Things heated up musically on Friday night as singer/songwriter Angel Taylor bared her sole -- err, soul -- for an intimate half-hour acoustic set at the Cole Haan store in the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle.

And now, a brief break from Fashion Week. Let's talk fashion ... and sports! With the US Open selling a record number of tickets, tennis apparel is seeing a boom. According to the National Sporting Goods Association, tennis gear sales are up and hitting a higher growth rate in popularity than any other sport, with an 18.7% increase in participation in 2007. And according to WWD, this growth -- especially in women's -- means increased gear and apparel sales in addition to more court time. Case in point: Maria Sharapova's new Cole Haan line (Cole Haan Sporting), announced on the heels of her grievous abandonment of the miniskirt. "Mixing fashion and sport is an important trend that we see now," says prexy Jim Seuss. The line, scheduled to hit stores in February, offers 40 casual pieces for women, and 30 for men.

As New York fashion week kicks into high gear, there will be yet another reason to love Cole Haan (as if you needed another reason): Free taxi rides! To celebrate the company's 80th anniversary, Cole Haan has chosen a select number of taxis to comp riders the fare between Friday, September 5, and Wednesday, September 10. I know! So the next time you jump in a cab half-cocked and with your silly little swag bag, look for a Cole Haan telltale sign that reads: "Lucky You." Keep your eyes peeled around Bryant Park and the Financial District. Cole Haan's promo will also include random hotel upgrades, free drinks, and meals at desired hotel properties.