Fashion Week is upon us, which obviously means Axl Rose is in town. What? It's true, last night we were invited to one of these fancy parties which was taking place at the John Varvatos store on Bowery, but the invite didn't really mention free drinks or anything that was going to make us trudge through the slushy streets... so we didn't go. And then this morning we received an email stating there was "an exclusive surprise performance by rock legend Axl Rose, and Guns N’ Roses" at the party! Yeah, that burned a little. Sure, it was a new backing band, but Axl was there... and so was Kevin Bacon—because that is what happens during Fashion Week! more ›

After the John Varvatos boutique officially opened its doors last weekend in the old CBGB space, activist Rebecca Moore held court on the sidewalk. This past Tuesday she sat outside the retail shop in protest with a sign that read: "One small loss of a music space, one large step for pants," and was joined by a few other supporters. Moore says her statement isn't about just one music space (CBGB):

"It's about Tonic closing, and Fez, Theater Club Nada and Charas...about Copacabana being forced from their space by the city using eminent domain. These are not abandoned dusty relics. These are places that still cater to strong and vibrant, burgeoning communities. They are being ousted by people creating a Disneyworld, expensive version of the real culture that was here." more ›

SHOP: Want to pick up some cheap(er) fashions by John Varvatos -- the rock n' roll designer taking over the CBGB space next year? Head to a sample sale today to get in on some 80% off clothing, footwear and accessories. more ›

Last week demolition was underway at the former CBGB. At the time Racked put their money on a Duane Reade taking over the space, but today The Post reports that John Varvados will be opening a chic boutique in the old punk rock palace. With his eye on a Spring opening, it's unclear how much of the 13,000 square feet will be taken over by the designer. more ›

William Grimes likens the Time Warner Center Whole Foods' eating area to a food hall like Harrods, but anyplace where there is a 248 seat cafe within an atrium spaced, it's a food court. more ›