They say the perfect worn-in denim is a bit dirty, but Levi's was probably thinking more about underhanded tactics than hygiene when it hit fellow jeans brand Evisu with a lawsuit.

The iconic denim company filed a trademark infringement suit in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco two weeks after Evisu announced plans to launch a Private Stock collection, reports WWD.

But rather than come up with, say, a few new styles, Evisu was intent on paying tribute to the Levi's of old -- namely, the 1944 501 jeans, 1890 Nevada design, and 1917 Campbell style.

At the time of the collection's announcement, Evisu's CEO Scott Morrison claimed the brand was "merely taking inspiration from our past and paying homage to one of the oldest, or historically relevant, jeans in existence, which in this case happens to have been an amazing pair of Levi's," reports the fashion news site.

"We're not remaking a Levi's jean, nor are we claiming that this is a Levi's jean," Morrison added.

Levi's isn't buying Morrison's excuse.

Apparently, this legal clash of the denim titans is part deux of a long-standing affair. Levi's previously sued Evisu in 1999 over pocket designs that were allegedly too similar to Levi's own trademark and also over some earlier styles that used the name "Evis."

According to the defendant's bio on Evisu's Web site, founder Hidehiko Yamane originally called his jeans Evis after the Buddhist god of prosperity. Even so, Levi's came home with an injunction against Evisu in that suit. Now, the San Francisco-based company is alleging that Evisu has breached the 1999 injunction.

Levi's lawyers point out that images of Private Stock jeans were posted on the defendant's Web site (they weren't in the online shopping section when StyleList checked today, but unidentified pairs could have been featured in the artsy 2010 preview photos), and that the press release announcing the collection contained the name Evis, reports WWD.

A quirk in this whole court ordeal is that the injunction's terms don't apply to Evisu in Japan, where the brand currently offers jeans with red tabs on the pocket.

Speaking of dirty denim, the cutthroat jeans industry has inspired a documentary.

Is the plus-size market, er, downsizing?

Charming Shoppes, Inc., the plus-size specialty retailer with up to 2,121 stores nationwide -- including Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, and Catherines chains -- announced plans that it would close 100 to 120 of its branches this year.

The announcement comes on the heels of a tough 2009 -- the Pennsylvania-based company closed 160 stores just last year.

Jim Fogarty, president and chief executive officer of Charming Shoppes, is trying to keep things positive.

"Our first-quarter 2010 to-date same-store sales comp through eight weeks was approximately (4) percent, which, while still negative, reflects improvement across all of our brands from our fourth-quarter comps and progress in our Spring assortments," Fogarty said in a release to investors yesterday.

"Further, our Internet business was up 35 percent in that same time period, benefiting from the August launch of our new Web sites and the February launch of our universal shopping cart linking our four apparel Web sites," he added.



The mixed news hasn't been enough to stop the cost cutting. For 2010, closing underperforming stores will cost Charming Shoppes about $7 to $9 million, but in the long run, the plan is expected to save the company beaucoup bucks.

As for plus-size gals, there's still a bright light in the style market: More fashion magazines are casting curvy ladies for their covers.

Hey denim lovers: The tried-and-true denim company is getting into the shoe business.

Joe's Jeans just announced that it has signed a $5.5 million footwear licensing deal with Burano LLC.

The three-year agreement means that Burano will both manufacture and distribute Joe's branded shoes for women.

As far as styles go, to kick things off the California-based brand is updating classics with a modern twist.

"The shoe line will reflect and embody the Joe's customer, as a fashion forward, casual woman with an independent streak," says Marc Crossman, President and Chief Executive Officer, in a statement.

The first shipment -- ballet flats updated with texture and embellishments -- hit major department stores, specialty retailers, Joe's retail locations and online outlets today.

Prices hover at $120 to $145 per pair (less than a lot of jeans cost). Currently, the Joe's site is offering ballet flats in black or white leather with rhinestones and studding (shown left).

Along with the ballet flats, which will be a staple every season, wedges, flat sandals and everyday heels will be part of the second spring shipment, launching in April.

For fall, the contemporary label promises season-appropriate boots with a vintage vibe. (We can totally see our favorite Joe's Jeans tucked into a knee-high stacked heel style.)

The fall footwear collection is expected to hit stores in July and will feature rich autumn colors along with detailing on the soles.

Clearly denim is as strong as ever; the wardrobe staple has even inspired a documentary.

AmfAR is going into overdrive this year and taking Jean Paul Gaultier along for the ride.

In addition to its annual benefit, the latest of which was this past February in NYC with guests including Lady Gaga, the charitable organization is throwing its first ever "Inspiration Gala" on June 3.

The new gala will celebrate fashion creativity via benefits in New York, Paris and Los Angeles with proceeds going to HIV/AIDS research.

Kicking off the first of the series, Kylie Minogue will host a formal soirée to honor the work of Jean Paul Gaultie. at Manhattan's gorgeous Public Library in Bryant Park.

The cocktail event and dinner will also include a runway presentation encompassing this year's theme: "Black Tie/Black Leather" menswear.

And here's a fun tidbit: Guests are encouraged to dress accordingly. (Does this mean a Marc Jacobs leather kilt?)

And If the idea of formal wear with a touch of bondage -- hey, this is the designer who outfitted Madonna in the iconic cone bra, afterall -- isn't enticing enough, the gala will also feature a special musical performance.

The act has yet to be announced, but we're crossing our fingers it's the Material Girl.

When JPG isn't designing haute pieces for rock stars, he's busy with his Target collaboration.

Fans of designer Michelle Smith's quirky yet ladylike looks rejoice -- the latest Milly pieces can now be purchased from the comfort of your couch (or cubicle).

Started a decade ago, Milly is offering its collection via an e-commerce option on its Website.

The online shopping tool, which launched this week, is user-friendly. Shoppers can peruse Spring 2010 styles by "Look" or "Occasion" as well as by the usual dress, top, bottom, outerwear, cabana (aka swim) and jewelry categories.

Smith describes her latest collection on the site: "This season, my uptown muse continues to indulge in a touch of downtown edge. Fresh and versatile combinations are equally playful and modern, while the overall look remains smart, sexy and sophisticated."

The uptown-meets-downtown vibe translated into some our favorite looks of the season including a printed paisley "Day Shift" dress in springy malachite green (priced at $315) and the preppy "South Hampton" bikini set in navy with white piping and button detailing (top and bottom sold separately, $85 each).

On adding e-commerce to the site, Smith was upbeat with big plans for the future. "The e-commerce launch is incredibly exciting for us. Visitors have the opportunity to shop a wider assortment of Milly styles than in any one retail store which I feel gives them a stronger sense of my perspective when I design each collection," the designer told StyleList.

"Additionally, with our plans for a NY flagship store, the site will be great complement to our retail launch," she adds.

Online is just the start these days -- some lines have global ambitions. Read about Anthropologie's international online shopping option.