Today's title paraphrases the Thin White Duke as word comes from a strange source that Rebel nightclub may be changing hands. I was asked to be involved with the renovation, so it just might be true. If so it will mark the end of an error and quite possibly the beginning of a new one. As a rock mecca back in the day, the space had a mediocre run as Downtime. I went to a few goth nights there cause they're always great fun for 15 or 20 minutes. I might have caught a long-forgotten band fronted by one of my waitrons as well. Downtime/Rebel was/is located on a "seam" block smack dab in the middle of the city at 30th Street and 8th Avenue. Although not far from anything and real easy to get to, the location was just never sexy. It always felt like I was in Jersey -- or worse, Philadelphia.

"I’m like the canvas side -- the shitty side that gets dirty quick -- and Gucci is the luxury leather,” says British musician and dandy Mark Ronson, parsing the components of one of the limited-edition boat shoes he designed with the high-end fashion house. The Grammy-winning turntablist (and brother of fashion designer Charlotte Ronson) partnered with Gucci’s creative director Frida Giannini to create hip footwear for the labels Icon-Temporary sneaker line. Sitting at the back of Indochine, New York’s storied nightlife destination, Ronson excitedly pokes at the eyelets and pulls at the laces on one of his high0tops. (Check out Indochine: Stories, Shaken and Stirred, celebrating the restaurant's 25th anniversary; see a gallery of selected photos.) The shoes will be sold at pop-up shops in New York, Miami, Tokyo and London, among other locations. Each pair comes with a Gucci iPhone app that allows users to mix their own songs. What’s more, customers who buy the trainers will snag a brand-new Ronson track inspired by each of the cities.

One of the best things about modern technology is its immediacy. Last night I knew where I needed to be that second to see Daria and Lily having a dance off for Fashion's Night Out thanks to Twitter (they were cutting a rug at Indochine). Likewise, the instantaneous photo uploads from the runways help me plan ahead, save money, and invest in the right beauty products. To really squeeze my dollar, I usually wait to do any kind of fall shopping until fashion week is over, so I can get a good look at what the spring shows boast, in order have some insight into what trends will last. Though the shows have only recently commenced, I've already made a short list of beauty trends that seem to be transcending seasons. Here's a preview what to buy now, judging from the runway faces that will make the easiest transition from winter to spring.

Larry Poston officially opened the West Village resto Hotel Griffou with business partner Johnny Swet on July 1. Poston made his name in New York restaurant circles as a manager at Pastis and the Waverly Inn, and Swet gained his hospitality know-how at Balthazar and Freemans. Most recently occupying the 9th Street space was notorious speakeasy Marylou’s, but the name of the new joint is after the original, French 1870s occupants. The modern dining rooms are themed as a salon, library, and artist's studio with a French-inspired classic cuisine menu. Poston gives us an inside look at the new spot.

She’s been on the cover of countless fashion magazines, once inspired a novel by her ex-husband Salman Rushdie, and (with a little help from Tom Colicchio) has propelled Top Chef into smash-hit status since becoming the show’s fiery host in 2006. Now, add jewelry designer and ground beef paramour to Padma Lakshmi’s growing resume. Her jewelry line debuts at Bergdorf’s today, and she'll make an in-store appearance on May 8; here, the culinary bombshell discusses sex, burgers, and why she’d rather go naked.

A recent article suggested that you had dreams to build an empire. Is that the goal?
If someone else wants to call it an empire, that’s their business. I think only kings and queens have empires. But I’m lucky to have a new jewelry line. It’s a real labor of love, not at all a licensing deal. I’ve put all of my own money into it.

As a self-respecting woman -- or, for that matter, a New Yorker (one who, naturally, is trying to stand her fiscal ground in these tough economic times) -- I’m the first to say that eating disorders are unattractive on a physical, medical, and emotional level. However: this is The Big City, sweetie, and sometimes a girl’s got to stop, look around at all the gorgeous people surrounding her, and put down the pomme-frites, possibly followed by a pull-the-trigger trip to the commode. That being said, everyone loves going out to dinner here, and does it often. It’s an unavoidable part of our culture, and a way for us to leave behind the nightmares of work and stress in place of good conversation, good friends, and a stomach/liver satisfied with food/tasty libations (the ones we keep down). So here's a time-tested list of ten places where I’ve had a thrill without eating anything, where Shaq-sized Amazon beauties are found sipping glasses of champagne or drowning their hunger with empty vodka calories.

Serge Becker is a partner in New York dining and nightlife staples like The Box, Joe's Pub, Café Select, and La Esquina. His stake in the nightlife industry began as art director at Area and continued with his involvement in some of the city’s most exclusive spots (MK and Bowery Bar). Currently, he's taking a break from nightlife and exercising his green thumb.

How did you start in this business?
I started as Eric Goode's art director at Area, doing art installations. There were six or seven of us that were the core group.

Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld is the founder of Feedback Productions, prince to the Paris Voguette throne, and an emerging name in the New York art scene. This week, Roitfeld curates the work of three photographers -- P.C. Valmorbida, David Mushegain, and Salim Langatta -- at Collective Hardware. The opening event, sponsored by Louis Vuitton and Terrazas, attracted high-profile celebutantes and close friends of the artists. The crowd looked something like: Vladimir's sister Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and (fashion icon) mother Carine Roitfeld, both Hiltons, Natalia Vodianova, Gisele Bundchen, Mary-Kate Olsen, Stavros Niarchos, Mila Jovovich, Lily Donaldson, Zoe Kravitz, Hilary Rhoda, and Cory Kennedy. Post-party, the A-listers moved uptown and took Indochine back to its glory days. After the jump, Vladimir expands on his passions, the lack of sibling rivalry in his high-profile fam, and enjoying a glass of vino.

Damon DeGraff, CEO of DGI Management, on his secret career aspirations, Bermuda, and why Russell Simmons is the man.

What are your New York spots? I would probably have to say the Beatrice Inn. It’s owned by one of my clients, Paul Sevigny. There is great music, great drinks, interesting people. It’s a very cool, chill, hip vibe. My favorite restaurant is probably Indochine. It’s consistent. You can always get great service and great food. I also really like GoldBar. It has good drinks and a great atmosphere. Also, from the beginning, they've always tried to put a different slant in their establishment musically than the average club.

The accessories industry has been a buzz about Italian designer Leonello Borghi for years now, and it’s about time for the common folk to catch up. In addition to being honored with the Rising Star Award for Accessory Design in 2004 by the Fashion Group International after launching one of the most successful accessory lines around, Borghi has also designed for Ralph Lauren and collaborated with Armani to help him launch his first accessories line. His bold experimentation with exotic materials and unorthodox design techniques puts him in a league of his own. We had a chance to speak to the designer about his collaborations (and clashes) with Giorgio Armani, secret codes, and New York as inspiration.