Things are apparently a mess at fashion magazine Elle. A terrible reality show is has taken over the office, according to Ben Widdicombe. The show is called "Fashionista," it's produced by Tyra, and it will air on The CW later this year. It documents the search for a new assistant for creative director Joe Zee, even though he has an assistant already, one who is by all reports perfectly competent. So the show's contestants are just running around the office, getting in everyone's way with pointless "challenges," competing for a job they won't get. Meanwhile, an email we received from an anonymous tipster seems to suggest that maybe Mr. Zee, with his star-making new reality show on the way, might be helping to publicize the ouster of the mag's last reality show star, former fashion director Nina Garcia.


Nina Garcia was unceremoniously... fired? Or quit? All we know is that she just left, last Friday afternoon. She's reportedly seeking a ceremonial Editor-at-Large position there in order to continue having some authority as a judge on popular, increasingly insane reality program Project Runway. And we know this thanks to Women's Wear Daily reporter Stephanie Smith, who reported that Nina left the magazine last week, adding that she was conspicuously absent from an Elle-hosted party a week ago. Smith would know, because, according to our tipster, Smith was at that party, sitting conspicuously close to Joe Zee.

A few more unsupported claims and insinuations:

Mr. Zee should think about people in glass houses as he's brought a lot of baggage to the magazine. Maybe WWD (obviously Stephanie is not in position) might want to ask why Mr. Zee appointed his boyfriend/lover as Editor of ELLE.COM when he had no relevant experience (however, I guess if you are a salesman on the floor of the Paul and Joe store) and a number of former bf's are teaming the halls of the magazine with lesser relevant experience. The fact that he and the former features editor turned EIC are so desperate to be on TV - tried so hard to get on Ugly Betty for over a year. So, WWD next time you pick up the phone from Joe after he's had his morning meeting with his team of bf's, maybe disclose your interest when you pen your next column. Could Stephanie Smith be looking for a job at ELLE? She certainly knows who to call.

Is Stephanie Smith looking for a job at Elle? Who knows! Sitting next to Joe Zee at a party doesn't actually mean anything, though it's probably a better method of netting a new job than appearing on a reality show. But if Zee's the one feeding the Garcia news to WWD, well, that's embarrassing for everyone.

REALITY TELEVISION IS KILLING FASHION MAGAZINES. There. We said it.