Being an A-list show producer certainly has its benefits. Alex de Betak (the production genius behind Tuesday’s Matthew Williamson/H&M bash) gets up close and personal with Gisele Bündchen the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York on November 9, 2005.

If you thought your Birkin was too big to tote around, think again. Yesterday was indeed International Zipper Day–and to celebrate, the world’s longest handbag was assembled of “zpstrips,” benefitting Manhattan’s New Design High School. Though the excitement of such a record-breaking piece may be enough in itself, there’s more. According to a release: “Lending their support (and autographs) to the cause are America’s top-selling fashion icons: acclaimed actors Ted Danson, Jeff Goldblum, Anne Dudek; Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag of MTV’s The Hills; the cast of Broadway’s new hit play Reasons to be Pretty; designers Wells Butler (primp) and Mary Fanaro (OmniPeace) and countless other cultural figures of all stripes.” Think there’s a waiting list at Barneys yet?

Chic already knows and loves the whole array of Calvin Klein scents, but now there’s a new one to add to our collection: Euphoria Spring Temptation. The new fragrance is perfect for these warmer days, with light and fresh notes of pear blossom, freesia, and white amber. But Calvin and Co. are not done with the treats: starting tomorrow, shoppers at Macy’s who spend $70 or more from the Euphoria fragrance collection will receive a beautiful orchid plant from Calyx Flowers. Just in time for Mother’s Day…

Matthew Williamson. The designer hosted an absolutely epic H&M launch extravaganza Tuesday night (Chic is still recovering from that Grace Jones performance), and he still managed to host a shopping event at his Meatpacking District store last night and stop by the launch party of Belvedere Black Raspberry (above, with Jonathan Kelsey and Phillip Lim). The Brit wonder, however, will catch a break soon; he’s returning to the UK and will not be attending Monday’s Met Gala. It’s okay, darling–you need to rest!

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” may have been how Shakespeare put it, but we suspect a rose by the name of Chopard is a touch sweeter. The iconic jewelry house has created 62 original pieces to commemorate the 62 years of the Cannes Film Festival, including this stunning Roses necklace. Expect a lineup of starlets hungry to borrow…

When fashion meets function: our favorite little watch to look forward to is easily the Swarovski D:Light, featuring 171 hand-placed crystals, a digital LED display and a stainless steel bracelet. This watch also uses a special battery developed for Swarovski, which is loaded through an inductive system. The stainless steel version retails $1500 and will be available at select Swarovski boutiques.

© Patrick McMullan

Liz Hurley was one the hosts of the annual Breast Cancer Research Foundation Party in New York–and pink was the required attire. The stunning Brit wore a vintage Dior gown and Chopard jewels.

We’re officially at Level 5 with the swine flu outbreak  and now those surgical masks are once again a must-have accessory. But remember when pigs were given a VIP welcome at the shows? Miss Piggy had no problems flying into a front-row seat next to Lizzie Grubman at the Heatherette show back on February 4, 2005. Those were simpler times.

© Patrick McMullan

Kenneth Cole is adding another footnote to his list of accomplishments–he’s soon to be a keynote speaker at a college commencement ceremony. Cole will address the Northeastern University’s Class of 2009 in Boston on Friday. The designer will also receive an honorary diploma from the school. “I am honored to be receiving an honorary degree from a prestigious institution that has prepared a new breed of graduates for all that lies ahead,” said Cole. “I believe that what one stands for is more important than what one stands in.” The designer will also attend the Costume Institute Gala on Monday.

April showers may be literally bringing May flowers, but none are so lovely as Burberry’s Spring jewelry collection, with hand-made cut out pearlized acrylic flowers. Fresh and feminine but with the Brit brand’s signature tough edge, we’re loving the idea of layering the chunky silver necklace over a sweet floral print frock. And the ring, well…who could possibly resist? The pieces will be available at burberryusaonline.com.