Celebrities as models

The industry's obsession with celebrities continues to grow, with big name designers opting for stars to front their latest advertising campaigns rather than models. The actress-over-model preference isn't a new phenomenon; Anna Wintour was one of the first to harness the selling power of those dubbed 'celebrities,' by featuring actresses on the cover of Vogue after taking over the magazine in the mid-80s. The original idea behind this shift was to allow readers to identify with these faces in a way they couldn't do with mere models, something not unlike what is happening now in the new wave of editorials. Otherwise known as 'celebrity endorsements' a company will select a high-profile actor, singer or elite sportsperson to become the face of their brand, which works to generate publicity and in turn, sales. Unlike these endorsements, where the celebrity is acting as themselves and lending their names for publicity, these editorials feature celebrities AS models.

Last year Madonna featured in two campaigns for Louis Vuitton (hand-picked by designer and good friend Marc Jacobs), and this time she's back in front of the camera, but for Dolce & Gabbana.


Madonna for Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2009


Madonna for Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2009


She's back: Madonna eating spaghetti for the latest Dolce & Gabbana campaign


For the record, LV have chosen Dutch supermodel Lara Stone to replace Madge as the face of their Spring/Summer 2010 campaign. Good choice, I say.



Over at Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld's current muse, Lily Allen, features in the latest ad for the brand's newest line of handbags: the Chanel Coco Cocoon.