Clockwise from Left: The 2010 Designers in Residence: Jonnie Rettele for Nonnie Threads, Christina Fan, Stephanie Kuhr for Dottie’s Designs, Leah Fagan for PELOTON, Miriam Cecilia Carlson for M.C.C., and Killian Gui(photo not available)

Six new designers have been chosen for The Chicago Fashion Incubator(CFI), a program, now in its third year, that provides local emerging designers with the resources and mentoring to launch their careers in fashion design. This year, the CFI has partnered with The 900 Shops to create a 'pop-up shop' on the mall's 5th Floor. 2,800 square feet will be allocated to a retail shop while another 8,800 square feet will be used for events spotlighting CFI alums as well as the six new designers in residence. 

You can help kickstart the 2010 incubator by attending the official launch event Tuesday, March 16th. For more details and to purchase tickets visit: Brown Paper Tickets.

Photo: Style.com

[1] Drink like a whale but not look like one. Or something. (New York Times)

[2] The Internets just became more hipster-friendly: bike directions from Google maps! (PC World)

[3] Joan, Don and Betty, as interpreted by Mattel/Barbie. They don’t come with booze etc., but that won’t stop people from dreaming up doll-related sexy situations. (Jezebel)

[4] This Heidi Montag video is funny only because she’s illiterate. (Funny or Die)

[5] Alexander McQueen’s last show is breathtaking. (Style.com)

FASHION

1. Cheap Thrills Shopping Sale
Saturday & Sunday, March 6 & 7 | 11-6pm (Sat.), noon-4pm (Sun.)
Local retailers Eskell, Le Dress, Tangerine, Hayden-Harnett and In God We Trust will be selling marked down merchandise and new spring collections.
Eskell | 1509 N. Milwaukee

2. Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin Spring Trunk Shows
Thursday, March 11 | 10am-5pm
Everyone's favorite shoe designers showcase their Spring 2010 looks.
Neiman Marcus | 737 N. Michigan | Shoe Salon | Second Floor

MUSIC

1. The Red Handed
Saturday, March 6 | 8pm
Hailing from my homeland, Big Rapids, Mich., these guys are just starting to kick off their local fan base by continuing their Midwest tour.
Elbo Room | 2871 North Lincoln Ave|$10

2. Chaperone
Monday, March 8 | 9pm
Come see the Chicago-based indie rock group before they head to South By Southwest. Also enjoy yummy free cookies made by the band.
The Whistler | 2421 North Milwaukee | Free!

CULTURE

1. Oscar Night America
Sunday, March 7 | 6pm-midnight
Celebrate the 82nd Academy Awards the way everyone should, on the red carpet. Enjoy champagne and a buffet while watching live feed from the Awards.
Gene Siskel Film Center | 164 N. State | $100

2. Uri Montes
Thursday, March 11 | 5:05-9:05pm
Come see this month's featured artist at Kokorokoko and shop new spring arrivals.
Kokorokoko | 1112 N. Ashland

[1] Joanna Newsom releases her latest album, Have One On Me, today. Hot damn, it’s about time. (Drag City)

[2] Passion Pit remixed the hell out of Lady Gaga and Beyonce’s Telephone. Thoughts? (Paste)

[3] Also out today is The September Issue DVD, replete with deleted scenes of Anna getting all nuclear-Wintour-y. (The Cut)

[4] Say goodbye to your sexy apps: the Puritans at Apple have (seemingly arbitrarily) deleted sexually charged content from its App Store. Playboy is still around, though. (Village Voice)

[5] Billy Corgan on...wrestling? (Chicago Tribune)

Fashion:
1. Yashi PA and African American Designer Trunk Show
Saturday, February 20 9am-5pm
Celebrate Black History Month by shopping from African American designers Erika & Monika Simmons, Tenille White, Jermikko, and K~Fleye by Kelley Mosely, with a performance from Yashi.
Macy's River Oaks on the 2nd floor

2. Akira and Christopher House Charity Shopping Event
Thursday, February 25 7-9pm performance at 2pm
Akira's Bucktown location hosts a charity event for Christopher House. Enjoy shopping and receive 10 percent off all purchases while sipping on cocktails made from Syn Vodka.
Akira|1837 W. North|$10

Music:
1. Scott Lucas and the Married Men
Saturday, February 20 10pm
The other half of Chicago-based rock group Local H, Scott Lucas releases his solo album George Lassos the Moon. Also playing are Sybris and Apteka.
Schuba's|3159 N. Southport|$10 adv. $12 door|21+

2. Puerto Muerto
Monday, February 22 9:30pm
Local group Puerto Muerto celebrate the release of their newest album with Fire Records, Drumming for Pistols. They've described their own music as "making love with a soft corduroy couch." Also playing are Glorious Vapors and Daniel Knox.
Empty Bottle|1035 N. Western Ave.|Free!

Culture:
1. Oscar Nominated Short Films 2010
Friday, February 19 various times
Get a chance to view the short live action and animated films nominated for an Oscar this year.
Landmark's Century Centre Cinema|2828 N. Clark

2. Production Site: The Artist’s Studio Inside-Out
Ongoing until May 30
Take a look inside the studios where the creative process takes place.
MCA|220 E. Chicago Ave.|$7-12 Free on Tuesdays