Riccardo Tisci's contract as artistic director at Givenchy has been renewed. In addition to the lines he already designs for the French fashion house, including women's haute couture, ready-to-wear and accessories collections, Tisci will also design the label's ready-to-wear and accessories collections for men. His first menswear collection will debut for the spring/summer 2009 season.

Damiani jewels stolen in Milan

Italian jewellery house Damiani was robbed of jewels worth more than GBP10 million (HK$154.9 million) from its Milan showroom. According to police reports, the thieves dug a tunnel into the showroom from an adjoining building and wore fake security uniforms to avoid raising suspicion. The five Damiani employees in the showroom were bound with electrical cables and locked in a bathroom with their mouths taped shut, says Fashion Week Daily. Fortunately, all the jewellery was insured and no one was injured during the heist.

Y's on show in Berlin

Yohji Yamamoto has announced plans to present a fashion show in Beijing to showcase his diffusion line, Y's, on April 24. The location of the show, jointly organised with the Chinese People's Association for Friendship, has yet to be disclosed but it will take place on an official World Heritage Site. Two days after the show, the one-of-a-kind pieces will be auctioned with proceeds benefiting the Yohji Yamamoto Fund for Peace.

Chalayan goes sporty with Puma

German sportswear label Puma has appointed Hussein Chalayan (left) as its creative director. Part of the deal is that Puma will provide Chalayan with financial backing for his eponymous label. Puma's previous designer collaboration was with Alexander McQueen.

Converse steps up the celebration

Portman launches vegan shoes

Actress Natalie Portman (below) has launched a line of vegan shoes for footwear label Te Casan. The collection of shoes, including pumps, stilettos, ballet flats and mary-janes, are available online at tecasan.com.