Stylewatch

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Reality star Kim Kardashian showed off a bold new do at last night’s Empowerment for Africa dinner in N.Y.C., and PEOPLE got the scoop on the new look straight from her personal hairstylist — and longtime friend — Joaquin Hortal of Rita Hazan Salon. The celebrity stylist made a house call to Kim’s hotel yesterday and totally transformed Kim’s look with strong and long new bangs balanced with her signature curls. He explains, “They really frame her face, accentuating her gorgeous eyes and cheekbones.” But as different as the new look is, the two almost went for an even more drastic change. “We were contemplating taking her hair short,” he says. “But opted for sexy, rock star bangs that are perfect for winter — and very New York.” Tell us: What do you think of Kim’s new look? Do you love or hate her new bangs?

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Joining the likes of star-favorite designers like Lela Rose, Stacey Bendet for Alice + Olivia, Patricia Fields and more, the Project Runway winner will lend his skills to a line for Payless, Christian Siriano for Payless. Siriano has inked a multi-season deal with the affordable retailer to produce his first stand-alone line of shoes and handbags. “I’m so excited to design and create with such an amazing brand that is all about fashion and trend but, most importantly, is also about affordability,” said Christian in a press statement. “I can’t wait to see how [Payless] will take the high-end shoes and bags I’m designing for the runway and turn them into pieces that everyone can buy. I’m all about the runway and the sidewalks!” Christian’s Payless collection will be unveiled at his runway show at New York Fashion Week next February and then exclusively available in Payless stores and Payless.com in fall ‘09 with price points expected to be in the $25 - $45 range. Tell us: Are you excited for Christian’s Payless line?

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Mega-chain Steve & Barry’s has been having financial woes for the past few months, including multiple bankruptcy filings, which has led us to wonder what is happening to their star lines? Remember, Amanda Bynes, Stephon Marbury and Sarah Jessica Parker have all designed affordable fashion lines for the stores. NYMag.com caught up with SJP last night, who revealed she is looking for a new home for her Bitten line. “We have a lot of home offers,” Parker said. “We have to make sure that any partner we enter into an agreement with wants the same thing for the brand as we do, which is to serve the customer first. You know, it can’t be about commerce, it has to be about the customer, and we have to see who’s really willing to be that generous.” And not to worry, she’s keeping her original commitment to affordable clothing — the majority of the line is under $20. “Now, more than ever, people need all things that are about economy,” she continued. “So I want very much to continue it in the right way. So we just have to figure out what’s right for the customer, and how to do it in these economic times.” We’ll be waiting and watching!