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On Tuesday Angelina Jolie shocked the world by announcing she had a double mastectomy, but the major impact of her disclosure still lies ahead. The news is prompting women to talk about and research the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and their own risk of breast or ovarian cancers. And on its newest cover, Time magazine dubs the impending cultural and medical implications "The Angelina Effect."

Health professionals expect a wave of women to come in to test their breast and ovarian cancer risk, even though the procedure is pricey and only one-tenth of 1 percent of women share Angelina's BRCA genetic mutation. For those who do decide to remove their breasts, Angelina has, as a sex symbol, helped shift the prospect from a perceived loss of femininity to an expression of it. She addressed her femininity head on in her op-ed: "On a personal note, I do not feel any less of a woman. I feel empowered that I made a strong choice." And she assured readers that implants can be beautiful, helping to alleviate any shame or embarrassment.

The actress and activist's influence was intentional when she shared her personal decision: "I want to encourage every woman, especially if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, to seek out the information and medical experts who can help you through this aspect of your life, and to make your own informed choices." Being informed and empowered about your health just got sexy.

Like shopping? Like scoring a bargain? Like wine-time with your friends? Excellent! Us too. Sydneysiders can enjoy this stylish trifecta this weekend (Thursday 16th until Sunday 19th) at Fashion Weekend Sydney. Moore Park's Royal Hall of Industries will be transformed into what is basically one big, rather fabulous sample sale. Over 100 designers, including Bec & Bridge, Watson X Watson, Ginger & Smart and PeepToe Shoes, will be slashing rrps during the four day shop-fest, plus there will be live runway shows to take in and the beauty hub to visit for tough-ups and tips. Once you've exhausted the bargain-hunting options you can pop your feet up and play show and tell over a vino at the [yellow tail] bar. Keen? Nab yourself a ticket here.

News flash: Christy Turlington Burns has been named the new face, and body, of Calvin Klein Underwear for A/W 2013. The legendary supermodel has been a long-time collaborator with the iconic brand, first walking for in Calvin Klein's 1987 Fall ready to wear show age 18, and fronting for the Calvin Klein Collection campaign the following year. This latest gig sees Turlington Burns pose for the first time for famed snapper Mario Sorrenti, proving that CK is still providing one of the original supermodels with career firsts. This is just the first glimpse from behind the scenes of the campaign, so we'll keep you updated as more images come through.

The 2013 Costume Institute Benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art (or the Met Gala, as most of us know it) is just one sleep away, and as the star-studded event to celebrate the Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibit draws closer and closer, more details about who's wearing what, who's sitting where, and how to purchase a piece of the magical evening have emerged. Keep checking back for frequent updates, but in the meantime, a rundown of everything — and we do mean everything — you will need to know about the gala, here.

Nicolas Ghesquière's departure from Balenciaga was one of the biggest fashion stories of 2012. After keeping mum on the topic for several months, the designer has opened up to System Magazine — a new glossy whose first issue was guest-edited by his friend, stylist Marie-Amélie-Sauvé — about what made him leave. In an excerpt of the interview published by The Business of Fashion, Ghesquière told journalist Jonathan Wingfield that clashing with the business side on what kind of products to make and where to sell them contributed to his unhappiness there. "They wanted to open up a load of stores but in really mediocre spaces, where people weren't aware of the brand. It was a strategy that I just couldn't relate to," he said in the interview. "It was just so frustrating. Everything was like that." More on why Ghesquière left the brand, here.