Dolce & Gabbana Spring Summer 2012 campaign

I'm loving Dolce & Gabbana's spring summer campaign. Very Italian, very passionate but on a deeper level we are being reminded of La Famiglia - where lots of great Italian brands started and where so few are today.  As fashion world is being carefully moulded into one big cash cow by the countless private equity firms who run the show with an invisible hand, I think it is so important to remember the original values of what great Italian houses are all about - craftsmanship, quality, style, sensuality and ... la famiglia.

Rave- Charlotte Gainsbourg for Balenciaga

I think Balenciaga got this one soo right. Leaving aside the fact who Charlotte Gainsbourg actually is (daughter of the legendary Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg - I mean hello!) she is the perfect French woman - the understated yet extremely sensual french chic and beauty is what she conveys in this ad - I don't think they could have picked a better person for an iconic house like Balenciaga. She is sooo much better suited to this than just the next pretty face model with luscious lips and empty/sexy eyes. Bravo Balenciaga! Love your work.

Elisa Sednaoui for Chanel - Rave

Really like that Chanel got the gorgeous Elisa Sednaoui for this season's sunglasses campaign. Now that makes sense - French brand working with a gorgeous French actress. I just think it reminds people (not that anyone has forgotten) where Chanel came from and that it is a quintessentially French maison whilst also PRing an up-and-coming Frenchie. Well done I say! 

Rave - Ksubi Kolors video

Ksubi is a really funky Australian brand that makes great jeans amongst other things. I own a couple of pairs and sadly gave away my old yellow ones in a garage sale (who knew they would come back into fashion?!). Anyway, I'm pretty sure Ksubi went into voluntary administration due to financial difficulties last year (or maybe a year before that). It is so great to see the brand is back in the game. They are truly funky and Aussie, and I love their new ad - weird and quirky.. just the way i like it :)


ksubi kolors from ksubi on Vimeo.

Karen Millen - SS2011 Campaign - Rave

Karen Millen has really impressed me with their campaign this season. For a high street brand they have managed to come up with a classy, well-styled ad and well-cast ad campaign.

Firstly, lets talk about the model. Jess Hart - a smart choice for a number of reasons. She is an established face who got some great exposure through her cameos in The City… which, if you think about it, would be the program watched by the brand's target market. At the same time she is not too big so she is not immediately associated with any of the bigger fashion brands. And finally, Jess' look is very much a 'top-end model' look so it doesn't make the campaign look tacky or cheap but rather takes into a more high-fashion territory. Jess has done a great job on this one.

Secondly, the campaign is well styled. Bursting with colour but keeping the minimalist and clean lines it is simple yet eye-catching. I love how the bright background is used to accentuate the clothes.

Finally, this campaign is successful because it has focused Karen Millen's strongest points. I say this because looking at the campaign you get a story of a sophisticated high street brand which is affordable yet has an edge and is not as huge as the likes of Topshop or H&M. In reality, at least for me, Karen Millen is a bit of a hit'n'miss brand. Every time I walk into the store I find a small number of items that I love and a slightly higher number of items that make me cringe because of their tackiness. It's like some of the clothes should have a disclaimer attached: "best worn with fake tan and excessive jewellery". Like the much loathed layer-cake dress in Barbie pink from last season's collection.

In any case, I very much think that the brand is moving in the right direction and although the SS2011 collection (I mean the clothes here rather than the campaign) for me is an obvious amalgamated version of LV Resort 2011 and Prada SS2011, I do not think it should take away from the great job that Karen Millen has done this season. The brand should be proud, as their campaign is of a high standard and looks on par even with the heavyweights of the industry when it appears on the pages of glossies.

Karen Millen SS2011:

Louis Vuitton Resort:

Prada SS2011:

NY Times Style Magazine cover - Rave

I think this cover is amazing. Such a powerful look in her eyes and that match just ads to the dare. Minimum make-up, simple hair and the bra strap showing - together create an air of understated sex appeal. And yet, there is depth in her eyes... Makes you want to find out her thoughts.