An icon of empowerment and artistic integrity for generations of music makers, Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon influences the world well beyond rock. Just ask Rodarte designers Laura and Kate Mulleavy, whose fragile, handcrafted fashion masterpieces take inspiration from the formidable bassist/singer/artist. Here, the Mulleavy sisters talk inspiration and idol crushes with one of their personal heroes.

Gorgeous and green never looked more delicious. Here, an exclusive peek at Stella McCartney’s flirty Spring 2009 collection, and a glimpse inside the mind of one of fashion’s most rocking superstars. See full gallery.

Stella McCartney was born into a household pedigree, but damned if she intended to rest on it. Instead, the 37-year-old designer extended Sir Paul’s surname into another arena of accomplishment. It has now been 13 years since McCartney segued from student to design star over the course of one runway show -- her college graduation project. From there, she hopped to Paris and onto the stewardship of Chloé, one of fashion’s most beloved brands.

Looking for a lean model to grace his winter 2008 campaign, John Varvatos found the perfect slim hipster in former Jane’s Addiction frontman and solo star Perry Farrell. The designer and musician recently got together to talk about pop iconography, clever costuming, looking sharp and the eternal importance of washboard abs on sexy rockers.

From the get-go, one notices Diesel founder Renzo Rosso’s two R tattoos bedecking the knuckles on the ring finger and flip-‘em-off finger. In response to my comment (cool tats), Rosso answers, “They are my initials,” in the way he answers all questions: coolly and matter of fact. Other facts -- Diesel turns 30 old this year. Fact: Diesel has more jean variety than Baskin Robbins has ice cream flavors. Fact: Diesel stores always have loud music roaring, often spun by an in-house DJ. Personal fact: My first encounter with Diesel was courtesy of Vanessa, the Venezuelan exchange student in 9th grade, who blessed the halls of Asheville High (North Carolina) in the sickest pair of rocker jean shorts I’d ever seen.

Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe has survived media beatings of a viciousness ordinarily reserved for bottomless heiresses and ex-Mouseketeers. A-list clients (“Zoe-bots,” if you’re nasty) catapulted Zoe, 36, to infamy. But the tabloids were also the nexus point between high fashion and low culture (Lindsay lurches into paparazzi-fire with handbag; handbag sells out globally within 40 minutes). Zoe capitalized on the frenzy with the creation of her own signature brand. Here, the Long Island sunglasses come off and it becomes clear that there is more to Zoe than hippie headscarves, eating disorders and caftans.

In the booming, bustling world of urban nightlife, things are neither silent nor still, nor necessarily what they seem. Here, when most people have begun cashing in on their eight hours of rest, we hit the streets with our most beloved, insatiable crew of revelers—from deejays and drag queens to one very poised 92-year-old single gal—to experience the debauchery and decadence of the world after dark.

When model Alexandra Richards wants good vintage clothes and cool shoes, she raids the closet of her parents, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and iconic ’70s and ’80s model Patti Hansen. Designer Jill Stuart, who has featured Alexandra on her runway and in an upcoming Japanese campaign, mixes her own ultra-feminine designs with rare vintage finds. The two fiends for classic chic speak with James Servin about fashion, family and the best Stones tunes.

Over the past 15 years, Dutch fashion designers Viktor & Rolf have become two of the biggest forces in the industry. Here, twin peeks into their lives, loves and Zwaantje.

Greatest source of inspiration: Viktor Horsting: “Rolf.” Rolf Snoeren: “Viktor.” We find inspiration in ourselves. Our collections and shows are like an autobiography.

A fashion god who has designed impeccable creations for socialites and celebrities ranging from Jackie O to Gwyneth Paltrow, Valentino celebrates his 45-year history and recent retirement with a documentary film, a museum retrospective and a lavish coffee table book. Here, the couture icon talks business and pleasure with James Servin while in the midst of a “fashion detox.”

Sassy punker Katy Perry, who topped Billboard and iTunes charts with her raucous hit “I Kissed A Girl,” says that she grew up coveting the sexy, colorful and body-conscious designs of Betsey Johnson. The admiration, it turns out, is mutual: Johnson, a playful soul for all seasons, expresses an almost teenage enthusiasm for Perry’s music, attitude and look. The two disciplined free spirits got together with James Servin to talk about fame, fabulousness, inspiration and female bonding.