Horacio Silva

The New York Times has reportedly already spoken to a number of potential candidates to replace T Magazine editor in chief Sally Singer, whose departure was announced Tuesday.

Deborah Needleman, who edits T's chief rival WSJ. Magazine, GQ deputy editor Michael Hainey, and the Times' Styles section editor Stuart Emmrich have been approached about the position, according to WWD. While Hainey and Emmrich have not commented on the job, Needleman gave the impression that she's not leaving any time soon.

"I love my job," Needleman said from a beach in Indiana. "I'm focusing on our Fall-Winter issues right now from the Midwest."

This report follows rumors Wednesday that T's former online director Horacio Silva was also in the running for the position. He's currently the director of content at the marketing communications and entertainment firm ALLDAYEVERYDAY, but before that Silva had been with T for 10 years.

He was reportedly in the running to replace Stefano Tonchi as editor in chief when Tonchi left to take the reins at W Magazine in March 2010. Singer was selected for the position in June 2010, and Silva made his exit in May 2011.

Another former staffer said that Singer's leaving may have something to do with how much money her version of T was — or wasn't — making. "The Times will always look at that magazine as a cash cow, and because it wasn't a cash cow under her, I think they were getting frustrated," the staffer said.

Photo: Horacio Silva at a New York Fashion Week event in February.

>> T's online director Horacio Silva, who has been working at the New York Times's fashion magazines for just over ten years now, has stepped down. "It's no secret I've been toying with the idea," he said. Silva was reportedly vying to replace Stefano Tonchi as T editor a year ago, a position which eventually went to Sally Singer. Silva noticeably doesn't mention Singer when saying he's grateful for the people he's worked with: "I have had the privilege of working with some amazing people, including three of the best editors T has gone through. Amy Spindler, Stefano Tonchi, and Andy Port." As for Silva's future plans, he says he has a number of brand clients lined up for consulting work. "It's an interesting time right now as the lines between editorial and advertising are becoming more and more nebulous, it'll be interesting to be in the forefront there," he explained. "I've also been threatening to write a book for some time." [The Cut]

>> In the aftermath of John Galliano's dismissal, it is understood that Christian Dior plans to go ahead with its runway show on Friday. The Fall 2011 collection to be shown will be Galliano's last for Dior. Will the usual suspects be in attendance in light of the scandal? Time will tell.

And WSJ's Christina Binkley predicts via Twitter: "Don't expect the Galliano thing to end easily. French gov't will likely require a process, and there's the Galliano line to contend with." She's referring to the fate of Galliano's eponymous label — which, like Dior, is owned by LVMH. It also is expected to show as usual, but as for guest attendance, it sounds like even the label's own PR is unsure — they apparently sent out an email today asking attendees to confirm their presence. And will Kate Moss continue to have Galliano design her wedding dress?

For the conspiracy theorists, Fashionista reports: "We’re hearing rumors that the video was from October and released this week because Dior has wanted Galliano out for some time. It’s true, the timing of all this does seem suspect – the quickness with which Dior put Galliano on suspension, and the subsequent allegation that followed, capped by the release of video, the final nail in Galliano’s coffin. Word is Galliano’s alcoholism (he was often reported to be seen drunk at La Perle) and bigotry had been problems for some time." And Fashion Television's Jeanne Beker tweets: "I've seen Galliano rant and rave before. He really does need help. I love the guy (or thought I did) but am sickened by what's gone on."

So who will succeed Galliano? T's Horacio Silva tweets: "So John Galliano has been fired. Who's going to get the call — Riccardo Tisci or Alber Elbaz?" And the International Herald Tribune's Jessica Michault responds: "The safe bet is Riccardo Tisci." Other names that have been thrown around on Twitter are Olivier Theyskens, Hedi Slimane, and Haider Ackermann.

>> Cathy Horyn to Weigh In on Twitter During Upcoming Fashion Weeks —Suzy Menkes may carry her laptop around through Fashion Month, tapping out timely reviews from the front rows, but she has yet to transmit her thoughts via Twitter. The same can no longer be said about Cathy Horyn, who in addition to her usual blogging and reviewing will be joining the Twitter brigrade. T's Horacio Silva announces: "In news that should send shivers down the backs of designers: Cathy Horyn is finally going to start tweeting this season." [@themoment]