envious of their willpower. To give thanks to this giver, here are a few greengasmic items they're sure to love.

For F/W 2010, we're seeing the return of the kitten heel. With past seasons dominated by the mega platform, the kitten heel looks to be making a steady comeback. Though not as tiny as it was a few seasons ago, it's definitely a drastic change. Prada started the revival, and we're seeing more from Lanvin, Stella McCartney (pictured), and Valentino. Though not as lengthening and flattering as platforms, kitten heels are definitely more comfortable for our backs and feet.