If you want to understand how much fashion matters look no further than the recent debate behind swimsuits being worn during the Olympics and the effect it has had on the competition. While normal observers (read: everyone) has looked at the cool/sleek space aged suits as if they were something from sci-fi flicks, they actually indeed do something. Some suits create a sort of aerodynamic shape allowing for better mobility, others are created for speed and less resistance and still others are created for both. Which led to this article on the Fashion of Speed on CBS that caught the eye.

Some have said that the Speedo suits were unfair and the Tyr suit was at a competitive disadvantage. For those who simply look great wearing a two piece and hardly even step in the olympic pool in the backyard, this mattered to a hill of beans. But what’s intriguing is that the fashion behind the suits are created by not only NASA (as in the case with Speedo), but fashion designers as well. The colors used are not arrived at by accident. There is a method to the sleekness.

And while the fight rages on, designers and the companies (Speedo/Adidas et al) will make money on the fashion of Speed.

FIDM is opening what looks to be an intriguing exhibit that takes a journey into Victorian and Greek inspired clothing from the era of the 1880s up until the 1920s. The exhibit, “Aesthetes, Bohemians & Craftsmen: Artistic Dress, 1880s-1920s”, focuses on a variety of pieces including the caftan, the evening mantle (as seen above) and a corset sprinkled here and there. The curator of the exhibit, Kevin Jones, tells The LA Times that he sees “students walking around here in clothing that was inspired by this era, and they have no idea that it would have been their great-great-grandmother’s shocking clothing.”

The exhibit runs Tuesdays through Sundays from May 20 through July 2. FIDM Museum and Galleries, 919 S. Grand Ave., L.A.; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (800) 624-1200, Ext. 22

A larger list of fashion blogs this week is the topic today. Plenty of fashion blogs with musings on everything from makeup to Louis Vuitton and DIY items. Ready set go.

Stiletto Jungle contemplates Yummie Tummie, the shapewear that’s meant to be seen.

All About the Pretty is really enjoying her custom Bobbi Brown Palettes.

Bag Snob ponders Louis Vuitton: To Louis or not to Louis?

Beauty Snob snags an interview with Jose Eber!

Calculatus Eliminatus guides you through the scary world of logos on t-shirts.

Coquette gets crafty for the DIY Paper Hermès Kelly Bag.

Fashion, Evolved examines the innovative new fashion factory called Catwalk Genius

Fashiontribes travels to the Age of Discovery on a sexy Steampunk time bender.

I’m Not Obsessed shows you how to get Helena Christensen’s entire look for under $125.

KRiSTOPHER explores Tokyo.

Quinta Trends finds a Chilean designer in New York: Maria Cornejo.

Second City Style asks who wore it better (and why) in our weekly Celebrity Fashion Smackdown.

Straight to the Closet or Leave it On the rack? You decide at200 cheap chic online finds at Shrimpton Couture.

Pinching your pennies? Look like a million while saving money and gas with over 200 cheap chic online finds at StyleBakery.com.

Stylehive’s Next Big Thing: Cassie Kogler of New York Couture.

Stylenotes chats with Jack Mackenroth of Project Runway’s Season 4.

SugarShock Beautymay never go back to regular shampoo and conditioner again now that she’s discovered Wen Cleansing Conditioner.

Sxy Fashion Queen loves celebrity coloured jeans trend.

The Coveted Shares her tips on How to Buy Vintage Clothing

The Shoe Goddess dishes about Christian Louboutin.

If you are tired of the same old trendy purses, V-Style has found some fabulous evening bags for you.

Oh you didn’t know? Yes, when you’re in New York if you go down the garment district (aka fashion ave) and you look down you will see a fashion avenue walk of fame featuring luminaries you know, and some you may not. Liz Claiborne will be posthumously added to the Walk and Diane von Furstenberg gets a star as well. Both of these names were long in coming but they’ve arrived on seventh ave with great fanfare. In addition, the plaque will feature one of their designs next to their name. If you’re in New York, this is definitely worth a checkout.

You have to love the opulence of fashion at Cannes. You have to love the convergence of fashion, Hollywood, and money at Cannes. A quick example of this is Roberto Cavalli’s massive shark-yacht on the prowl at Cannes. Fashion has been good to the man and why not, with pieces from his fall collection looking like this, it’s not hard to see why.