• One of the biggest sources of inspiration for designers in 2009 thus far: mid-20th century space-traveling superheroes. Naturally. [NYT]
• Thom Browne is denying media reports that his line is on the verge of going bust. [NYM]
• Speaking of financial trouble, Marc Ecko seems to be knee-deep in it: He may be forced to turn over his company to creditors if he doesn't fix things fast. [NYP]
• As expected, Fabrizio Freda is taking over for William Lauder as Estée Lauder's CEO. [BN]
• Jason Wu is not doing a reality show, sorry. [Fashionologie]
• Project Runway contestant Kenley Collins says she never assaulted her boyfriend with their cat. She just "plopped him" on the bed. Righto. [NYDN]
• Matthew Williamson's H&M line debuts in less than a month. [Vogue UK]
• Just in time for Easter, Giorgio Armani-branded chocolate eggs! [FWD]
• Interested in a $30 million diamond-encrusted dress? Perhaps not. [NYM]

Al Gore's eldest daughter, Karenna Gore Schiff, and her venture capitalist husband Andrew closed on the sale of their 4,000-square-foot Upper East Side duplex at 137 East 66th Street yesterday. The apartment had been home to the couple since 2003; the new occupant will be Fabrizio Freda, the newly-installed president of Estée Lauder who is expected to take over as CEO when William Lauder steps down later this year. After the jump, a peak at how the former VP's daughter lived, and just what Freda is getting for his $6.35 million.