There are many existential mysteries to get your head around in the ball gown matrix. Chief of which is why you are having to wear one.

What’s the next big thing in fashion? Lately, signs are pointing to Africa. For starters, Carla Sozzani dedicated the entire May issue of L’Uomo Vogue to celebrating the continent’s intrinsic allure and creativity. This year’s International Herald Tribune Luxury conference will examine the growing African middle class as an emerging consumer as well as the region’s potential for manufacturing.

The song of Fall ‘12 Paris fashion week? No question—Zebra Katz’s (pictured, left) vogue culture-referencing “Ima Read.” Credit for that goes to Rick Owens (pictured, right), who blasted the song as the soundtrack to his fire-and-brimstone (literally!) Fall womenswear show. (”It’s a Rick Owens show, it’s not Disney World,” the designer shrugs.) Dazed & Confused brought the two provocateurs together for a video interview and a little photo shoot. Clothes, naturally, are by Rick Owens. The hat is Katz’s—but if Rick started making them, we’d have no objections.

It’s probably been a pretty happy birthday for Mark Zuckerberg (pictured), Facebook’s baby-faced CEO, who turned 28 this week: The company’s initial public offering today is targeted to raise $16.4 billion and be the third largest in financial history. (The initial share price is $38.) Could a trade-up from his much-maligned hoodies be next? [WWD]

Departures' newest arrival is also a chic first for the mag: Amanda Ross has been appointed as the title's debut fashion director. Ross has served as fashion contributor at the closed-circ American Express Publishing bimonthly, penning a column entitled "Uptown Girl." Her most recent title was as global fashion director of W Hotels. Like her new gig, Ross was the first to hold the W Hotels title, created in March 2010. Recent editorial styling gigs for the Michigan native include spreads in Town & Country and L'Officiel.