Papi's friends get some big shoes to fill

What will Reebok's product-development people think of next? Just weeks after unveiling their deluxe David Ortiz cleat, word comes the Canton-based sneaker company has created a second shoe for the Sox DH. But these -- the Big Papi Soquas -- aren't for sale. The leather loafers bearing Big Papi's smiling face over the toes were specially made for the slugger, who's been handing them out to a few of his friends and teammates. (Pitcher Julian Tavarez likes to wear them.) We're told Reebok sent 55 pairs to Papi during spring training, and just ordered up another 60 pairs for the slugger. "The Reebok Big Papi Soqua isn't currently available for consumers, however we're considering having a limited number of pairs available in the near future," said Todd Krinsky, Reebok's VP of sports marketing.

Grousbeck’s wearin’ o’ the green

While we're dishing about duds, did you see the green pinstripe suit worn by Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck to the NBA draft lottery? Tasteful or not, the threads, which Wyc had custom-made in Florence a few years back, were intended to bring the Green Team good luck. We all know how that worked out. Maybe now he'll retire the ostentatious outfit.

Papa gets behind this pop group

Tarr, Alex, Jacqueline, and the six other tweens in local pop group Girl Authority could be about to break big. Really big. The group and its label Rounder Records just signed a licensing deal with Los Angeles-based PorchLight Entertainment to develop a TV series, feature films, a book series, and even dolls. "From Sudbury to Hollywood," quipped Boston lawyer Elaine Rogers, who brokered the deal. Rounder president John Virant's daughter Zoe is the youngest in the group (the girls range from 10 to 15 years old), and the label wanted to be sure the deal was the right fit. Next month, PorchLight will represent Girl Authority at the New York Licensing Show. "This will build the brand," Rogers said, "and you will start to see things roll out." The deal puts Girl Authority, which also includes Carly, Jess, Gina, Crystal, and Kate, in the same league as national acts like Slumber Party Girls and Bratz. Sounds rad to us.

Sassoons to open Boston salon school

Original stylist to the stars Vidal Sassoon jetted in from LA yesterday to work with his son Elan on a new school they're opening on Commonwealth Avenue. Last night, Sassoon the senior, who long ago sold off the salons bearing his name, was due to dine with his son at Mistral. We're told Elan Sassoon selected Boston for the school because the city lacks training centers for upscale hair and skin care. Today, father and son visit the future home of the the Academy of Hair and Skin, and construction could begin in July.

Acton's own Steve Carell is coming home and for a good cause. The star of "The Office" will be in Boston next month to introduce his new movie, "Evan Almighty," and to raise money for brain cancer research. The June 21 premiere is a benefit for the Zachary Carson Brain Tumor Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. (Carson, 19, was diagnosed with a malignant tumor two years ago.) The idea for the fund - raiser was hatched after Zach's mom, Roberta, met Carell on the set of "The Office." . . . If he doesn't have one already, Tom Brady better get himself a surfboard. Gisele Bündchen, the signal-caller's supermodel girlfriend, owns a beach house on a section of the Costa Rican coastline famous for its surf, and is building a private village there. Hardly a secret among celebs, the Mal Pais Surf Camp has attracted such A-list stars as Mel Gibson and Harrison Ford. . . . Gwen Stefani , in town for last night's show at the Tweeter Center, was spotted walking through the Public Garden. The " Hollaback Girl " was walking with her son, Kingston , in her in arms. A big bodyguard kept a watchful eye on the pair. . . .

Matt Damon was making the rounds at the Cannes Film Festival yesterday. The Cambridge-bred actor joined his "Ocean's Thirteen" cast mates at the Cinema Against Aids event, which raised money for the American Foundation for AIDS Research. . . . "Grey's Anatomy" star Ellen Pompeo and her fiance , Chris Ivery , do not have plans to elope to Las Vegas. A publicist for the Everett native denied a Star magazine report that Pompeo and Ivery, a Boston-bred record producer, are headed to Sin City to tie the knot. "I have her schedule and that's not part of her plans," press gal Jennifer Allen told us. The couple got engaged last year. . . . Hollywood film director Stan Dragoti ("Mr. Mom" and "Necessary Roughness") has been in discussions with former political columnist Peter Lucas on a screenplay Lucas is writing based on his book, "The OSS in World War II Albania ."

Names can be reached at names@globe.com or at 617-929-8253.