Lara exclusive to Calvin Klein

Following rumours Lara Stone has been confirmed as the new face of all three brands under Calvin Klein. Calvin Klein Collection, ck Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein Jeans. Calvin Klein have not used the same face for all three female collections in years and whats even more impressive is they have complete exclusivity of Lara Stone for Fall 10/11. Stone will only feature in Calvin Klein campaigns and runway shows for the season.

Calvin Klein is known for using 'women' in their campaigns rather than the young and very slim girls the fashion industry is used to. Previous models have included Kate Moss and Natalia Vodianova, this has surely set Stone for supermodel status.

All three campaigns are sophisticated but ooze sex appeal and I think Lara Stone is the perfect choice. Calvin Klein are known for their sleek image and Stone's curves and attitude communicate this beautifully. The campaigns were shot by Mert and Marcus and Fabien Baron. I am impressed by all three campaigns but I especially like the new Calvin Klein Jeans shoot, whilst still sexy Stone actually wears the garments but the baby oil and orgies have been ditched! (Eva Mendes!).

Kathryn x

New Talent

Not strictly advertising I know but I've spent this evening catching up on fashion and looking at some new designers...some I knew but others not so well. I was really excited about what I saw and can't wait to see more from some of the names! Some people I looked at were:

David Koma - Studied as Central Saint Martins and has already dressed the likes of Cheryl Cole.

Sophie Theallet - Previously worked with Jean Paul Gauliter and Azzedine Alaia.

Naeem Kahn - Fans include Beyonce, Eva Longoria and Michelle Obama.

Michael Van Der Ham - Featured at Fashion East and sponsored my NEW GEN.

They all have an impressive start and the collections are beautiful! Looking at their website also gave me some great ideas for my final year work, as I would love to promote a new or luxury brand.

Kathryn x

Pandora's 'special moment' film

More and more fashion brands are using short films to set a lifestyle and communicate their brand essence. A recent e-newsletter from Pandora introduced me to their film which has been recently released and is devoted to women, featuring special and unique moments from your life. And of course those beautiful Pandora jewels which fit in perfectly! Set in New York the film is right on trend with the launch of Sex and the City 2. Featuring couples, families and friends the film has a feel good message and is different from usual jewellery campaigns. I enjoyed watching the clip and I hope you will too...

www.pandora.net/uk/Jewelry/New-collection/Brandfilm-2010

Kathryn x

Diet Coke and Nails Inc!

Diet Coke are often immersing themselves in the world of fashion, for example their recent hook up with Karl Lagerfeld. Their latest venture is a collaboration with Nails Inc and a limited edition range of nail varnishes. There are four shades in total, known as 'the city' collection and of course they are named after the fashion capitals...London , New York, Milan and Paris. Not only does the collection provide lovely summery colours but they also taste of diet coke! I've used lip glosses that taste of sweet treats but this is new to the cosmetic industry.

And luckily you don't have to track them down through boutiques or online...they shades are available for purchase at all Boots stores throughout the UK and are also free when buying a bottle of Diet Coke...cant wait!!

Kathryn x

Topshop Cosmetics

Topshop launched their first cosmetic range today online and in selected stores. I'm usually a bit wary of high street brand attempts at cosmetic collections but I'm actually excited to try this one out! Perhaps its just the fact that I love anything coming from Topshop...It's also interesting to me as I launched a hypothetical make up range for Topshop as a project in my first year at university. Its good to see it in reality!

The collection includes Core pieces alongside a SS10 Trend collection. The trend collection is to be updated every three months and the current has a festival inspiration...perfect for the summer. The collection is described by Topshop as:

Bold and Innovative, Topshop Make Up combines the hottest trends and colours with the very best in quality. Applying the Topshop spirit to cosmetics...

To launch the collection customers were treated to professional cosmetic artists and style tips in the Oxford Circus store. Topshop have also obviously been paying attention to new media demands. The website allows you to view video tutorials and a virtual makeover application is to be launched soon.

Mirror mirror on the wall...To extend their fabulousness Topshop collaborated with SHOWstudio.com to offer a unique experience. After shoppers have received their makeover they can pose infront of a mirror and communicate with the likes of Louise Goldin and Susie Lau.

As you can probably tell I'm really looking forward to trying this...so one last comment...I LOVE the packaging! The zebra stripes and scribbled dots are perfectly suited to this seasons military and traveller trends.

Kathryn x

Jimmy Choo's Foursquare Treasure Hunt

Foursquare enable to the users to experience everything around them. You can check in at the many places Foursquare lists, based on your GPS location, and inform your friends of where you are and what you are doing. You can leave comments and tips...great feedback for companies, and receive recommendations based on your location. The more the user uses Foursquare the more they get back and many companies offer incentives and offers to their loyal customers.

For a much better explanation! visit... http://www.foursquare.com/

This new trend is big in the US and Jimmy Choo has picked up on a fun way to engage their consumer within London. Foursquare is based on real-time and the luxury brand will be running a treasure hunt around the city using the social media tool. The competition is to coincide with their new trainer launch and is a great way to create hype around the collection. Jimmy Choo are to leave a single pair of the trainers in fashionable venues...but only for a few minutes. The person who reaches the venue with the trainers in time wins a pair!

This combines online with offline and demonstrates the power social networking can have over the consumer!

Kathryn x

Beauty Supermarket!

The Beauty Emporium has recently opened in Singapore and all inspiration for the design and layout comes from...a supermarket! Instead of the usual beauty counters we are all used to the products are displayed in timber boxes and rowed upon shelves. Trolleys also play their part to add some authenticity! In a space you'd expects to see fruit, vegetables and other groceries customers can choose from a wide selection of moisturisers, shampoos and much more. Additional services include custom blended products from a range of essential oils and a beauty treatment area.

The founder says: 'We combined the supermarket with the personality of a cult grocer'.

Grocers are known for having that personal connection with their consumers and this seems a good way to translate that experience into a beauty store. It also sounds a lot more fun than trawling the isles in our current beauty departments!

Kathryn x