The September Issues

September. Without a doubt the most anticipated month for fashion magazines the world over. After all, it wasn't called The January/Febuary/March (you get the picture) Issue was it? Grab a copy of your favourite mag's September issue and you'll find all the latest ad campaigns, editorials and fashion features covering the latest Fall/Winter 2010 collections, as well as all the news from Paris Haute Couture fashion week. For me, I cannot wait to get my hands on the latest offerings from Vogue Australia and Harper's Bazaar. Judging by their covers, they won't dissappoint. Vogue have dedicated their entire issue to Aussie export Cat McNeil (currently sitting pretty at #12 on MDC, thank you very much), while HB have commissioned Elle Macpherson for their cover. I think Bazaar are right on the money with their cover choice, seeing as September is all about the fall collections and as Elle closed the show for Louis Vuitton, one of the biggest and most trend-defining collections for the FW10 season... looks like The Body is back. But, at three years shy of 50, had she ever left? What are you waiting for? Grab yours, NOW.

via TFS

"Elle" is for Louis

Paris Fashion Week- and the entire AW season- ended today, meaning all the fashionistas can happily swan around Paris for a few days without having to rush off to another exotic location for more jam -(doubtful)- packed days of shows (it's a hard life isn't it?!) Bringing the week to a close was Marc Jacobs' latest showing for Louis Vuitton- a collection which pretty accurately pieced together much of what was showcased throughout the rest of the fall collections. With the theatrics on the back burner (did Marc Jacobs really design this?!), LV's fall collection was awash with shapes reminiscent of the 50s and 60s; a well received break from the (disappearing?) power-loving 80s obsession. With circle skirts, bodices, nipped waists and trimmings a plenty- it wasn't just the curvier girls who were Brigitte Bardot-esque. These girls, by the way, included Victoria's Secret regulars Karolina Kurkova, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley - somewhat of a "trend" this season that Miuccia started on the Prada runway. Another familiar (fuller) face was that of Aussie Cat McNeil, who has made this her comeback season, walking for a select few shows including Hermès, Stella McCartney and said Prada.

Before I post anything else on Milan or Paris, here are some pictures of the one and only Elle Macpherson, who closed the show for Louis Vuitton.


Backstage at the Cu Carree du Louvre in Paris


The last look for LV- and the entire AW10 season (almost!)



photos: style.com and Zimbio

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.