I love London!

I spent Wednesday in Covent garden, spending time in the fashion capital gave me a wider perspective on advertising techniques. I didn't manage to see too many shop windows or get that many photos but the ones I did see were displaying beautiful window displays. I always love London around Christmas time and the effort and innovative ideas put into the visual merchandising are always special. I also visited Somerset house with the Tiffany & Co skating rink and Tuck shop. This was a good marketing technique allowing consumers to participate, and the tuck shop and tree gave a winter wonderland theme. We also saw a Tiffany decorated taxi which really stood out with their trademark pale blue colour and this seasons key themed jewellery designs. I love fashion stores at this time of year and look forward to seeing more Christmas themed window displays!

During the trip to London I also visited the SHOWstudio exhibition at Somerset House which featured work from Nick Knights SHOWstudio website. This gave an exciting insight into the innovative work he carries out. It was also very interesting to see all the people he has worked with and the participation of famous figures within the fashion industry.

Kathryn x

Natalia Vodianova still fashion favourite

Top model Natalia Vodianova remains a favourite with designers, scooping a succession of Spring/Summer 2010 campaigns. These include Yves Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, Givenchy, Guerlain, Etam lingerie and Calvin Klein perfume! With three children and a number of high fashion campaigns Natalia is going to be a very busy lady, and we will be seeing a lot of her over the next year!

Kathryn x

Is she worth it? L'Oreal faces complaints over Cole

There is no doubting that Cheryl Cole looks stunning as usual as the new face of L'Oreal Elvive haircare, however the new advertisements have come under fire. A number of people have complained about the reality of the campaign, claiming they are misleading as the star is actually wearing hair extensions. The complaints were dismissed by the Advertising Standards Authority and Mrs Cole will continue to front the brand. It is no secret that celebrity endorsements and enhancing of images has caused issues within the advertising industry. On the one hand companies want the public to see the images as something to aspire to but is it misleading to consumers who will never be able to achieve this look. This is not the first time L'Oreal has been slated for their advertising, in 2007 L'Oreal had to change wording on their Telescopic mascara advert after it was realised that Penelope Cruz was wearing fake eyelashes. There are mixed feelings about the use of celebrity endorsements, and in the future they could be banned from beauty and cosmetic advertising all together. But for now we will continue to see Cheryl Cole for L'Oreal!

Kathryn x

Eva Mendes stays with Calvin Klein

Stunning actress Eva Mendes has signed up to re-appear in the Spring/Summer 2010 Calvin Klein jeans campaign. She stars in the brands current, controversial but sexy campaign along side model Jamie Dornan. The provocative shots feature the pair intertwined in seductive positions, soaking in water. They are dramatically captured in black and white by fashion photographer Steven Klein. Klein will also be shooting the new campaign. The current campaign has caused a stir being featured on large billboards and we expect the new campaign to do the same.

The new adverts are to launch Calvin Klein's new product range, which will feature Whitewashed denim.

Kathryn x

Model Mothers!

It is no surprise when a celebrity mother gets involved with maternity wear and the latest in line is Kirsty Gallacher who is to model the new Mothercare M2B collection. The 33 year old TV presenter is expecting her second child after Christmas and is keen to show that being pregnant doesn't mean you can't be sexy!

“Being pregnant is no excuse for looking like an alien. You can still be sexy, if not sexier. It’s important to enjoy dressing for your new shape. There’s no need to cover up in tent-like layers.”

The range hopes to banish those slouchy options by offering customers military style tailoring, day to night wear along with a lingerie range. The promotional shots show Kirsty looking radient and happy in British inspired set. The collection offers some brilliant alternatives ready for the festive season.

See Kirsty talking about the new range at:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/lifestylevideo/?bcpid=1911416382&bctid=49559615001

Kathryn x

A Piece of Art

This advertisement is from the Spring/Summer 2009 range but I think the campaign offered a much different take on most fashion campaigns. It is for Christian Louboutin footwear but is almost art rather than an advert. It highlights the designers excellent eye for detail and portrays his shoes as artwork, which arguably, is what they are! The different shoes are intertwined with intricate pieces of antique silverware and flowers. The 17th - 18th century inspired images shot by still life photographer Peter Lippmann give the Louboutin brand a Gothic feel and offer something different to the usual glamorous, glossy adverts. My personal favourite is the pink shoe positioned beautifully amongst the red flowers, emphasising the famous red sole of Louboutins phenomenal shoes. I will look forward to seeing future campaigns from the designer!

Kathryn x

Lara Stone gets Vuitton Campaign

Following Madonna's departure from Louise Vuitton to Dolce and Gabbana for the Spring/Summer 2010 campaign it appears Lara Stone is set to replace her. The Dutch model of the moment has had a successful few years walking for Chanel, Lanvin, Miu Miu, Jean Paul Gaultier amoungst other fashion heavyweights. She is currently gracing the front cover of the December issue of Vogue as well as modelling a selection of gorgeous couture gowns!

Sources say the campaign is to be shot in New York city by photographer Steven Miesel who has worked on Louis Vuitton campaigns for three years now. As well as replacing Madonna, Stone is following a list of A-list stars as well as legendary models. There seems to be something special about this girl so we will have to wait and see for the results.

