Ricky Gervais assembled the Black List for our September issue, which has stirred much deep, thoughtful, nuanced discourse in the comment section. For dessert, enjoy these outtakes from the Gervais photo shoot with photographer Isa Wipfli. Don't fight it. Submit to the wackiness.

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.”

The Tilda never stops around here. Tilda Swinton serves as our September cover girl interview subject, and let's not forget our Tilda-related contest. And for dessert, here's a select gallery of behind-the-scenes pics from her photo shoot. Bow down.

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.

Recession? What recession? 80's greed is back in a big way -- see full gallery. Photography by David Roemer, styling by Elizabeth Sulcer.

We love a hot time. In the middle of a heat wave during couture week this summer, the City of Light was vibrant with a swirl of über-chic fashionistas and dead-cool bands like the Kills and the Virgins, both of whom were in town to rock after-parties. BlackBook flew to Paris for our own convergence of style, art and rock ’n’ roll in the fashion capital of the world. Face time with singular visionary talents Patti Smith and Tilda Swinton on the same weekend? I’m in.

It used to be easy to think Woody Allen’s best years were behind him. Match Point changed that; not an altogether great film, but a good one, and enough to induce speculation about a possible late-career renaissance. After an interval of two abject stinkers (Scoop, Cassandra’s Dream), that expectation is belatedly, but joyously fulfilled with Vicky Cristina Barcelona. It’s easily Allen’s best film in a decade.

Brazilian Girls, New York City (Verve Forecast). As the title of their art-groovy third album suggests, Brazilian Girls make music for urban spaces: airports, nightclubs, deserted streets. The trio -- only one of whom is female, and Italian -- are residents of New York City but citizens of the world. There are songs here in four languages, about “St. Petersburg,” “Berlin” and a plethora of cities name-checked in “Internacional.” Riff genius, immaculate drummer and fashion diva: The Girls resemble Blondie more and more every year. And that’s a good thing. -- Evelyn McDonnell

This fall, traditional wools and tweeds hitch a ride with sportswear. All aboard -- see full gallery. Photography: Vincent Dilio. Styling: Christina Chin.