Fashion news: David Lynch directs Dior, Lagerfeld uses yellowface and Julia Roberts for Lancôme

Chanel’s Paris-Shanghai collection opened with a video–an imagined alternate history where Coco Chanel takes her first trip to China. In a potentially controversial move, Karl Lagerfeld styled his actors, including models Freja Beha Erichsen and Baptiste Giabiconi, as Chinese characters in yellowface. Lagerfeld defended his decision because of its homage to old films like The Good Earth andMadame Butterfly where European actors played Asian characters, saying, “People around the world like to dress up as different nationalities.” [WWD]

Famed fashion photographer Sam Haskins, who launched his book Fashion Etcetera at Milk Studios earlier this year, died last week at the age of 83. Haskins had suffered two strokes this year, which set him into a depression that led to his suicide.

Lancôme has announced that Julia Roberts will serve the company as a “global ambassadress.” The company isn’t saying specifically what this will entail, but all will be revealed early next year.

Marc Jacobs and Lorenzo Martone closed on a townhouse New York’s West Village for US$10.4 million. The 4,400 square feet home includes a private elevator and roof terrace among its luxurious amenities.

Filmmaker David Lynch is rumoured to be directing the next Lady Dior short for Christian Dior. Along with the Twin Peaks director, actress Marion Cotillard has been linked to the project.