Kathryn x

Lily Allen Loves Coco Cocoon

Lily Allen and Karl Lagerfeld's friendship seemed to be a strange combination but I'm really liking the new Chanel handbag adverts which feature Lily Allen. She updates the classic brand by adding some youth and cheekiness! Never seen without a Chanel bag the singer is a great ambassador for the company. The advertisements keep the brand essence in tact by using a black and white theme, which creates a beautiful silhouette of the star clutching multiple Chanel bags. Lily Allen was cast to be the face of the Fall/Winter 2009/10 'Coco Cocoon' collection of bags. Lagerfeld certainly believes it was a successful collaboration, saying:

"I love Lily Allen. She looks a lot like Gabriella Chanel and she is a self-made woman. She is cool, young and extremely witty. Photographing her for this advertising campaign was fantastic fun. She is extremely inspiring and is completely taken with the bags - with her typical English casualness."

For the Spring/Summer 2010 show Chanel took on a more rustic theme with a 'romp in the hay'. The Paris show was held at the Grand Palais in which a huge barn was erected. The catwalk was awash with straw and hay and there was an impressive collection of clothes too! Lily Allen made a surprise appearance performing for the audience.

Kathryn x

PETA have revealed their latest campaign and it seems they are trying to target a younger audience...and what better way to do it than reference the current craze...Twilight. The campaign features 19 year old Twilight actress Christian Serratos. She is seen posing naked in a gloomy forest with the strap line 'I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur'. Previous supporters and models for Peta have included Naomi Campbell and Khloe Kardashian. Let me know what you think.

Kathryn x

Madonna stays in the Fashion spotlight

Its been a busy week for designers shooting their up and coming Spring/Summer 2010 campaigns and a lot appear to be introducing new faces. The latest hook up is Madonna fronting the new Dolce and Gabbana campaigns. After appearing in the Louis Vuitton campaigns for the previous two years it seems she is is keen to stay in the fashion spotlight. Although the images haven't yet been revealed yet I think the queen of pop will cause a stir with her seductive attitude and this will certainly fit with the Dolce and Gabbana brand. Stefano Gabbana has confirmed that the shoot took place in Brooklyn, New York and follow a Sicilian theme. They were shot by fashion photographer Stephen Klein.

This news comes after Madonna was originally rumoured to be appearing in the Dolce and Gabbana's menswear campaign. Stefano has said: "The campaign with Madonna is beautiful" so we're expecting good things!

Kathryn x

'A Real Versace Girl'

Following from my previous blog Georgia Jagger, at just 17 years old has been confirmed as the new face of Versace. The lucky teenager is following on from her model mother, Jerry Hall who appeared in Gianni Versace campaigns during the 70's and 80's. The shoot for the Spring/Summer 2010 collection had already taken place with Mario Testino, the result will no doubt be a beautiful one!

Donatella Versace has said:
"She's smart, beautiful, full of energy and has a strong personality...and with that natural high star quality, I adore her," "She's perfect for this collection — a real Versace girl."
'My inspiration is still rock and roll, but now it's lady rock and roll. The look is more refined, and more glamorous.'

Sounds like Versace will be keeping their glamour with an injection of youth and rock attitude...good choice with Jagger!

Just a quick mention on the success of British models, Daisy Lowe is set to be the face of luxury brand Louis Vuitton. The images which are to feature in the press kit will show ready-to-wear beachwear, footwear and accessories. The shoot has taken place in Miami.

Jagger for Versace

Just one week after signing to be the new face of make up brand Rimmel Georgia Jagger may have bagged herself a campaign deal with fashion giants Versace. Already the face of Hudson jeans it is likely her trade mark looks will appear for Versace in the Spring/Summer 2010 campaign. Following in the footsteps of Gisele Bundchen will be a tough act to fill but I think her glamorous looks and rock chick attitude will do the job!

Kathryn x

Emma Watson for Burberry

Burberry's campaigns always strike a cord with me, whether its my love for the brand or the compositions used by fashion photographer Mario Testino, I'm always drawn to the images. They represent traditional Britain and play on the brands vast history and heritage. Maybe at this time of financial crisis this is exactly what consumers are after...a good, honest brand providing practical and wearable garments. The current campaign for Fall 2009/10 features Brit superstar Emma Watson. Although originally known better for her part as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, this has thrust her to the forefront of the fashion industry. And at just 19 years old this isn't a bad start! The campaign was shot in London on the river Thames and features the iconic Burberry Trench Coat. I think Emma Watson is a perfect face for the campaign and the fresh faced teenager is looking absolutely stunning.

Kathryn x

H&M Step up their game

Not content with a succession of designer collaborations from the likes of Stella McCartney, Matthew Williamson, Viktor and Rolf and Roberto Cavalli, H&M have teamed up for a highly anticipated range with footwear designer Jimmy Choo. The range finally launches on the 14Th November and will provide shoppers with affordable shoes, accessories, clothing and bags. This will be a successful move for H&M who are more regarded for their selection of clothing, rather than footwear. It is launching at the perfect time for the party season and from the look of the adverts has promised customers with something special.


The campaign is photographed by Terry Richardson, who has previously worked on campaigns for Miu Miu, Gucci and Chloe. The campaign explodes with sex appeal and attitude and is bound to be a hit with celebrity follows. The West Hollywood launch party was attended by Cat Deeley, Hayden Panettiere and the Hiltons to name a few.

Kathryn x

Hey

I will be posting news from the exciting and innovative world of fashion advertising. This will cover current campaigns that catch my eye and the techniques used. I am interested in both high street and designer brands giving a comparison on how they present themselves to consumers. I aim to identify inspirations, locations, models, key photographers and stylists as well as the brands message. This will highlight recurring themes being implemented and the way the brand is perceived. I will also touch on other ways brands advertise and the impact this has.

Kathryn x